Bronchomalacia

In 4 of 5 brothers, Agosti et al. (1974) observed chronic respiratory distress in early infancy and showed in one that it was due to bronchial flaccidity. Because of the bronchomalacia, first and second generation bronchi almost collapsed during expiration. Air trapping and respiratory distress simulated bronchial asthma. The parents were not known to be related but had the same surname and originated from the same small village in Italy. Wayne and Taussig (1976) described 2 sibs with respiratory symptoms dating from birth and subsequently demonstrated bronchiectasis. They postulated absence of bronchial cartilage.