Mediastinitis and Purulent Pericarditis Following Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration of Lymph Node

Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Cytology and Purulent Pericarditis

“…Thus far, identified organisms have included Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus mutans , group C Streptococcus, Actinomyces odontolyticus , and Gemella sanguinis . 3 - 8 Table 1 demonstrates various case reports describing EBUS-TBNA–induced pericarditis and the organisms yielded from cultures in these cases. In other cases, the organism was unable to be identified on culture.…”

“…In other cases, the organism was unable to be identified on culture. 8 Interestingly, these organisms, although belonging to different species or strains, are all similar in that they are a part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and mucous membranes. This is an important concept when considering the theory behind the development of purulent pericarditis.…”

“…Based on data from the limited cases that have been reported, patients suffering this complication often present with nonspecific symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, or vague abdominal complaints, usually within 1 month of the procedure. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Despite this, some patients may present asymptomatically with incidental discovery of the complication. In severe cases, patients may present with cardiac tamponade and development of hemodynamic compromise.…”