Transbronchial Drainage of a Central Lung Abscess Using Linear Endobronchial Ultrasonography

Abstract

A 20-year-old male student, nonsmoker with no medical history or drug consumption, consulted for asthenia without any other symptoms. A chest x-ray was performed, revealing an opacity on the left upper lobe. He was treated with macrolides, but a new x-ray showed no improvement. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left hilar bilobar mass (Figs. 1A, B), a 4 cm left upper mass, and a 4 cm retrohilar mass. He was referred for a pulmonology consultation. He had no other symptoms and was not receiving any treatment.

Interventional Approach on Lung Abscess

“…The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes if performed by an experienced operator. EBUS procedure can also be considered the first stage of diagnosis in patients with suspected lung abscess in the future, and also as management if the patient is unable to undergo surgery 21.…”

“…Percutaneous or endoscopic drainage can also be an option to manage the lung abscess. Bronchoscopy facilitates diagnosis and therapy, especially for centrally located abscesses.Endoscopic ultrasonography-assisted transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) may serve as both alternative diagnostic and interventional tool 21. Surgical intervention may be an option in unresponsive cases with pharmacological management.…”