BRONCHOPLEURAL FISTULA POST LOBECTOMY: A RARE COMPLICATION WITH AN EVEN MORE UNUSUAL PRESENTATION

Abstract

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: The formation of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare but known complication following major thoracic surgery. In a study by Nachira et al. looking at 835 patients in Italy who underwent major lung resection, 786 patients underwent lobectomy with 11 (1.3%) developing a BPF [1]. In other studies their incidence has been reported between 0.5-3% [2]. Here we present a case of an unusual presentation of this rare complication. CASE PRESENTATION: 73 y.o F former smoker was incidentally found to have right upper lobe (RUL) chondral myxoid tumor. She underwent bronchoscopy and video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) with wedge resection of RUL and placement of chest tube without peri-operative complications. Later that day, rapid response was called as patient developed facial swelling, sensation of throat tightening and upper chest erythema with subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) (Figure 1). Initial thought was possible anaphylaxis from NSAIDs and treated as such. Patient later further deteriorated leading to intubation and transfer to the ICU. Second right-sided chest tube and skin holes placed on chest for relief of subcutaneous air. Patient was extubated next day. Due to persistent SCE (Figure 2) and need for respiratory support, patient received bilateral blow-holes and was downgraded to surgical floor after improvement. Symptoms again recurred requiring re-intubation. Blow-holes were extended and 3rd right-sided chest tube placed. She was taken for repeat VATS and found to have a BPF with adhesions. Lysis of adhesions was performed with RUL mediastinal drainage and mechanical pleural abrasion. The rest of patient's hospital course was uncomplicated with eventual removal of chest tubes and discharge. DISCUSSION: As discussed, our patient had a complicated post-operative course, complicated further by the unique presentation of her BPF. We found no previous literature or case reports illustrating similar presenting symptoms of BPFs. They typically present 1 - 12 weeks postoperatively [2]. Our patient did not fit this timeline and had a very atypical presentation which mimicked symptoms of an anaphylactoid reaction. Although diffuse subcutaneous emphysema has been a reported finding from BPFs [3], this was thought to be a normal result of recent surgical procedure. This uncommon presentation led to delay in appropriate management and extended hospital course for this patient. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates a unique presentation of a potentially fatal complication of major thoracic surgeries. BPF formation may need to be considered in patients who present similarly in the future. REFERENCE #1: Nachira D, Chiappetta M, Fuso L, Varone F, Leli I, Congedo MT, Margaritora S, Granone P. Analysis of risk factors in the development of bronchopleural fistula after major anatomic lung resection: experience of a single centre. ANZ J Surg.2018 Apr;88(4):322-326.doi: 10.1111/ans.13886. Epub 2017 Feb 1.PMID: 28147437. REFERENCE #2: Gaur P, Dunne R, Colson YL, Gill RR. Bronchopleural fistula and the role of contemporary imaging. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Jul;148(1):341-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2013.11.009. Epub 2013 Dec 16. PMID: 24355543. REFERENCE #3: Anas Riehani, Olivia Wilcox, Wassim Mohammed Odeh, Michael Kehdi, and John Armstrong. Bronchopleural Fistula Presenting as diffuse Subcutaneous Emphysema. C46. PLEURAL DISEASE: CASE REPORTS II. May 1, 2017, A5647-A5647 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Inessa Bronshteyn, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Kyle Foster, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Janeen Grant-Sittol, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ross Lavine, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Anna-Belle Robertson, source=Web Response