Flexible Bronchoscopic Observation on Endobronchial Tuberculosis

Abstract

Endobronchial tuberculosis is frequently associated with lymphadenopathy, bronchial stenosis, atelectasis which needs to be differentiated with other pulmonary disease. Authors are presenting 25 cases of endobronchial tuberculosis which were confirmed by bronchoscopic biopsy and AFB smear and/or culture. The study was done on patients who visited Yeungnam University Hospital from May 1983 to July 1985. The following results were obtained: 1. Of the 25 cases, 8 cases were male and 17 cases were female (male : female= 1 : 2). 32 percent of the cases was older than 60 years of age. 2. Abnormal findings on chest x-ray were seen on 22 cases of 25 cases (88%) and its most predilective site was right upper lobe.(24%). 3. Symptoms were coughing (56%), hemoptysis, hoarseness, chest pain, dyspnea and fever in orders. 4. The positive results were obtained in 73 percent of sputum AFB sme ar (11 cases of 15 cases), 60 percent of AFB culture (3 cases of 5 cases) and 58 percent of bronchoscopic biopsy (14 cases of 24 cases). 5. Complete pulmonary function test was done on 19 cases and showed normal result in 6 cases, restrictive pattern in 8 cases and small airway dysfunction in 5 cases. No case of obstructive airway disease was detected. 6. Associated disease were hypertension (2 cases), tuberculous meningitis (1 case), diabetes mellitus (1 case), and cataract (1 case). 7. The site of bronchoscopic lesion on bronchoscopic examination were as follows; 8. All 25 patients were treated with anti-tuberculosis theyapy and 6 patients were treated with additional steroid therapy because of severe respiratory symptom and showed dramatic improvement of symptom as well as lung function.