Bronchial Endoscopy Research Articles

Lower Left Lobectomy for Bronchial Dilation Revealing a Food Foreign Body (Sunflower Seed) about of an Observation

Inhalation of a food foreign body is a rare phenomenon in adults, it can be serious and life-threatening. We report the observation of a 37-year-old patient with chronic bronchitis for 10 years, without notion of ingestion of an obvious digestive foreign body but who presents a progressive worsening of her bronchorrhea becoming purulent associated with a single episode of hemoptysis of low abundance. Chest radiography revealed an alveolar type opacity with left paracardiac projection. The chest CT scan showed dilatation of the bronchi downstream of a lesion at the left lower lobar level. The flexible bronchoscopy showed a foreign body which is a sunflower seed obstructing the orifice of the left lower lobar bronchus with notion of regular consumption of Sunflower seeds for 20 years later found during interrogation. The extraction of the foreign body was carried out surgically or a lower lobectomy was carried out in connection with the failure of the endoscopic extraction and the patient benefited from antibiotic therapy and respiratory physiotherapy, as well as awareness raising in order to avoid subsequent penetration syndrome. The development was very favorable. Intrabronchial foreign bodies after failure of their extraction by bronchial endoscopy.

Different pathways to lung cancer diagnosis in a real-life setting

BackgroundMost lung cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage and therefore have a poor prognosis. One major challenge is to choose the most adapted sampling technique to obtain a rapid pathological diagnosis so as to start treatment as early as possible. A growing number of techniques have been developed in recent years. This study sought to assess the diagnostic efficiency of each, along with the respective duration of the diagnostic pathways. MethodsThis retrospective, bicentric, observational study enrolled patients with inoperable lung cancer (stage III or IV) diagnosed in 2018–2019. Diagnostic efficiency was assessed based on the different examinations performed to achieve a precise diagnosis (pathology, immunohistochemistry, and/or molecular biology). The time between the first medical contact and treatment initiation was also assessed. ResultsOverall, 625 patients were included (median age 67 years; men 67 %; adenocarcinoma 55 %). The most frequent examinations were bronchial endoscopy (n = 469, 75 %), followed by metastasis biopsy (n = 137, 21.9 %) and guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (TCNB) (n = 116, 18.6 %). 372 patients had only one procedure (59.5 %), mainly bronchial endoscopy (n = 217, 34.7 %) and metastasis biopsy (n = 71, 11 %). The most efficient examination was thoracic surgery (surgical pleural biopsy, (n = 32, 100 %); mediastinoscopy (n = 26, 96.3 %); surgical pulmonary biopsy (n = 14, 93.3 %). The second most efficient examination was metastasis biopsy (n = 126, 94 %) followed by guided TCNB (n = 108, 93.1 %). The median time from first medical contact to first examination was 4 days (interquartile range 25 %–75 % 1–8). The median time from first medical contact to pathological result was 17 days (10–34). The median time from first medical contact to treatment start was 48 days (30–69). ConclusionsIn order to make an accurate and rapid diagnosis of lung cancer, it is crucial to choose the most appropriate technique. Bronchial endoscopy remains the first-line examination for central lesions, as it is efficient and easily accessible. Guided TCNB and metastasis biopsy are the preferred techniques for peripheral lesions. The choice of the diagnostic technique should be part of a multidisciplinary approach and a dedicated pathway to optimize initial management.

Case Report: Pulmonary Sequestration in an Adult Not A Metastasis

Introduction: Pulmonary sequestrum is a rare congenital lung anomaly defined as an area of dysplasia and nonfunctional lung tissue with abnormal systemic blood supply and various forms of venous drainage. We report the case of a 43-year-old man who was followed up for prostate adenocarcinoma with bone and lung metastases. The diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration was made. Case report: The patient was 62 years old and was being followed for metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma to the bone. The frontal chest radiograph showed a poorly limited right basal opacity. Bronchial endoscopy noted an inflammatory appearance of the right lower lobar bronchus. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was requested as part of the extension work-up to identify a focus of intra-parenchymal condensation on the right posterior basal side vascularized by an abnormal systemic vessel emanating from the descending thoracic aorta in favor of an intra-lobar sequestration. Discussion and Conclusion: Pulmonary sequestration is a rare malformation whose diagnosis must be evoked in front of repeated infections in the same pulmonary territory, in particular the posterobasal territory. Multislice CT or MRI angiography are the examinations of choice for diagnosis and assessment. Surgical treatment remains the most important option.

ECMO support as a bridge to lung transplantation is an independent risk factor for bronchial anastomotic dehiscence

BackgroundAirway complications are frequent after lung transplantation (LT), as they affect up to 23% of recipients. The implication of perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and haemodynamic instability has never been specifically assessed. The first aim of this study was to explore the impact of perioperative ECMO support on bronchial anastomotic dehiscence (BAD) at Day 90 after LT.MethodsThis prospective observational monocentric study analysed BAD in all consecutive patients who underwent LT in the Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, France, between January 2016 and May 2019. BAD visible on bronchial endoscopy and/or tomodensitometry was recorded. A univariate analysis was performed (Fisher’s exacts and Mann–Whitney tests), followed by a multivariate analysis to assess independent risk factors for BAD during the first 90 days after LT (p < 0.05 as significant). The Paris North Hospitals Institutional Review Board approved the study.ResultsA total of 156 patients were analysed. BAD was observed in the first 90 days in 42 (27%) patients and was the main cause of death in 22 (14%) patients. BAD occurred during the first month after surgery in 34/42 (81%) patients. ECMO support was used as a bridge to LT, during and after surgery in 9 (6%), 117 (75%) and 40 (27%) patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, ECMO as a bridge to LT (p = 0.04) and septic shock (p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for BAD.ConclusionECMO as a bridge to LT is an independent risk factor for BAD during the first 90 days after surgery. Close monitoring of bronchial conditions must be performed in these high-risk recipients.

Tracheobronchial chondritis as an immune-related adverse event occurring during the administration of nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Tracheobronchial chondritis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a case wherein tracheobronchial chondritis occurred while administering nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a man diagnosed with T2N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal SCC. After treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by left and right neck dissection, local recurrence was observed in the hypopharynx. Because of the difficulty of salvage surgery, we administered 240mg/body of nivolumab. After 9 cycles of nivolumab, the patient was judged to have complete response. After 10 cycles, he had cough and sputum, for which prompting us to perform imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) showed edematous thickening around the trachea and bilateral bronchi and elevated amounts of adjacent subcutaneous fat tissue. Positron emission tomography-CT showed diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the trachea and bilateral bronchi, bronchial endoscopy showed redness and swelling throughout the bronchi, and biopsy showed partial mucosal erosion, inflammatory cell (lymphocyte) infiltration, interstitial edema, and desmoplasia. The patient was diagnosed with tracheobronchial chondritis as an irAE resulting from administering anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibody. After four-day prednisolone treatment, his cough and sputum disappeared; after two weeks, tracheobronchial chondritis no longer appeared on CT.

Lipome trachéal : une cause exceptionnelle de tumeur trachéale

Tracheal tumors are rare, they are most often malignant and can manifest themselves by a non-specific respiratory symptomatology with progressively increasing dyspnea orienting in the first place towards a COPD or even an asthma. Among them, tracheal lipoma is exceptional. Its management is based on removal by rigid bronchoscopy. We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient who presented with non-specific dyspnea that progressively worsened over several months. The EFR showed a flattening of the flow-volume curves, the CT scan showed an anterolateral oval tracheal tumor with fatty density, the bronchial endoscopy showed a tumor lesion with stenosis of about 90% of the airway. Management consisted of a rigid bronchoscopy to delete obtruction with biopsies. Anatomopathology concluded to a tracheal lipoma. Progressively worsening dyspnea, especially if there are signs of inspiratory dyspnea, required a systematic bronchial endoscopy to avoid the possibility of a tracheal tumor.

Inhalation accidentelle de nitrate d’argent

Silver nitrate pencil is often used to treat local granuloma caused by tracheotomy and tracheostomy cannula orifice. We report the case of a 69-year-old patient who accidentally inhaled silver nitrate lead from the tip of a pencil during treatment of local granuloma. Inhalation of this product, which is known to cause burns and a risk of perforation of the mucous membranes, could suggest locoregional complications. Clinical monitoring and radiological and endoscopic examinations were carried out. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were administered because of inflammatory lesions. After 6 months, the patient had recovered with restitutio ad integrum of anatomical structures. Silver nitrate pencil should be used with caution. Given the high risk of perforation, painstaking and repeated monitoring are necessary in case of accidental inhalation. Bronchial endoscopy is of central importance as a means of localizing the foreign substance, following which bronchial cleaning is performed, using physiological serum. Corticosteroid appears to be effective to limit the risk of inflammatory bronchial stenosis.

Persistent Pulmonary Atelectasis in Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with High-Flow Therapy and High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects ∼1-2% of the population. Although a progressive destruction of cartilage and bone is the main presentation, extra-articular manifestations can occur in about 40% of patients during the course of their disease and are associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Pulmonary complications can frequently occur in these patients, although not always clinically recognized. We present a case of 60-year-old woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis came to our department for the presence of exertional dyspnea, cough with poor mucous expectoration, chest pain and worsening of daytime asthenia. At a chest x-ray, evidence of right basal pulmonary atelectasis, for which she had practiced antibiotic therapy with persistence of symptomatology and pulmonary atelectasis. Chest CT showed parenchymal consolidation. The patient was treated with antibiotics and rehabilitation therapy, bronchial endoscopy, with persistence of pulmonary atelectasis. She started nasal high-flow therapy but in the seventh day appears epistaxis. For this reason, she suspended treatment with NHF. At the next rehabilitation session, for the recurrence of epistaxis, an otorhinolaryngology visit was performed that confirms the presence of nasal varices. Therefore, the patient started high-flow therapy with a mouthpiece with the use of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation. At the end of rehabilitative treatment we observed clinical and radiological improvement.

Capability of processed EEG parameters to monitor conscious sedation in endoscopy is similar to general anaesthesia.

BackgroundReliable and safe sedation is a prerequisite for endoscopic interventions. The current standard is rather safe, yet, an objective device to measure sedation depth is missing. To date, anaesthesia monitors based on processed electroencephalogram (EEG) have not been utilised in conscious sedation.ObjectiveTo investigate EEG parameters to differentiate consciousness in endoscopic propofol sedation.MethodsIn total, 171 patients aged 21–83 years (ASA I–III) undergoing gastrointestinal and bronchial endoscopy were enrolled. Standard monitoring and a frontotemporal two‐channel EEG were recorded. The state of consciousness was identified by repeated requests to squeeze the investigator's hand.ResultsIn total, 1132 state‐of‐consciousness (SOC) transitions were recorded in procedures ranging from 5 to 69 min. Thirty‐four EEG parameters from the frequency domain, time‐frequency domain and complexity measures were calculated. Area under the curve ranged from 0.51 to 0.82 with complexity and optimised frequency domain parameters yielding the best results.ConclusionPrediction of the SOC with processed EEG parameters is feasible, and the results for sedation in endoscopic procedures are similar to those reported from general anaesthesia. These results are insufficient for a clinical application, but prediction capability may be increased with optimisation and modelling.

Bilio-bronchial and bilio-pleuro-bronchial fistulas of hydatic origin.

Bilio-bronchial fistulization is a rare complication of neglected liver hydatid cysts ruptured in the thorax by anatomical contiguity. Because of the bronchopulmonary and hepato-biliary lesions that it can cause and in the context of severe infection, the morbi-mortality remains high in these fragile patients. The diagnosis is based on clinical arguments: biliptysis mainly with a hepato-thoracic syndrome, imaging data showing the fistulous path, and especially bronchial and biliary endoscopy. The pretherapeutic stage aims at correcting the hydrolytic, anemic and nutritional defects, but above all at controlling the hepatobronchial infection after removal of the biliary obstruction (endoscopic sphincterotomy) and by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy as well as active respiratory physiotherapy. This preparatory step may be sufficient, otherwise surgical sanction is necessary in operable patients to establish the hepato-phreno-thoracic disconnection. The choice of the thoracic or abdominal approach depends on the initial and progressive lesion assessment and on the surgical strategy envisaged.

Histoplasmose pulmonaire chez un patient immunocompétent avec nodules pulmonaires multiples évoluant vers la nécrose

Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) is rare in an immunocompetent patient. We report a case of APH diagnosed by culture of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) in a patient presenting a pseudo-tumoral form with nodules progressing to cavitation. A 41 year-old male smoker was hospitalized with a persistent fever, dry cough and dyspnoea on exertion. The first CT scan showed a reticulo-nodular interstitial infiltrate with lymphadenopathy that progressed rapidly to multiple pulmonary nodules with central cavitation. Bronchial endoscopy, with BAL culture, provided the diagnosis of Histoplasma capsulatum, variety capsulatum. The infection may have occurred during work in a hangar in Guadeloupe that was scattered with bats' guano. After two months of treatment by itraconazole, the patient's condition improved clinically and radiologically with reduction of the nodules and their cavitation. This case presents an immunocompetent patient with pulmonary histoplasmosis and multiple, radiologically atypical, nodules. The diagnosis was established by BAL culture.

Diagnosis issues in sarcoidosis

Multiple problems may be encountered during the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: at first diagnose sarcoidosis in an appropriate clinical setting, secondly, identify any manifestation to be linked to sarcoidosis at diagnosis work-up and during evolution; thirdly, recognize “danger” in sarcoidosis and parasarcoidosis syndromes, and finally, diagnose sarcoidosis recovery. Diagnosis is often delayed as presentation may be diverse, non-specific, or atypical. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis is based on three criteria: a compatible presentation; evidence of non-caseating granulomas and exclusion of any alternative diagnosis. However, even when all criteria are fulfilled, the probability of sarcoidosis diagnosis varies from definite to only possible depending upon the presence of more or less characteristic radio-clinical and histopathological findings and on the epidemiological context. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and/or diffuse lung micronodules mainly along lymphatics are the most frequent highly suggestive findings. Evidence of granulomas relies on superficial biopsies of clinically suspected lesion when present or most often by bronchial endoscopy. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be difficult in absence of thoracic or skin manifestations and may require the benefit of hindsight before being definitive. Differential diagnoses, mainly tuberculosis, must be considered. The diagnosis of events during evolution relies on serial clinical, pulmonary function, radiographic evaluation and on extrapulmonary manifestations work-up, including electrocardiogram and blood biology. Affected organs need to be related to sarcoidosis using an appropriate diagnostic assessment instrument. To declare the recovery of sarcoidosis, all manifestations must have disappeared spontaneously or after 3–5 years post-treatment without relapse.

Atypical diagnosis for typical lung carcinoid

BackgroundThe diagnosis of lung typical carcinoid tumors results challenging when limited size and unfavorable sampling location is associated. It has been reported that bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) significantly increases the diagnostic yield of peripheral nodules smaller than 2 cm.Case presentationA 70-year-old Caucasian male complained of persistent fever and cough despite several antibiotic courses and steroid treatment. Chest radiology revealed the presence of a small single nodular opacity in the left upper lobe, whose standardized maximum uptake value (SUV) at fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) was significantly high (4.5). The patient underwent bronchial endoscopy but any appreciable sign of endobronchial or intramural involvement was detected. Only radial ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy (R-EBUS) allowed transbronchial sampling whose pathological analysis revealed a typical carcinoid tumor. The patients underwent surgical lobectomy and clinic-radiological follow was started.ConclusionsWith this case we aim at stressing the importance of ultrasound in the diagnostic process of lung small peripheral carcinoid, especially if they present without mucosal or sub mucosal involvement.

Une complication rare et grave du traitement par l'acénocoumarol: l'hémorragie intra-alvéolaire

L'hémorragie intra-alvéolaire est une urgence médicale rare et grave ayant de nombreuses étiologies. Nous rapportons ainsi le cas clinique d'un patient qui pourrait contribuer à élargir la littérature sur ce sujet. Le patient est un homme âgé de 62 ans ayant un antécédent de fibrillation auriculaire sous anti-vitamines K et admis dans un tableau de dyspnée d'apparition brutale avec hémoptysie et notion d'automédication par anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens. La radiographie et le scanner thoracique ont montré des opacités alvéolaires bilatérales diffuses. Au bilan d'hémostase de l'admission, l'INR était incoagulable. Le diagnostic d'hémorragie intra-alvéolaire était suspecté cliniquement et radiologiquement puis confirmé par l'endoscopie bronchique avec lavage broncho-alvéolaire (LBA) retrouvant un liquide uniformément hémorragique. Les études précédentes présentant des cas similaires secondaires à la prise d'anti-vitamines K sont rares. En conclusion, Il parait très important de souligner l'intérêt d'une surveillance stricte et optimale clinico-biologique des patients traités en anti-vitamines K afin d'éviter un surdosage pouvant contribuer à un accident hémorragique grave engageant le pronostic vital.

Persistent Pulmonary Atelectasis in Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with High-Flow Therapy and High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects ∼1-2% of the population. Although a progressive destruction of cartilage and bone is the main presentation, extra-articular manifestations can occur in about 40% of patients during the course of their disease and are associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Pulmonary complications can frequently occur in these patients, although not always clinically recognized. We present a case of 60-year-old woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis came to our department for the presence of exertional dyspnea, cough with poor mucous expectoration, chest pain and worsening of daytime asthenia. At a chest x-ray, evidence of right basal pulmonary atelectasis, for which she had practiced antibiotic therapy with persistence of symptomatology and pulmonary atelectasis. Chest CT showed parenchymal consolidation. The patient was treated with antibiotics and rehabilitation therapy, bronchial endoscopy, with persistence of pulmonary atelectasis. She started nasal high-flow therapy but in the seventh day appears epistaxis. For this reason, she suspended treatment with NHF. At the next rehabilitation session, for the recurrence of epistaxis, an otorhinolaryngology visit was performed that confirms the presence of nasal varices. Therefore, the patient started high-flow therapy with a mouthpiece with the use of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation. At the end of rehabilitative treatment we observed clinical and radiological improvement.

Transesophageal Echocardiography Complications in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Although there have been several large reviews documenting the complications following intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), most of these prior reports are almost 2 decades old and may not reflect current practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and types of complications following TEE in a contemporary cardiac surgical population. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cardiac surgical patients having undergone an intraoperative TEE between April 1, 2004, and April 30, 2012. Patients with TEE-related complications were identified from our institutional cardiac surgical database to have their medical records manually reviewed through International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision coding for: 1) a priori defined complications including dysphagia, vocal cord and laryngeal injury, dysphonia, accidental puncture and laceration during a procedure, and hemorrhage and hematoma complicating a procedure; 2) the requirement for an in-hospital esophageal or bronchial endoscopy procedure; or 3) the requirement for postoperative specialist consultation from gastrointestinal bleed or other surgery services. A multivariable model was then developed to identify risk factors for TEE complications. Of the 7,954 cardiac surgical cases performed during the study period, 1,074 had their records manually reviewed and 111 (1.4%) patients had possible complications. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of complications associated with age, body mass index, previous stroke, procedure other than isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and return to the operating room for any reason (model c-statistic= 0.81). The overall incidence of TEE complications after cardiac surgery was 1.4%. Advanced age, low body mass index, complexity of procedure, prior stroke, prolonged bypass time, and return to the operating roomappear to be significant risk factors for TEE complications.

The diagnostic importance of the bronchoalveolar lavage in lymphocytic alveolitis

ABSTRACTMultidisciplinary concertation is mandatory in order to assess interstitial pneumonias. The study of the bronchoalveolar lavage helps evoking a diagnosis according to the lavage profile. In lymphocytic alveolitis, immunocytochemistry, or in flux cytometry are necessary in order to identify the different clusters of lymphocytes implicated. Our objective was to evaluate the profile of 31 lymphocytic alveolitis using 2 different techniques which are the immunocytochemistry and the in flow cytometry in order to evaluate the efficacy of each technique and to compare the different results to the final diagnoses. We describe a retrospective study about 31 patients admitted to our hospital in order to explore an interstitial pneumonia between January and July 2014. Bronchial endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed in all cases. The sensitivity of the in flow cytometry was estimated to 53% and its specificity reached 33%. On the other hand, the immunocytochemistry presented a specificity of 42.8% and a sensitivity of 42.8%. The final diagnoses retained consisted in sarcoidosis in 12 cases, infectious pneumonia in 10 cases, hypersensitivity pneumonia in 3 cases, cryptogenic pneumonia in 3 cases, idiopathic fibrosis in 2 cases, and adenocarcinoma in 1 case. The relevance of both techniques depends on many factors. They necessitate an available material, well-trained technicians, and experimented pathologists.

Mucormycosis: New Developments into a Persistently Devastating Infection.

Mucormycosis is a rare, though increasingly prevalent, life-threatening fungal disease caused by Mucorales. The incidence has increased over the last decade and its mortality remains high at around 50%. Mucormycosis occurs mostly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or in the context of immunosuppression resulting from chemotherapy for hematological malignancy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or solid-organ transplantation. In this situation, lung and rhino-orbito-cerebral infections are the most frequent localizations of the disease. Prompt initiation of an effective treatment is essential to decrease mortality. However, mucormycosis and aspergillosis share close clinical and radiological features. Invasive procedures such as bronchial endoscopy and/or lung biopsy are necessary to confirm diagnosis, as no indirect tests are yet validated. Therefore, the challenge is to minimize the delay in diagnosis. When present, the reversed halo sign on CT scan is suggestive of mucormycosis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction is a new promising approach to detect Mucorales DNA in serum and new molecular tools are available to detect Mucorales in tissues as well as to specify species. Recommendations from ECIL and ECMM/ESCMID have recently been published on management of mucormycosis. The recommended treatment is an amphotericin B lipid formulation in combination with surgery and modification of risk factors. High-dose (10 mg/kg) of liposomal amphotericin B is recommended in case of neurological involvement and posaconazole for maintenance therapy. Place of isavuconazole as well as posaconazole new formulations (tablets and intravenous) in first line treatment have to be defined. Improved radiologic descriptions of mucormycosis and new molecular tools may be key elements to help with rapid diagnosis in the future. Clinical trials are warranted to improve therapeutic success and hopefully survival.

Thermoplastie bronchique

Severe asthmatic patients with a specific phenotype, who remain uncontrolled despite all available treatments, may benefit from bronchial thermoplasty. This technique, which decreases bronchial smooth muscle mass by radiofrequency during bronchial endoscopy, is performed exclusively in reference centres.The technique reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness leading to a decrease in symptoms and frequency of severe exacerbations. After 10 years one can judge its effectiveness on clinical outcomes, particularly quality of life, asthma control and severe exacerbation rate. So far, the technique appears to be safe and reasonably well tolerated.

Actinomycose bronchique pseudo-tumorale simulant une ré-évolution d’un cancer bronchique 14 ans après la prise en charge thérapeutique initiale : à propos d’un cas

A patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the right upper lung lobe treated 14 years before by concomitant chemo-radiotherapy was referred on account of dyspnea. Bronchial endoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the right main bronchus highly suggestive of a tumor recurrence. However, biopsy samples only showed inflammatory and necrotic tissue with no evidence of malignancy. Despite complete tissue resection by rigid bronchoscopy, a rapid and complete recurrence occurred requiring the placement of a Y-shaped bronchial prosthesis. Repeat histological, bacteriological and mycological analyses were negative. The patient was soon readmitted to hospital for a lung infection due to recurrence of obstruction inside and around the prosthesis. Bacterial examination of biopsy samples identified Actinomyces meyeri. Appropriate antibiotic therapy led to a complete regression of the bronchial obstruction. Unfortunately, the patient died a few months later due to massive hemoptysis after the removal of the prosthesis. Autopsy examination showed a fistula between the right main bronchus and pulmonary artery, with no evidence of neoplastic recurrence nor the persistence of lesions associated with actinomycosis.