Pulmonary Hamartoma Diagnosed by Convex Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)

Abstract

A 71-year-old man with a right hilar mass shadow was referred to our department. Chest computed tomography showed a small fatty area inside. Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) images revealed a heterogeneous low-echoic mass, resembling a stone wall and showing a smooth sliding movement along the tracheal wall during respiration. Transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was performed and cartilage cells were identified, compatible with the presence of a hamartoma. The patient requested follow-up without surgical intervention. CP-EBUS images are easier to interpret than other methods for monitoring respiratory dynamics. We conclude that CP-EBUS is a useful addition to techniques both for non-invasive imaging as well as guiding pathological examination.