A Case of Acute Mediastinitis After Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration of Lymph Node in the Mediastinum

Abstract

Background. The use of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in lung cancer has become widespread, but reports of complications are rare. Case. A 66-year-old man was given a diagnosis of lung cancer and a right middle lobectomy was done in June 2008. The pathological stage was pT1NXM0. In May 2009, a chest CT scan revealed lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum, and recurrence of lung cancer was suspected. EBUS-TBNA was then performed. When he was admitted to hospital 5 days after EBUS-TBNA, he had a fever, and on laboratory data, WBC and CRP levels were remarkably elevated. Chest CT showed enlargement and inflammation of fat pad in the mediastinum and a diagnosis of acute mediastinitis was then made. After the administration of antibiotics, his symptoms and laboratory data gradually improved. Conclusion. We have to be aware that severe complications like acute mediastinitis while performing EBUS-TBNA can occur.