Mediastinal abscess after endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration: a case report

Abstract

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with transbronchial needle aspiration is now becoming widely accepted as a preferred staging technique. It has been perceived as a non-invasive and well tolerated procedure with minimal complications. We report the development and treatment of a severe complication that developed 2 weeks after the initial procedure in the form of a complex mediastinal abscess. EBUS although useful in its non-invasive application for diagnosing mediastinal or hilar disease, must be regarded with caution since the potential exists to develop severe complications. © 2010 Moffatt-Bruce and Ross; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.