A Case of Bronchial Diverticulum With Progressive Enlargement and Abscess Formation Successfully Managed by Endobronchial Ultrasound‐Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Antibiotic Therapy

ABSTRACT Bronchial diverticulum (BD) is a rare airway abnormality that rarely enlarges significantly or becomes infected. We report a case of an 80‐year‐old male with a 15‐year history of asymptomatic BD that gradually increased in size and eventually developed into an abscess. Chest computed tomogr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hikaru Aoki, Masaki Aikawa, Yoshitomo Kushima, Jiro Watanabe, Toshiyuki Shima, Yoju Kameyama
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Respirology Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/rcr2.70251
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:ABSTRACT Bronchial diverticulum (BD) is a rare airway abnormality that rarely enlarges significantly or becomes infected. We report a case of an 80‐year‐old male with a 15‐year history of asymptomatic BD that gradually increased in size and eventually developed into an abscess. Chest computed tomography revealed a cystic lesion adjacent to the left main bronchus with internal fluid and surrounding inflammation. Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) enabled safe aspiration and identification of alpha‐hemolytic Streptococcus despite the absence of a visible bronchial opening. The infection was successfully managed with antibiotics alone, thereby avoiding surgical intervention. This case highlights the potential for long‐term asymptomatic BD to develop infection and demonstrates the diagnostic utility of EBUS‐TBNA for lesions adjacent to vital structures. However, further studies are needed to clarify infection risk factors and optimal management strategies for BD.
ISSN:2051-3380