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. 2016 Mar 24;6(1):215-9.
doi: 10.5500/wjt.v6.i1.215.

New Nodule-Newer Etiology

Atul C Mehta  1 , Juan Wang  1 , Sami Abuqayyas  1 , Puneet Garcha  1 , Charles Randy Lane  1 , Wayne Tsuang  1 , Marie Budev  1 , Olufemi Akindipe  1
Affiliations

New Nodule-Newer Etiology

Atul C Mehta et al. World J Transplant. .

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate frequency and temporal relationship between pulmonary nodules (PNs) and transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) among lung transplant recipients (LTR).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 100 records of LTR who underwent flexible bronchoscopy (FB) with TBBx, looking for the appearance of peripheral pulmonary nodule (PPN). If these patients had chest radiographs within 50 d of FB, they were included in the study. Data was compared with 30 procedures performed among non-transplant patients. Information on patient's demographics, antirejection medications, anticoagulation, indication and type of lung transplantation, timing of the FB and the appearance and disappearance of the nodules and its characteristics were gathered.

Results: Nineteen new PN were found in 13 procedures performed on LTR and none among non-transplant patients. Nodules were detected between 4-47 d from the procedure and disappeared within 84 d after appearance without intervention.

Conclusion: FB in LTR is associated with development of new, transient PPN at the site of TBBx in 13% of procedures. We hypothesize that these nodules are related to local hematoma and impaired lymphatic drainage. Close observation is a reasonable management approach.

Keywords: Flexible bronchoscopy; Lung transplant; Peripheral pulmonary nodule; Transbronchial biopsy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Computed tomography of chest. A: Day 40. Note a well circumscribed, round pulmonary nodule involving the right lower lobe. Transbronchial biopsy was obtained from this site 40 d earlier; B: Day 90. Note the total resolution of the right lower lobe nodule.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Postroanterior and lateral views of the chest. A: Day 40. Note a well circumscribed, round pulmonary nodule involving the RLL, 2 cm in diameter. Transbronchial biopsy was obtained from this site 40 d earlier; B: Day 90. Note the total resolution of the RLL nodule. RLL: Right lower lobe.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Computed tomography of chest revealing a cavitating lung nodule involving lingual. A transbronchial biopsy was obtained from the site 21 d earlier.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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