Unusual lymphadenopathy diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Abstract

Oxidized cellulose, used as hemostatic in thoracic surgery, may cause in some cases foreign body reactions, and simulate other diseases. We report the case of a 39-year-old man operated on a middle lobe lobectomy for atypical carcinoid. The follow up chest-CT showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, so endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration was performed suspecting recurrence of the tumor. The cytology results showed amorphous fragments such as foreign body reaction secondary to Pahacel®, used as hemostatic during the surgery. A few days later, the patient was re-operated on suspicion of mediastinitis induced by the endoscopic procedure. The aim of this case is to consider the foreign body reaction to Pahacel®, in patients with postoperative thoracic lymphadenopathy. It is also important to remember that in these patients the endoscopic procedures allow the diagnosis but may cause mediastinitis.