CTICasesPost-Lobectomy Bronchopleural Fistula from Bronchial Stump Dehiscence
Imaging findings
Sequential CT scans following a left upper lobectomy for lung cancer demonstrate a soft tissue mass at the bronchial stump, consistent with recurrent carcinoma, which was subsequently treated with radiation. Follow-up imaging shows a rapidly enlarging, necrotic cavity at the bronchial stump that eventually decompresses into the left pleural space, showing a direct communication with a large hydropneumothorax.
Key takeaways
Bronchopleural fistula is a major, potentially life-threatening complication of lung resection, representing dehiscence of the bronchial stump. Predisposing factors include local tumor recurrence at the bronchial margin, radiation therapy, and local infection, which impair normal wound healing. Recognition of stump necrosis and progressive accumulation of gas/fluid in the pleural cavity on CT is critical to diagnose this delayed presentation of stump dehiscence.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Necrobiotic Rheumatoid Nodules Causing Pneumothorax and PneumomediastinumAutoimmune
- Diaphragmatic Intramuscular HematomaTrauma
- Eisenmenger Syndrome (Secundum Atrial Septal Defect) with Pulmonary Arterial Atherosclerosis and In Situ ThrombosisCongenital
- Bizarre Cystic Lung Disease in Monoclonal Gammopathy (MGUS) and Cirrhosis with Hepatopulmonary SyndromeMetabolic
- Lung Abscess secondary to Perforated Esophageal CancerNeoplastic
- Right Phrenic Nerve Injury and Hemidiaphragm Paresis post Left Atrial CryoablationIatrogenic
- Bilobed Bronchogenic CystCongenital
- Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion DeviceArtifact
See all cases from March 9, 2017 →
Related Iatrogenic cases
- Post-CABG Saphenous Vein Graft Pseudoaneurysm and Chest Wall Hematoma
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Complications: Pseudoaneurysm and Valve Thrombosis
- Iatrogenic Gastrothorax
- Iatrogenic Brachiocephalic Artery to Innominate Vein Fistula
- Swallowed/Aspirated Tooth post-Intubation
- Dislodged Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Occluder Device