[A complication of bronchoscopical brushing cytology and biopsy for pulmonary tuberculoma]

Although bronchoscopical brushing cytology and biopsy are useful tools for differential diagnosis of localized abnormal lung shadows, they have some complications, one of which is bacterial infection. The patient was a 42-year-old female with a RUL coin lesion on chest roentgenogram, which was diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculoma through the bronchoscopical examination. The exam. was followed, however, by perifocal lung abscess with a cavity, which was believed to be anaerobic infection, and cured rapidly with initial intensive chemotherapy including RFP. Prophylactic use of antimicrobial drugs, which are also sensitive to anaerobic flora, would be necessary for preventing or minimizing such complication after bronchoscopy.