Unusual complication of bronchoscopy

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Complications

Background:

• Bronchoscopy is a vital tool in managing pulmonary diseases, offering low mortality and complication rates.
• Established complications include hemorrhage, desaturation, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.

Observation:

• Two novel cases of facial and neck petechiae with subcutaneous hemorrhage following bronchoscopy are presented.
• This specific complication has not been previously documented in medical literature.

Findings:

• Facial and neck petechiae post-bronchoscopy represent a new, visually alarming complication.
• The condition is typically self-resolving, despite its alarming appearance.

Implications:

• Bronchoscopists must be aware of this rare complication to avoid misdiagnosis.
• Recognition can prevent extensive and unnecessary investigations in patients presenting with these petechiae.