Lung "holes" after cryobiopsy: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Interventional Pulmonology
• Radiology

Background:

• Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is a widely adopted and safe method for diagnosing lung diseases.
• Previous literature has documented limited cases of pneumatoceles following this procedure.
• The underdiagnosis of post-cryobiopsy pneumatoceles may stem from the infrequent use of routine post-procedure CT scans.

Observation:

• A case study involving a woman who developed two pneumatoceles after undergoing transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for interstitial lung disease.
• The pneumatoceles were identified via CT scan, which was performed due to the onset of hemoptysis four days post-biopsy.

Findings:

• The development of small cavitations, such as pneumatoceles, can occur after transbronchial lung cryobiopsy.
• These lesions may appear in the absence of any active infection.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic pneumatoceles following lung cryobiopsy.
• Prospective studies incorporating routine chest CT scans post-biopsy are essential to accurately ascertain the incidence of these lesions.