Endobronchial management of bronchopleural fistula using vascular plug device—a case report

Background

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a sinus tract between the pleural space and the main stem, lobar, or segmental bronchus. The development of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary approach, early diagnosis, and timely management of these lesions are critical in the management of such lesions.

Case presentation

We describe a case of bronchopleural fistula in a 42-year-old female patient, occurring after a surgery for pulmonary hydatid, which was successfully managed using a minimally invasive method of closure using Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP).

To our knowledge, the use of an AVP for the management of a BPF following hydatid cyst marsupialization has rarely been described in the past.

Conclusion

AVP is a useful device in the management of bronchopleural fistulas, especially in patients failing a trial of conservative management and are high-risk candidates for surgeries.

Lung Resection in Children with Necrotizing Pneumonia: Outcome and Follow-up

INTRODUCTION

 The number of patients with necrotizing pneumonia has increased in recent years. The aim of this study is to review the incidence, management, and outcome of pediatric necrotizing pneumonia requiring surgical therapy and to prove that lung resection results in favorable development of patients. We hypothesize that overall lung function in children after lung resection does not differ from that of the healthy population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective tertiary referral center study with a prospective follow-up spirometric study of patients with necrotizing pneumonia managed between January 2010 and December 2019 was performed.

RESULTS

 The study cohort consisted of 1,295 patients admitted to the pediatric department for community-acquired pneumonia; 47 patients developed necrotizing pneumonia, 36 of whom underwent parenchymal lung resection. A 5-year rise in the occurrence of necrotizing pneumonia requiring resection was 77%, with a significant increase in the last 3 years (p < 0.05). The median age at the time of surgery was 32.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 32.25) months. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most prevalent pathogen (83%), although 53.3% of these patients were vaccinated against the agent. In 67% of patients, preresection procedures were performed: drainage of pneumothorax (17%), drainage of empyema (46%), drainage of empyema with use of alteplase (25%), and thoracoscopic decortication (12%). Surgical procedures included lobectomy (72.2%), wedge resection (13.9%), bilobectomy (8.3%), and pneumonectomy (5.6%). The postoperative complication was bronchopleural fistula in three patients. There were two (5.5%) postoperative deaths due to multiple organ failure. The follow-up spirometry was performed 43.3 (median, IQR 23.8-66.7) months after surgical intervention. Normal lung function was detected in 35 (64.8%) patients, restrictive pattern in 6 (11.1%) patients, obstructive pattern in 11 (20.4%) patients, and combined in 2 (3.7%) patients.

CONCLUSION

 The number of patients with necrotizing pneumonia requiring resection has increased significantly in the last 3 years (p < 0.05). Aggressive surgical treatment results in significant clinical improvement in most cases and favorable lung function outcome. Long-term follow-up showed normal spirometry in 64.8% of cases.