Endobronchial findings of fibrosing mediastinitis

Respir Care. 2003 Nov;48(11):1038-42.

Abstract

Fibrosing mediastinitis is underdiagnosed because of the nonspecific character of the presenting symptoms. The endobronchial findings obtained via flexible bronchoscopy are not defined in the literature. We describe 3 cases of fibrosing mediastinitis, most likely caused by histoplasmosis. All 3 patients presented with hemoptysis and were found to have tracheobronchial concentric narrowing, severe hyperemia, and mucosal edema. The hyperemic blood vessels were treated with neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and argon plasma coagulation. We believe that recognition of specific endobronchial findings aids in prompt diagnosis of fibrosing mediastinitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Hemoptysis / therapy
  • Histoplasmosis / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinitis / etiology
  • Mediastinitis / pathology*
  • Mediastinitis / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome