Pneumomediastinum after transbronchial lung biopsy

J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2010 Apr;17(2):167-8. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0b013e3181da29ea.

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of a transbronchial lung biopsy. Common symptoms are chest pain, dyspnea, dysphagia, and specific electrocardiographic changes. We report a case of pneumomediastinum after a transbronchial lung biopsy. During the in-hospital stay, the symptoms and clinical picture rapidly improved without invasive treatment; therefore, the patient could be discharged after a few days. Approximately 1 month later, chest computed tomography was performed, which showed a complete resolution of the pneumomediastinum.