Hemotympanum post-bronchoscopy: An unusual complication!

Abstract

Diagnostic bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided biopsy is the procedure of choice for visualization of bronchial airway and sampling of pulmonary lesions. While complications are relatively uncommon, they typically include hemorrhage, pneumothorax and/or infections. We report an unusual and unique complication, Hemotympanum following endobronchial ultrasound with biopsies. Occasional one or two reported cases of such a complication exist in literature. However, due to rare evidence, minimal awareness exist for its possibility, pathophysiology and measures of prevention.

Keywords

• Basic bronchoscopy
• Hemotympanum
• Pulmonology