Tuberculosis bronchopleural fistula treated with atrial septal defect occluder.

Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of lobectomy or pneumonectomy, particularly in tuberculosis patients. It is associated with high mortality and its treatment remains a challenge. The development of plugging technology has led to the emergence of less invasive endobronchial methods for treating BPF. We describe the successful treatment of a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patient with BPF using an occlusion device originally designed for transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect. Follow-up over 10 months revealed maintenance of the repair without any recurrence. This novel technique can be effective for treating a tuberculosis patient with postoperative BPF.