An unusual, life-threatening complication of EBUS-TBNA: Pneumoperitoneum

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a safe procedure. We present an unusual life-threatening complication after EBUS-TBNA in a 43-year-old female. She underwent EBUS-TBNA for enlarged lymph nodes evaluation. After EBUS-TBNA, a progressively worsening abdominal distension was observed. In computed tomography, subcutaneous emphysema, bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum were detected. This complication was successfully treated with chest tube insertion and bedside abdominal decompression. Even though EBUS-TBNA is considered to bear a low risk, the possibility of complication occurrence must be taken into account and clinicians must be more cautious about pulmonary barotrauma, especially when EBUS-TBNA is performed.