Cavitating Lymph Node Metastasis Demonstrated by Endobronchial Ultrasound

Abstract

Cavitation of primary non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) occurs in a small number of patients. We report a case of cavitation of lymph node metastases in NSCLC. CT chest showed central low attenuation of the subcarinal lymph node, suggestive of necrosis, and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) imaging demonstrated two cystic spaces within the lymph node. Transbronchial needle aspiration of the cystic space confirmed the presence of metastatic NSCLC. Cystic necrosis was only demonstrable by EBUS. The incidence of such findings is unknown, however with the increasing use of EBUS for evaluation of the mediastinum such images may be more commonly encountered in the future.

Key words

Thoracic surgery - endobronchial ultrasound - necrosis

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