title: The role of computed tomography bronchography in the management of bronchopleural fistulas.
abstract: The management of complex bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to all chest physicians. Successful management of a fistula revolves around treatment of the associated empyema cavity first. Definitive repair should be accomplished expeditiously to minimize the number of procedures performed. When treatment is protracted, secondary complications are more likely to develop and survival is adversely affected. Diagnosis and localization of a BPF is therefore paramount; however, it is sometimes difficult and may require multiple imaging studies and bronchoscopies. Herein, we describe our experience with computed tomography bronchography as a new technique for diagnosis and localization of difficult BPF. In addition, other modalities for diagnosis and medical management are discussed along with a relevant review of the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Pralay
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Jessie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chusid
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Arunabh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Talwar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D001995:Bronchography / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D006490:Hemostatics; D007472:Iohexol