title: Uvular necrosis as an unusual complication of bronchoscopy via the nasal approach.
abstract: Bronchoscopy can cause post-procedural throat discomfort due to oropharyngeal irritation. We report a rare complication of bronchoscopy that resulted in similar symptoms. A 30-year-old man complained of severe throat discomfort a day after bronchoscopy. Examination revealed a swollen, elongated uvula. The lower half of the uvula was completely white, consistent with uvular necrosis. He was managed conservatively with topical lidocaine and antihistamines. At a follow-up examination 2 weeks later his symptoms had substantially improved and the necrosed uvula had separated, leaving a shortened uvula with an irregular border. Simple precautions taken during bronchoscopy can avoid this rare complication that causes persistent symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. lilykristine.sunio@hc.msu.edu
authors.forename: Lily Kristine F
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Sunio
authors.forename: Tahmeed A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Contractor
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chacon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D009666:Nose; D014609:Uvula / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*