Fatal pneumonitis and septicemia after fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
- B E Beyt, Jr,
- D K King, and
- R H Glew
Abstract
This report describes the development of fatal pneumococcal pneumonia and septicemia following fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination and endobronchial biopsy of a patient with severe chronic congestive heart failure. Although a causal relationship has not been proven, the temporal sequence seems to favor this over a coincidental nosocomial infection. This case emphasizes that significant and occasionally fatal infectious complications may occur following fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination.
