PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S Kanoh
AU  - H Kobayashi
AU  - K Motoyoshi
TI  - Intrabullous blood injection for lung volume reduction
AID  - 10.1136/thx.2007.087957
DP  - 2008 Jun 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 564--565
VI  - 63
IP  - 6
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/63/6/564.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/63/6/564.full
SO  - Thorax2008 Jun 01; 63
AB  - Bronchoscopic treatment for emphysematous lung diseases has attracted clinical attention, and several different approaches are being investigated. We present a case of emphysematous bullae that was effectively treated with a newly developed bronchoscopic intervention, autologous blood injection. A 59-year-old man was referred to our institution with exertional dyspnoea. Chest CT showed emphysema and bullae with a diameter of 12 cm in the right upper lobe. Bronchoscopic treatment was introduced as an alternative to surgery. Autologous blood and fibrinogen solution were infused into bullae via the transbronchial catheter, under fluoroscopic guidance. Post-treatment CT showed marked contraction of bullae to a diameter of 3 cm, corresponding to a volume reduction of 800 ml on body plethysmography. A significant reduction in dyspnoea was also noted. This therapeutic approach is less invasive and may represent a good option for reducing lung volume.