Safety of diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in patients with echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and treatment with anticoagulant agents could potentially increase the risk for bleeding/hemodynamic complications associated with bronchoscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in patients with PH.

METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical records of patients with echocardiographic evidence of PH (right ventricular systolic pressure [RVSP] > 40 mm Hg) who underwent diagnostic FB between 2004 and 2016 at a single facility in Japan was conducted. Patients with no clinical evidence suggestive of PH who underwent FB during the same period were enrolled as a pairwise-matched control group; factors used in matching included age, sex, and performed procedures.

RESULTS: Overall, there were 45 patients in the PH group and 90 patients in the control group. Six (13%) patients in the PH group had severe PH (RVSP > 61 mm Hg). Forceps biopsies and transbronchial needle aspirations were performed in 62% and 13% of patients, respectively, in the PH group, and 58% and 13% of patients, respectively, in the control group. The total incidence of bleeding during FB was not significantly different between the two groups (18% versus 16%; p = 0.742). Vital signs recorded 2 h after FB were also not significantly different between the two groups. There were no episodes of cardiac arrhythmias or deaths associated with the FB procedures.

CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that diagnostic FB procedures can be performed safely in patients with echocardiographic evidence of PH.