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Background Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for pulmonary disease. Hemorrhage is a major complication of TBLB. While pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered a risk factor, evidence supporting this is limited. In this study, we compare complications of TBLB in patients with PH to those without PH. Material and methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent TBLB in our institution from January 2010 to May 2016. PH and non-PH groups were compared with respect to patient demographics, biopsy guidance, number of lobes biopsied (single or multiple), positive pressure ventilation, pre-and post-procedure diagnoses, and complications. Complications were defined as major hemorrhage, prolonged intubation, and reintubation within 72 hours from TBLB. Results The PH group had 45 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 14 years, and the non-PH group had 349 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years. There were no significant differences with regards to gender, pre-procedure anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents, biopsy guidance, or number of lobes biopsied (p > 0.371). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of major hemorrhage between the two groups (p = 0.491). Prolonged intubation occurred more frequently in the PH group (p = 0.007). Conclusions There appears to be no increased risk of post-procedure hemorrhage with TBLB in patients with mild PH. There is, however, an increased risk of post-procedure prolonged intubation in these patients.

Incidental findings are more prevalent herein than previously reported. With simple changes and minimal resources, clinically relevant and important improvement in reporting incidental findings can be made to mitigate the harm and medico-legal impact of an incidental finding going unreported.

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