Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for the treatment of central airway stenosis caused by a mediastinal cyst

Central airway stenosis caused by compression due to mediastinal cyst is rare. Direct real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive method for tissue sampling of the mediastinum. Using this new therapeutic modality, the mediastinum can be punctured repeatedly and safely under local anesthesia with real-time guidance. Cystic lesions are easily detectable, and the Doppler mode helps to distinguish the cystic lesion from vascular structures. We herein report a rare case of central airway stenosis caused by mediastinal cyst successfully treated by EBUS-TBNA with no regrowth after 1 year. A total of 80 ml of fluid content was aspirated, resulting in patency of the trachea.