Pigtail catheter found in the Lingula of a pediatric patient on VV-ECMO while performing flexible bronchoscopy: a case report on an unexpected finding - Scorecard - MDSpire

Discovery of a Pigtail Catheter in the Lingula of a Pediatric Patient on VV-ECMO During Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Case Study of an Unanticipated Finding

  • By

  • Savannah E. Knight

  • Mary Fang

  • David R. Spielberg

  • Howard I. Pryor

  • Venessa L. Pinto

  • July 21, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Discovery of a Pigtail Catheter in the Lingula of a Pediatric Patient on VV-ECMO During Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Case Study of an Unanticipated Finding

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionPneumothorax and complications from chest tube placement
Key MechanismsMalposition of pigtail catheter leading to lung parenchymal perforation
Target PopulationPediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure
Care SettingPediatric intensive care unit

Key Highlights

  • Case of a 10-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis requiring VV-ECMO
  • Unexpected finding of a pigtail catheter in the lingula during bronchoscopy
  • Importance of careful evaluation of chest tube placement and imaging
  • Multidisciplinary team involvement in complex pediatric cases
  • Complications of chest tube placement include organ damage and pneumothorax

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Use imaging such as chest X-ray or CT to confirm chest tube placement

Management

  • Immediate intervention for tension pneumothorax and respiratory failure

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Vigilant monitoring of chest tube function and patient respiratory status

Risks

  • Potential for lung perforation and other complications from chest tube placement

Patient & Prescribing Data

Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and respiratory complications

Utilization of VV-ECMO and appropriate antibiotic therapy for infections

Clinical Best Practices

  • Conduct thorough evaluations of patients with complex medical histories
  • Ensure multidisciplinary collaboration in managing critically ill patients
  • Regularly assess the positioning and function of chest tubes

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