Improvement in tubercular cavities following adjuvant treatment with endobronchial valves: a case report

In 2010, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) occurred in 650 000 of the 12 million TB cases worldwide, 1 with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB comprising 9% of the MDR-TB cases.2 Treatment success is between 44% and 60%.3 We hypothesised that a recent form of lung collapse therapy—the insertion of Zephyr® endobronchial valves (EBVs; Pulmonx, Redwood, CA, USA)—may be effective in the treatment of MDR/XDR-TB. This minimally invasive procedure is usually indicated for reducing emphysemaassociated hyperinfl ation.4 The one-way valve allows air and secretions to leave the lobe, but prevents air from entering, bringing about lobar collapse.