Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy and Pulmonary Nodules Due to Atypical Infections in Coccidioidomycosis Endemic Area

Background: species, nontuberculous mycobacteria). Data on prevalence of atypical infections in patients undergoing RAB with biopsy of pulmonary nodules are limited. Research Question: What is the prevalence of atypical and bacterial infections in patients undergoing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with biopsy of pulmonary nodules in a coccidioidomycosis endemic area? Study Design and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study examined 526 patients who underwent RAB with a shape-sensing platform at our institution from June 2021 through December 2023. Results: species also had granulomatous inflammation in 76%, 29%, and 29% of cases, respectively. Fifty-two patients had > 1 positive culture result. Interpretation: This study highlights the importance of obtaining bronchoscopy cultures in patients undergoing RAB, especially when rapid on-site evaluation of the pulmonary nodule biopsy does not reveal malignancy.