Endobronchial drainage of undiagnosed lung abscess during chest physical therapy. A case report.

Bronchial drainage, positive-pressure lung inflation, chest-wall percussion, and suctioning were performed in a patient with postoperative atelectasis, lung infection, and respiratory failure. A previously undiagnosed posterior lung abscess subsequently drained into the bronchial tree, causing dissemination of the infection and a severe deterioration of pulmonary function. Dissemination of pulmonary infection from a lung abscess is a possible complication that should be considered when prescribing and administering chest physical therapy.