Abstract
RATIONALE: We report here a case of using iodine-125 (125I) seed implantation via endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in the treatment of malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient still experienced MCAO after conventional bronchoscopic interventional therapy. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma stage IV (T4N2M1a). INTERVENTIONS: She received implantation of radioactive 125I seeds in the lesion inside the right middle lobe bronchus and 12R lymph node via bronchoscopy and EBUS, in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. OUTCOMES: The patient's MCAO has been effectively controlled. LESSONS: The success of this case suggests that EBUS-guided 125I seed implantation to lymph nodes is a safe and effective therapeutic option for MCAO.