Value of endobronchial ultrasound elastography in differentiation of benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Objective To explore the value of the endobronchial ultrasound elastography in the differentiation of benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Methods The hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was examined by ultrasound elastography, and then get the pathology by EBUS-TBNA.The images of ultrasound elastography were divided into level 1-4.Level 1 and 2 were the negative lymph nodes, and level 3 and 4 were the positive ones. Results A total of 43 lymph nodes were included in 29 patients.There was statistically significant difference in ultrasound elastography between benign and malignant lymphadenopathy (χ2=16.92, P=0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound elastography in diagnosising malignant lymphadenopathy were 70.83%, 84.21%, 76.74%, respectively. Conclusions This technique has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, which helps to differentiate benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Key words: Endobrochial ultrasound; Ultrasound elastography; Hilar and mediastinal lymph node; Benign and malignant lymph node