Value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes visible on CT

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for CT-positive mediastinal lymph nodes. Methods From September 2009 to December 2009, 28 patients with confirmed or suspected non-small-cell lung cancer with CT scan demonstrating enlarged ( ≥ 1 cm) mediastinal lymph nodes underwent EBUS-TBNA. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were evaluated. Results 28 patients with 40 lymph nodes were studied. 27 patients had been performed successfully with enough specimens. No complications happened in the group. Mediastinal metastases were confirmed by EBUS-TBNA in 20 patients. 8 patients with benign mediastinal nodes as detected by EBUS-TBNA underwent surgery and mediastinal lymph node dissection, which confirmed N2 disease in 2 patients. Overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA in the detection of mediastinal metastasis were 92.9%, 90.9%,100%, 100%, 75% respectively. Conclusion EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective technique for CT-positive mediastinal lymph nodes on CT scan. Key words: Bronchoscopy; Ultrasonography; Lung neoplasms; Lymph nodes; Lymphatic metastasis