Biopsy Of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions Research Articles

Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound combined with rapid on‐site evaluation of transbronchial lung biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has the potential to increase endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guide transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) accuracy in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). However, studies have reported controversial results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of EBUS-TBLB combination with ROSE in PPLs. A total of 152 patients with PPLs underwent EBUS were enrolled and completed this study. Patients were divided into EBUS combined with ROSE group (EBUS+ROSE group) and EBUS group (EBUS group). The diagnostic yield, operation time, and complications were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic yield in EBUS+ROSE group was 85.9%, the operation time was (24.6 ± 6.8) min, the diagnostic yield in EBUS group was 70.3%, and the operative time was (32.4 ± 8.7) min, there were significant differences in diagnostic yield (χ2 = 5.456, P = .016) and operation time (t = 3.167, P = .001) between the two groups. No severe procedure related complications were observed, such as, pneumothorax and hemorrhage. ROSE can improve the diagnostic yield and shorten the operation time. EBUS combined with ROSE is an effective diagnostic method for PPLs.

Diagnostic Value of Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation Combined With Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions.

Objective:X-ray guided transbronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) can improve the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), but it needs special requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of virtual bronchoscopy navigation (VBN) combined with EBUS-TBLB in the diagnosis of PPLs without X-ray guidance.Methods:The 105 patients with PPLs underwent EBUS-TBLB with or without VBN randomly. The diagnostic yield, the operation time and complications were evaluated in the 2 groups.Results:No significant difference was found between the VBN+EBUS group and the EBUS group (76.0% vs. 65.5%, P = 0.287). The operation time of VBN+EBUS group was significantly shorter than that of EBUS group (20.6 ± 12.8 min vs. 28.6 ± 14.3 min, P = 0.023). No severe procedure related complications occurred.Conclusions:VBN can shorten the operation time. The combination of VBN and EBUS-TBLB is a safe and effective diagnosis technique for PPLs.

Virtual bronchoscopic navigation versus non-virtual bronchoscopic navigation assisted bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Image-guided bronchoscopy techniques such as virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) has emerged as a means of assisting in the biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions. However, the role of VBN-assisted (VBNA) bronchoscopy in the diagnosing of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) has not been well established. This meta-analysis investigated the diagnostic yield of VBN-assisted versus non-VBN-assisted (NVBNA) bronchoscopy for PPLs.Methods:PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Sciences databases were searched up to and including August 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the performance of VBNA compared with an NVBNA group. Results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI).Results:Six RCTs with 1626 patients were included. The overall diagnostic rate was similar in the VBNA (74.17%) and NVBNA (69.51%) groups, with risk ratio of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.98–1.17). However, in the VBNA group, the total examination time was significantly shorter (MD = −3.94 min, 95% CI: −6.57 to −1.36; p = 0.003) than in the NVBNA group. VBNA had superior diagnostic yield than NVBNA for PPLs ⩽ 20 mm (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.32). In addition, diagnostic yield according to nature of lesion, lesion location in the lung lobe, distance from the hilum, bronchus sign and complications were similar between VBNA and NVBNA groups.Conclusion:VBNA bronchoscopy did not increase overall diagnostic yield in patients with PPLs compared with NVBNA bronchoscopy. The superiority of VBNA over NVBNA was evident among patients with PPLs ⩽ 20 mm. Future multicenter RCTs are needed for further investigation. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Scoping the Problem

Scoping the Problem

Cone beam CT imaging for bronchoscopy: a technical review.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a well-established imaging modality with numerous proven applications across multiple clinical disciplines. More recently, CBCT has emerged as an important imaging tool for bronchoscopists, primarily used during transbronchial biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLS). For this application CBCT has proved useful in navigating devices to a target lesion, in confirming device tool-in-lesion, as well as during tissue acquisition. In addition, CBCT is poised to play an important role in trials evaluating bronchoscopic ablation by helping to determine the location of the ablative probe relative to the target lesion. Before adopting this technology, it is key for bronchoscopists to learn some basic concepts that will allow them to have a safer and more successful experience with CBCT. Hence, in the current manuscript, we will focus on both technical and practical aspects of CBCT imaging, ranging from systems considerations, image quality, radiation dose and dose-reduction strategies, procedure room set-up, and best practices for CBCT image acquisition.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided versus computed tomography-guided biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions: A meta-analysis.

Both endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB) and computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TTNB) are approaches commonly utilized to diagnose peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). The present meta-analysis was, therefore, designed to provide more reliable evidence regarding the relative advantages of these two approaches to PPL diagnosis in order to guide clinical decision making. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published as of May 2020. Endpoint data pertaining to technical success rates, diagnostic accuracy, and complication rates were then extracted from these studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan v5.3. We identified nine total relevant studies for inclusion in the present meta-analysis, incorporating 2025 total patients (2035 total procedures) that underwent EBUS-TBB (n=994) or CT-TTNB (n=1041) for the purposes of PPL diagnosis. Rates of technical success were comparable between these two groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16; P=0.21). However, CT-TTNB was associated with higher diagnostic yield (OR: 0.23; P<0.00001), greater accuracy (OR: 0.43; P=0.002), and higher rates of complications (OR: 7.27; P<0.00001) than was EBUS-TBB. Subgroup analyses revealed that CT-TTNB was associated with better diagnostic yield and accuracy when analyzing small lesions and lesions that were proximal to the pleura. Significant heterogeneity among studies was detected with respect to both technical success rates and diagnostic yield, but there was no evidence of publication bias. When diagnosing PPLs, CT-TTNB is associated with higher diagnostic yield and accuracy but with poorer safety outcomes than EBUS-TBB.

Prospective Analysis of a Novel Endobronchial Augmented Fluoroscopic Navigation System for Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions.

Background:Navigational bronchoscopy has improved upon traditional bronchoscopy to identify suspicious pulmonary lesions, but wide variability exists in the diagnostic yield of various modalities. The aim of this study was to measure localization accuracy and diagnostic yield of a novel endobronchial augmented fluoroscopic navigation system (first-generation LungVision system) for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs).Methods:This prospective single-center study included adults undergoing guided bronchoscopy to evaluate PPLs. Preprocedure computed tomography (CT) images were obtained, and planning software calculated a pathway to the lesion. A flexible bronchoscope was used to navigate along the pathway overlaid on the intraprocedural fluoroscopic image. When real-time display indicated the catheter tip had reached the lesion, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the actual location of the tip. Biopsy and rapid on-site cytopathologic evaluation were performed.Results:Fifty-one patients were included in the analysis. The median lesion diameter was 18.0 mm (range: 7.0 to 48.0 mm). Localization success was 96.1%. The average distance between lesion location as shown by LungVision augmented fluoroscopy and actual location measured by CBCT was 5.9 mm (range: 2.1 to 10.0 mm). Diagnostic yield at the index procedure was 78.4%. Diagnostic accuracy assessed at 12 months follow-up was 88.2%. Average CT-to-body divergence was 14.5 mm (range: 2.6 to 33.0 mm) from preprocedure CT to intraprocedural CBCT images.Conclusion:Augmented fluoroscopy for navigation and biopsy of PPLs with the LungVision system showed a high localization success rate and corresponding high diagnostic yield. Navigation and biopsy with real-time visualization can improve diagnostic yield for PPLs.

Cone-Beam CT Image Guidance With and Without Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy for Biopsy of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions.

Background:Bronchoscopic diagnosis of small peripheral lung lesions suspected of lung cancer remains a challenge. A successful endobronchial diagnosis comprises navigation, confirmation, and tissue acquisition. In all steps, 3-dimensional information is essential. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging can provide computed tomography information and 3-dimensional augmented fluoroscopy imaging. We assessed whether CBCT imaging can improve navigation and diagnosis of peripheral lesions by 2 clinical workflows with a cross-over design: (1) a primary CBCT and radial endobronchial ultrasound mini probe imaging–based approach and (2) a primary electromagnetic navigation (EMN) and radial endobronchial ultrasound mini probe imaging–based approach.Methods:All patients with a peripheral lung lesion biopsy indication were eligible for study inclusion and randomly assigned to study arms. Commercially available equipment was used. The main study goals were to assess CBCT-confirmed navigation success and diagnostic accuracy. Surgery or unambiguous clinical follow-up served as the gold standard.Results:Eighty-seven patients with 107 lesions were included. Lesion mean longest axis size in the CBCT arm was 16.6 mm (n=47) and 14.2 mm in the EMN arm (n=40). The primary CBCT approach and primary EMN approach had 76.3% and 52.2% navigation success, respectively. Addition of EMN to the CBCT approach increased navigation success to 89.9%. Addition of CBCT imaging to the EMN approach significantly increased navigation success to 87.5% per lesion. The overall diagnostic accuracy per patient was significantly lower than the navigation success, being 72.4%.Conclusion:CBCT imaging is a valuable addition to navigation bronchoscopy. Although overall navigation success was high, the diagnostic accuracy remains to be improved. Future research should focus on improving the tissue acquisition methodology.

Bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions in 2020: a review of existing technologies.

There are over 200,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed annually in the United States resulting in nearly 150,000 deaths, making lung cancer the most lethal of all forms of cancer. Only 1 in 6 lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage an over half are diagnosed with distant metastasis. Despite advances in screening and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for all lung cancers remains low, around 20%. The advent of effective lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography has started to shift diagnosis to earlier stages. Screening, along with the ever-increasing use of chest CT, have led to an exponential increase in the detection of indeterminate lung nodules. For many nodules, effective diagnosis relies on invasive tissue sample collection. Advances in bronchoscopic technology have allowed for safe and increasingly effective tissue diagnosis of these nodules; however, inconsistencies across studies evaluating diagnostic yield remain. This review will provide an overview of the advanced bronchoscopic technologies currently in wide use, the quality of data supporting their use, some of the perceived weaknesses and strengths of each technology, and introduce promising emerging diagnostic platforms poised to advance the field. Ultimately, quality comparative research is needed to accurately characterize the diagnostic test performance of currently available bronchoscopic platforms, improve the efficacy of bronchoscopy-generated diagnostic yields while maintaining, their strong safety profile.

Diagnostic yield of additional conventional transbronchial lung biopsy following radial endobronchial ultrasound lung biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

BackgroundRadial endobronchial ultrasound (R‐EBUS) transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) improves the diagnostic yield from peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). However, the small specimens obtained using small forceps through a guide sheath (GS) may impede diagnosis and molecular analysis. Here, we investigated the diagnostic significance of additional conventional TBLB with standard forceps after R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 55 patients who underwent conventional TBLB after R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB for PPL diagnosis. Procedures were performed on single PPLs with no visible lesions on bronchoscopy. In cases with inconclusive pathologic confirmation, final diagnoses were made based on pathologic specimens or clinical observations.ResultsThe median size of the target lesions was 28 mm. The appearances on computed tomography images were solid (n = 45, 81.8%), part‐solid (n = 7, 12.7%), and cavitary nodules (n = 3, 5.5%). A computed tomography bronchus sign was present in 35 (63.6%) cases, and a radial probe was positioned within target lesion in 32 (58.2%) cases. R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB was diagnostic in 30 (54.5%) patients, and subsequent conventional TBLB yielded additional diagnostic information in 8 (14.5%) patients. Probe positioning within target lesions and the outer margin of PPLs more than 1 cm from pleura were significantly associated with enhanced diagnostic yield from the combined procedures. In conventional TBLB, probe positioning within target lesions (75.0% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.004) and characteristic of nonsolid nodules (83.3% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.006) were significantly associated with additional diagnostic utility.ConclusionsConventional TBLB following R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB could be a useful procedure for diagnosing PPLs, especially for nonsolid nodules.Key points Significant findings of the study: Additional conventional TBLB with standard forceps after R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB yielded an additional 14.5% diagnostic utility for peripheral pulmonary lesions. For conventional TBLB, probe positioning within target lesions and nonsolid nodules were significantly associated with additional diagnostic utility. What this study adds: Conventional TBLB with standard forceps after R‐EBUS‐GS‐guided TBLB is an effective and economically accessible diagnostic tool for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Diagnostic Value of Non-Real-Time Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (RP-EBUS) Guided Positioning Method for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic value of thin bronchoscopy lung biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions under non-real-time guidance of radial ultrasound (RP-EBUS).Material/MethodsWe used a retrospective analysis of ultrasound images of 165 patients with peripheral pulmonary disease admitted to Suzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from February 2016 to December 2018 who were given RP-EBUS examination. Ultrasound images were obtained for all patients. There were 76 patients treated using traditional positioning method as the control group; 89 patients were treated by probe combined with bronchoscopy positioning method as the research group where the biopsy of the lesion along the path of the ultrasound probe was taken. The positive rate of the 2 methods was observed, and the factors affecting the quality of ultra-thin bronchoscopy under RP-EBUS non-real-time guidance were analyzed.ResultsThe detection rate of the study group was 77.64%, which was significantly higher than that in control group, which was 63.16% (χ2=5.238, P<0.05). The number of biopsies in the study group was 6±1.25, which was significantly lower than that of the control group which was 9±1.87 (t=4.116, P<0.05). The diagnostic positive rate of the RP-EBUS probe was significantly higher than that of the RP-EBUS probe (χ2=5.081, P<0.05).ConclusionsThe diagnostic positive rate of RP-EBUS non-real-time guided subtotal bronchoscopy lung biopsy for peripheral lung disease using probe combined with bronchoscopy positioning method was higher than the traditional positioning method, and the number of biopsies in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group, which was related to the size, location, whether the probe was wrapped, or the characteristics of the ultrasound image.

Application of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation and guiding biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a preliminary study

To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating malignant from benign peripheral pulmonary lesions, and to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and utility of CEUS-guided biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Thirty-three patients with histopathologically confirmed peripheral pulmonary lesions (22 malignant, 11 benign) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Conventional ultrasound (US) was first performed and then CEUS with a contrast-specific mode and sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent. CEUS indices-time of enhancement (TE), time to peak (TP), extent of peak (EP), mean transit time (MTT), area under curve (AUC), and slope-were recorded and compared between the groups. The ability of CEUS and US to detect necrotic areas within lesions was also compared and the accuracy of CEUS-guided biopsy was calculated. On CEUS, TE was significantly shorter in acute pneumonia lesions than in other types of lesions (p=0.03). Other indices were not significantly different between benign and malignant lesions. Detection of necrosis within lesions was significantly higher with CEUS than with US (51.5% versus 27.3%; p=0.04). The accuracy of CEUS-guided biopsy was 96.9% (32/33). The study findings suggest that CEUS can identify necrotic areas within lesions, and thereby, play a useful role in imaging-guided biopsy. The present pilot study indicates that CEUS may help to identify acute pneumonia lesions from other types of pulmonary lesions. CEUS might be a useful additional technique for the diagnosis of lung lesions.

Competence in navigation and guided transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Options for non-surgical tissue diagnosis of the peripheral nodule include CT scan-guided TTNA, fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopy, radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), and virtual bronchoscopy navigation (VBN). For physicians who choose to pursue non-surgical biopsy, the decision to perform CT scan-guided or ultrasound-guided TTNA, conventional bronchoscopy or bronchoscopy guided by EBUS, ENB, or VBN will depend on a number of factors. CT scan-guided TTNA is preferable for nodules located near the chest wall or for deeper lesions, provided that there is no need to go through the fissures and there is no surrounding emphysema. Ultrasound-guided TTNA requires contact between the lesion and the costal pleura. Bronchoscopic techniques are preferable for nodules ≥2 cm located near a patent bronchus, or in individuals at high risk for pneumothorax following TTNA. In most other situations, operator experience should guide the decision. Trainees must possess a perfect knowledge of anatomy and be fully competent in the interpretation of imaging (CT with contrast medium and PET) and have a thorough knowledge of navigation technology in all its complexities. Practical training can be performed on animal, cadaver or plastic models. In the last years, to improve diagnostic yield, navigational bronchoscopy has attracted significant attention.

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED BRONCHOSCOPIC BIOPSY OF PERIPHERAL PULMONARY LESIONS IN A CADAVERIC MODEL WITH SIMULATED TUMOR TARGETS

SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Abstracts SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/08/2018 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM PURPOSE: Successful biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions continues to present clinical challenges, particularly for pulmonary nodules 1-3cm in size. Despite the introduction of advanced image guided techniques, no singular approach has demonstrated consistently high yields. Robotic bronchoscopy has recently been described as a novel approach towards peripheral lesion biopsy, and preliminary studies have demonstrated improved peripheral reach in cadaveric human lungs compared with conventional thin bronchoscopes despite having similarly sized outer diameters. Along with improved access to the lung periphery, one potential benefit of robotic systems may be improved stability and control when performing biopsies of peripheral lesions. To evaluate this, robotic bronchoscopy was performed in cadaveric human lungs which had been implanted with simulated tumor targets to assess the robotic platform's precision with peripheral lesion biopsy. METHODS: Each cadaver was injected with a minimum of 8 simulated tumor targets composed of gelatin, agar, contrast material and pigmented mica powder. Following target injection, all cadavers underwent computed tomography (CT) which was used to provide lesion characteristics such as size and location as well as to assist with navigation towards peripheral lesions. Robotic bronchoscopy was performed by one operator per cadaver. The robotic endoscopic system (RES) (Monarch, Auris Health, Redwood City, CA) was navigated to peripheral lesions using a combination of electromagnetic navigational guidance and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound confirmation of target lesion localization. Following lesion localization, biopsies were performed using transbronchial needle aspiration and transbronchial biopsy. Biopsy specimens were evaluated using a microscope for the presence or absence of pigmented powder and were classified as diagnostic when pigment was present, and non-diagnostic when pigment was absent. RESULTS: Sixty-seven nodules were prepared in 8 human cadaveric lungs. Nodules were distributed in all lobes of the lung and mean size as measured in longest cross sectional diameter on axial CT scan was 2.4cm (range 0.9-2.8cm). 46/67 (68%) of nodules were less than 2cm in size and 21/67 (31%) were 2-3cm in size. Nineteen percent of nodules identified with radial EBUS demonstrated a concentric view and 81% of nodules demonstrated an eccentric view. A diagnosis was confirmed in 65/67 (97%) of nodules. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic bronchoscopy successfully obtained a diagnosis in 97% of lesions in human cadaveric lungs with implanted tumor targets 1-3cm in size. Future studies will be performed to validate these findings in live human subjects with peripheral lesions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Robotic bronchoscopy may be a useful platform to assist with establishing a diagnosis in patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions requiring biopsy. DISCLOSURES: Consultant relationship with Olympus Please note: $20001 - $100000 Added 11/29/2017 by Alexander Chen, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Investigator relationship with Olympus Please note: $20001 - $100000 Added 11/29/2017 by Alexander Chen, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support Scientific Medical Advisor relationship with Auris Robotics Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 11/29/2017 by Alexander Chen, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 11/29/2017 by Alexander Chen, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Scientific Medical Advisor relationship with Auris Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/24/2018 by Thomas Gildea, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/30/2018 by Colin Gillespie, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Educational instructor relationship with Cook Medical Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/30/2018 by Colin Gillespie, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Advisory Committee Member relationship with CareFusion Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/30/2018 by Colin Gillespie, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Auris Robitics Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/30/2018 by Colin Gillespie, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Auris Robotics Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 05/23/2018 by Michael Machuzak, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria No relevant relationships by Amit Mahajan, source=Web Response Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific, Auris, Veracyte Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 02/01/2018 by Scott Oh, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Olympus Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 11/26/2017 by Nicholas Pastis, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 11/26/2017 by Nicholas Pastis, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Veran Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 11/26/2017 by Nicholas Pastis, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support Consultant relationship with Cook Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 11/26/2017 by Nicholas Pastis, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria research grant relationship with auris Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 05/24/2018 by Gerard Silvestri, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support No relevant relationships by Michael Simoff, source=Web Response

Atypical cells in pathology of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions: incidence and clinical significance.

Atypical cells may occasionally be the only pathologic finding in radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs); however, it is uncertain how often we encounter such a situation and what clinical features can be used to identify these ambiguous PPLs, which are more likely to be malignant. From 2009 to 2016, consecutive patients referred for EBUS-guided TBB of PPLs and with pathology reports indicating atypical cells alone were included. Medical records were reviewed to extract patient demographics, clinical characteristics, procedural details and complications. The primary outcome was the final diagnosis of the PPLs on subsequent investigation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with a final malignant diagnosis. One hundred sixty-five (7.2%) of 2291 patients had non-diagnostic TBB showing atypical cells. Benign and malignant diagnoses were subsequently obtained in 45 (27%) and 120 (73%) patients, respectively. The leading malignancy was lung adenocarcinoma; of note, a variety of benign lesions revealed cellular atypia on pathology, in particular, chronic inflammation, tuberculosis and pneumonia. Multivariate analysis indicated lesion appearance [solid vs. others; odds ratio (OR) 7.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.94-21.40; P < 0.001] and probe position (adjacent to vs. within; OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.11-10.15; P = 0.032) were two significant factors predictive of a final diagnosis of malignancy. One out of 14 EBUS-guided TBB procedures for PPLs exhibited atypical cells on pathology. Meticulous management strategies should be formulated to deal with these instances after taking into consideration lesion appearance, probe position and patient preferences.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: Diagnostic Accuracy and Influencing Factors

A retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and the factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy of 648 procedures of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). We reviewed the histopathology results, the clinical records and the procedure reports of these 648 biopsies and the final diagnoses of 637 PPLs to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-guided PNB. Factors that influenced the diagnostic accuracy were assessed by analysis of the biopsy procedures, which were classified as diagnostic cases (true-positive and true-negative) and non-diagnostic cases (false-positive, false-negative and indeterminate). Statistical analyses of factors that related to patient demographic characteristics, lesion characteristics and biopsy details were performed to determine possible effects on diagnostic accuracy. Biopsies were successfully performed in all cases, and 11 patients underwent second biopsies for the same lesions. Among the 637 PPLs, there were 326 (51.2%) malignant lesions, 272 (42.7%) benign lesions and 39 (6.1%) indeterminate lesions. Of the 272 benign lesions, 114 (41.9%) were found to be tuberculous. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 81.8%, and the rates of hemoptysis, symptomatic pneumothorax and chest-tube insertion were 8.0%, 1.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Lesions sizes were divided into 3 groups according to the measurement by ultrasound. For lesions that measured ≤20 mm, 21–49 mm and ≥50 mm, the diagnostic accuracy was 72.0%, 86.8% and 79.7%, while sensitivity and specificity were 54.3%–79.2%, 88.3%–90.7% and 79.4%–89.5% and 77.3%–100%, 96.8%–100% and 58.6%–100%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly affected by lesion size when lesion size was measured by ultrasound (p = 0.006) and computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.001). In the 3 lesion groups of ≤20 mm, 21–49 mm or ≥50 mm, diagnostic accuracy among each group was significantly different (p < 0.001). When lesion size was measured by ultrasound (p < 0.001) and CT (p < 0.001) and the 3 groups were analyzed (p < 0.001), there was a statistically significant relationship between lesion size and the presence of necrosis. The rates of the presence of necrosis in lesions that measured ≤20 mm, 21–49 mm and ≥50 mm were 3.9%, 11.7% and 28.8%, respectively. No significance was found for age (p = 0.119), gender (p = 0.25), lesion location (p = 0.55), the presence of necrosis (p = 0.226), patient position (p = 0.25), needle size (p = 0.26), puncture angle (p = 0.34) and needle passes (p = 0.21). Ultrasound-guided PNB is an effective and safe diagnostic method for PPLs; the diagnostic accuracy is significantly affected by lesion size and decreases in smaller (≤20 mm) and larger (≥50 mm) lesions.

Virtual bronchoscopic navigation without X-ray fluoroscopy to diagnose peripheral pulmonary lesions: a randomized trial

BackgroundTransbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions is generally performed under X-ray fluoroscopy. Virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) is a method in which virtual images of the bronchial route to the lesion are produced based on CT images obtained before VBN, and the bronchoscope is guided using these virtual images, improving the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions. VBN has the possibility of eliminating the need for X-ray fluoroscopy in the bronchoscopic diagnosis of peripheral lesions. To determine whether VBN can be a substitute for X-ray fluoroscopy, a randomized multicenter trial (non-inferiority trial) was performed in VBN and X-ray fluoroscopy (XRF) -assisted groups.MethodsThe non-inferiority margin in the VBN-assisted group compared with the XRF-assisted group was set at 15%. The subjects consisted of 140 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions with a mean diameter > 3 cm. In the VBN-assisted group, the bronchoscope was guided to the lesion using a VBN system without X-ray fluoroscopy. In the XRF-assisted group, the same bronchoscope was guided to the lesion under X-ray fluoroscopy. Subsequently, in both groups, the lesion was visualized using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS/GS), and biopsy was performed. In this serial procedure, X-ray fluoroscopy was not used in the VBNA group.ResultsThe subjects of analysis consisted of 129 patients. The diagnostic yield was 76.9% (50/65) in the VBN-assisted group and 85.9% (55/64) in the XRF-assisted group. The difference in the diagnostic yield between the two groups was -9.0% (95% confidence interval: -22.3% ~ 4.3%). The non-inferiority of the VBN-assisted group could not be confirmed. The rate of visualizing lesions by EBUS was 95.4% (62/65) in the VBN-assisted group and 96.9% (62/64) in the XRF-assisted group, being high in both groups.ConclusionsOn EBUS/GS, a bronchoscope and biopsy instruments may be guided to the lesions using VBN without X-ray fluoroscopy, but X-ray fluoroscopy is necessary to improve the accuracy of sample collection from lesions. During transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions, VBN cannot be a substitute for X-ray fluoroscopy.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR (UMIN000001710); registered 16 February 2009.

Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: Initial Experience in an Indian Tertiary Healthcare Centre

Introduction : Diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodules is confusing; therefore, an accurate and safe lung biopsy can prevent unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. This study soughtto study the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (NPV and PPV) of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Materials and Methods: Patients referred to the Division of Pulmonary Medicine for evaluation of peripheral pulmonary lesions were subjected to radial probe EBUS-guided transbronchial lung biopsy under conscious sedation after reviewing positron emission tomography scan/computed tomography results. The obtained specimens were considered diagnostic when the cytological, histopathological, or microbiological diagnosis was consistent with the clinical presentations. Results: Totally, 14 procedures were performed on 13 patients with mean lesion size of 30.42 mm. Mean distance between the lesion and pleura was 1.17±0.68 cm, and the diagnostic yield of this technique was 78.57%. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, and NPV were 70% (range: 34.75 to 93.33), 100% (range: 39.76 to 100), and 57.14% (range: 18.41 to 90.10), respectively. This procedure was not associated with any major complications. Conclusion: Radial probe EBUS with satisfactory diagnostic yield and low complication rate is a promising tool for early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Experience improves the performance of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions: A learning curve at a medical centre.

BackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound(EBUS)-guided transbronchial biopsy(TBB) is the preferred diagnostic tool for peripheral pulmonary lesions(PPLs) and mastering this procedure is an important task in the training of chest physicians. Little has been published about the learning experience of physicians with this technique, particularly at an institutional level. We aimed to establish a learning curve for EBUS-guided TBB for PPLs at a medical center.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2015, consecutive patients with PPLs referred for EBUS-guided TBB at National Taiwan University Hospital were enrolled. To build the learning curve, the diagnostic yield of TBB (plus brushings and washings) was calculated and compared. Meanwhile, lesion characteristics, and procedure-related features and complications were obtained to analyze associations with TBB yield and safety profile.ResultsA total of 2144 patients were included and EBUS-guided TBB was diagnostic for 1547(72%). The TBB yield was 64% in 2008 and reached a plateau of 72% after 2010. It took approximately 400 EBUS-guided procedures to achieve stable proficiency. Further analysis showed that improvement in diagnostic yield over time was mainly observed in PPLs, in cases in which the diameter was ≤2 cm or the EBUS probe could not be positioned within. Complication rates were low, with 1.8% and 0.5% for pneumothorax and hemorrhage, respectively.ConclusionsEven though EBUS-guided TBB is an easy-to-learn technique, it takes 3 years or around 400 procedures for a medical center to achieve a better and stable performance. In particular, the diagnostic yield for lesions without the probe within or those sized ≤2 cm could improve with time.

Endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath versus computed tomography guided transthoracic needle biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions: a propensity score matched analysis.

Computed tomography guided transthoracic needle aspiration (CT-TTNA) and endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath (EBUS-GS) transbronchial lung biopsy are important methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). Without enough evidence, it is controversial which is a better choice for diagnosing PPLs. In this study, we hypothesized that the complication rate of EBUS-GS would be lower than CT-TTNA and the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-GS were not inferior to CT-TTNA. This study was a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry with propensity matching. Patients with PPLs were divided into EBUS-GS group and CT-TTNA group according to patients' intent to treatment. Pathological results and procedure related complications of EBUS-GS and CT-TTNA were recorded. Propensity score matching(PSM) was used to eliminate the intergroup bias. Diagnostic yields and complications of two groups were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed to conclude the indications of different procedures. A total of 187 patients (CT-TTNA: 130; EBUS-GS: 57) were enrolled. After propensity score matching, 54 paired patients were included. Diagnostic yield was 81% (44/54) for EBUS-GS and 87% (47/54) for CT-TTNA (P=0.43), respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity in malignancy was 93% (42/45) for CT-TTNA and 79% (37/47) for EUBS-GS (P=0.04). Subgroup analysis revealed that the sensitivity of CT-TTNA was significantly higher in diagnosing of lesions close to the chest wall (100% vs. 80%, P=0.04), and bronchus sign on CT was a predictive factor for accurate diagnosis by EBUS-GS. The overall complication rate was 13% (7/54) for CT-TTNA group, which was not significantly higher than that of EBUS-GS group (2%, P=0.06). Subgroup analysis showed that patients combined with pulmonary comorbidities and lesions apart from chest wall were risk factors for complications of CT-TTNA. Both of the two procedures are effective for the diagnosis of PPLs, but CT-TTNA has a higher diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy. EBUS-GS has fewer complications, and it is more suitable for patients combined with pulmonary comorbidities and lesions with bronchus signs.