Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Research Articles

Meta-analysis and systematic review of mediastinal cryobiopsy versus endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of intrathoracic adenopathy.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided mediastinal/hilar cryobiopsy (MedCryoBx) is a relatively new modality, being combined with EBUS-transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) to improve yield in the diagnosis of intrathoracic adenopathy. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the diagnostic yield of MedCryoBx versus EBUS-TBNA for intrathoracic adenopathy. We conducted a systematic search using Google Scholar, Embase, and PubMed/MEDLINE for studies about a diagnosis of intrathoracic adenopathy using MedCryoBx and EBUS-TBNA. Two authors separately reviewed studies for inherent bias using the Quality Assessment Data Abstraction and Synthesis-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Inverse Variance weighting for random effects methodology was used for meta-analysis. Pooled diagnostic yields overall and for subgroups were estimated. Complications of MedCryoBx were reviewed. Ten studies with 844 patients undergoing either biopsy procedure were in the final analysis. A total of 554 patients underwent MedCryoBx and 704 patients EBUS-TBNA. Meta-analysis showed a pooled diagnostic yield of 91% (504 of 554) for MedCryoBx and 81% (567 of 704) for EBUS-TBNA, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6 to 3.91; P<0.001], with I2 of 20%. Subgroup analysis for benign conditions showed increased diagnostic yield with OR of 7.95 (91% MedCryoBx versus 58% EBUS-TBNA, P<0.001) with an I2 of 25%. Subgroup analysis for lymphoma showed a statistically significant increase in pooled diagnostic yield with OR of 11.48 (87% MedCryoBx versus 29% EBUS-TBNA, P=0.001). Mild bleeding (36.5%) without any intervention was the most common complication. Bleeding requiring intervention (0.7%) was noted in patients. Pneumothorax (0.4%) and pneumomediastinum (0.4%) were less common in this analysis. MedCryoBx is a very promising tool for the diagnosis of intrathoracic adenopathy. It has improved diagnostic yield over EBUS-TBNA in benign and possibly lymphoproliferative diseases, but less so in lung cancer. The complication rates with MedCryoBx are comparable to EBUS-TBNA.

Contribution of combined use of different ultrasound modes to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes.

To determine the contribution to diagnostic rates of the evaluation of the sonographic characteristics of lymph nodes with EBUS together with vascularity. In the present study, patients who underwent the Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedure were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were classified as benign or malignant by using the sonographic features of EBUS. EBUS-Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA) confirmed histopathologically with lymph node dissection or in cases where no disease progression was observed clinically or radiologically in at least 6 months of follow-up. Malignant lymph node diagnosis was based on histological examination. Evaluation was made of 165 patients comprising 122 (73.9%) males and 43 (26.1%) females with a mean age of 62.0 ± 10.7 years. Malignant disease was diagnosed in 89 (53.9%) cases and benign disease in 76 (46.1%) cases. The success level of the model was seen to be approximately 87%. The Nagelkerke R 2 value was calculated as 0.401. The probability of malignancy increased 3.86-fold (95% CI: 2.61-5.11) in lesions of diameter ≥20 mm compared to lesions <20 mm, 2.58-fold (95% CI: 1.48-3.68) in lesions not determined with central hilar structure (CHS) compared to those determined with CHS, 6.85-fold (95% CI: 4.67-9.03) in lymph nodes observed with necrosis compared to those without necrosis, and 1.51-fold (95% CI: 0.41-2.61) in lymph nodes with a vascular pattern (VP) score of 2-3 compared to those with a VP score of 0-1. Visualization of coagulation necrosis with EBUS-B mode and the determination of VP 2-3 in power Doppler mode were seen to be the most important criteria of malignancy.

F-18 FDG PET/CT findings of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy in EBUS-TBNA-proven anthracosis.

Anthracosis is a kind of pneumoconiosis that may cause parenchymal and bronchiolar injury and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. In this study, we aimed to investigate F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) findings of patients who had anthracosis diagnosis with endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS). The patients who underwent EBUS-transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and were diagnosed with anthracosis in a five year period were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery/ radiological stability. Demographic characteristics such as age, sex, smoking status, and occupational and environmental exposures were recorded. The characteristics: diameter (short axis), shape, central hilar structure, necrosis sign, echogenicity, and margins measured by EBUS, and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max value) by PET/CT of the lymph node stations were evaluated. One hundred thirty-three patients with 239 lymph node stations were investigated. Biomass exposure was detected in nearly half of the patients (n= 55, 41.4%) and occupational exposure was detected in 32 (24.1%) patients. Eighty-six (64.7%) patients had more than 20 packs/years of smoking history. Most of the lymph nodes (80.8%) have a higher PET/CT SUV max value than 2.5. The mean diameter of the lymph nodes measured by thorax CT (16.2 ± 6.5 mm) and EBUS (12.7 ± 5.6 mm) did not show any difference according to PET/CT SUV max value of ≥2.5 or not (p> 0.05). Subcarinal lymph nodes were significantly larger than the other lymph node stations. The lymph nodes with necrosis sign (p= 0.028), absence of central hilar structure (p= 0.013), and heterogeneous echogenicity (p= 0.008) were statistically significantly related to higher SUV max value. Anthracosis should be considered as a cause of false-positive PET/CT results for mediastinal lymph nodes, especially in patients with a history of occupational and environmental exposure including biomass and smoking.

Learning curves and association of pathologist’s performance with the diagnostic accuracy of linear endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): a cohort study in a tertiary care reference centre

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the learning curves and the influence of the pathologist’s performance on the endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration’s (EBUS-TBNA’s) diagnostic accuracy in a real-world study.Design/settingCohort study conducted...

RAPID GROWTH OF GRANULATION TISSUE: A RARE CAUSE OF STRIDOR

RAPID GROWTH OF GRANULATION TISSUE: A RARE CAUSE OF STRIDOR

Preclinical feasibility of bronchoscopic fluorescence-guided lung sentinel lymph node mapping

ObjectiveLung sentinel lymph node mapping, where peritumorally injected material is tracked through the lymphatics, aims to find the first potential sites of nodal metastasis. We sought to evaluate the preclinical feasibility of bronchoscopic fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node mapping. MethodsHealthy Yorkshire pigs were used; sentinel lymph node mapping was performed with indocyanine green. The primary fluorescence imaging method was an ultrathin composite fiberscope placed in the bronchoscope working channel. Secondary methods used a fluorescence thoracoscope placed in the trachea (rigid bronchoscopy) and pretracheal fascial plane (mediastinoscopy) to validate ultrathin composite fiberscope settings for sentinel lymph node detection. A tracheostomy was created, and the pig was placed in a lateral decubitus position. Transbronchial intraparenchymal indocyanine green injection was performed primarily in the right lower lobe. Ultrathin composite fiberscope and rigid bronchoscopy were performed with (n = 6) or without (n = 2) mediastinoscopy, with the former group guiding dose and ultrathin composite fiberscope optimization. Fluorescent targets were interrogated by endobronchial ultrasound before ultrathin composite fiberscope–guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Specimen fluorescence was documented before creating cytological smears. Pigs were killed postprocedure for nodal dissection. ResultsA total of 100 μL of 10 mg/mL indocyanine green generated strong transbronchial fluorescence with low risk of indocyanine green contamination. Fluorescence was detectable by 10 minutes postinjection. There was concordance among ultrathin composite fiberscope, rigid bronchoscopy, and mediastinoscopy. Except for 1 pig with airway contamination, ultrathin composite fiberscope–guided endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration obtained fluorescent material in all pigs. Specimen fluorescence was associated with specimen adequacy. ConclusionsBronchoscopic fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node mapping was feasible, with specimen fluorescence providing real-time feedback on sentinel lymph node biopsy success. If translated to clinical practice, attention must be paid to minimizing indocyanine green leakage.

Rapid On-site Evaluation Practice Variability Appraisal (ROSE PETAL) survey.

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is frequently used during diagnostic procedures in patients with or suspected to have lung cancer. There is variation in ROSE use among bronchoscopists, and discussion of ROSE results can have significant consequences for patients. This study was performed to define ROSE practice and result disclosure patterns among bronchoscopists. This cross-sectional study was performed using an electronic survey disseminated to the members of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and the Society for Advanced Bronchoscopy. The questions centered around ROSE availability, utilization, barriers, and discussion of results with patients. There were 137 respondents. Most identified themselves as interventional pulmonologists (109, 80%); most respondents worked in an academic setting (71, 52%). Availability of ROSE was reported by 121 (88%) respondents. Time constraints (28%), availability of cytology (22%), and scheduling conflicts (20%) were the most reported barriers to ROSE use. Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (85%) and nonrobotic peripheral bronchoscopy (65%) were the most reported procedures that used ROSE. There was heterogeneity regarding discussion of ROSE results with the patient or their caregiver in the immediate postprocedure setting: yes - always (40, 33%), yes - sometimes (32, 26%), yes - rarely (18, 15%), or no (31, 26%). Thirty-eight respondents reported they believed ROSE was ≥90% concordant with final cytology results. The results confirmed the heterogeneity of practice patterns. Estimates of ROSE-final cytology concordance were lower than previously published concordance results. Notably, the discussion of ROSE results varied significantly.

Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment in Patients Underwent Endobronchial Ultrasound-Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Objectives Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been recognized as the first method of choice in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lesions. Although the procedure is commonly used, there is no study assessing its contribution to the duration required for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent of diagnosis and treatment delays when using the EBUS-TBNA procedure and to address the possible factors contributing to these delays. Materials and Methods The demographic data, pathological diagnosis, need for additional procedures, symptoms, presenting complaints, and the time until the beginning of treatment were recorded retrospectively in all patients who had undergone EBUS-TBNA. Results A total of 134 patients (mean age 60.7 ± 12 years, M/F: 78/56) were included. Delay of the patients was found in 60.4% (n = 81), delayed referral in 35.8% (n = 48), diagnosis delays in 84.3% (n = 113), treatment delays in 38.8% (n = 52), and total delay in 73.1% (n = 98) of the patients. A statistically significant association was found between referral delay and total delay with age groups (p=0.006) and between patient delay and the presence of symptoms (p=0.027). EBUS-TBNA was found to have the lowest effect among all delay parameters (β: 0.104, p < 0.001) in the regression analysis. When diagnosis times' subgroups were compared, EBUS-TBNA was found to have the least effect (correlation coefficient: 0.134, p=0.004). Conclusion We found that approximately ¾ of the patients had a delay and this is not acceptable in real terms. Considering that the patient burden is increasing day by day, it is necessary to make a radical change in health care or a change in strategy in order to prevent delays. EBUS-TBNA, which is in the diagnosis delay subgroup, is less invasive and accelerates the process.

Cervical mediastinoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality. It ranks first in the incidence of cancer in the world. According to the European Association of Oncologists, the annual incidence of lung cancer is increasing with every passing year and amounts to about 1.8 million new cases worldwide. Men have a higher prevalence of lung cancer (33.8 per 100,000) than their female counterparts (13.5 per 100,000). In most cases, it is diagnosed at an advanced stage (III — IV), which is characterised by mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Early detection of lung cancer allows seeking early treatment. Lung cancer screening is used to find a tumour and/or lung cancer metastasis, determine its location and size as well as its morphological verification.&#x0D; Objective — to define the most accurate invasive and non‑invasive methods of verification and diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and improve diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer through the extensive use of cervical mediastinoscopy and creation of an algorithm for its optimal use.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 146 patients. A wide range of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic (Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‑TBNA), Cervical Mediastinoscopy (CM)), radiographical (Computed tomography (CT), Positron emission tomography (PET)), morphological, immunohistochemical and statistical methods were used. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistics for Windows Version 10.0 (Stat Soft Inc., USA).&#x0D; Results. The study involved 146 patients who underwent screening for mediastinal lymphadenopathy using mediastinoscopy. According to the laboratory findings, 98 patients had lung cancer. The rest of the cases were presented by other pathologies. Colorectal and stomach cancers were most commonly seen. In one case, the patient had a comorbidity, a combination of lung cancer and colorectal cancer.&#x0D; Conclusions. Mediastinoscopy is the most effective diagnostic method for mediastinal lymphadenopathy, especially in lung cancer.

Mediastinal "deep freeze"-transcarinal lymph node cryobiopsy.

BackgroundThe diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) from mediastinal lymph nodes ranges from 66%–89%. However, in many cases cytologic material is not sufficient for full molecular evaluation. A novel method of transcarinal cryobiopsy aims to provide bronchoscopically obtained, larger specimen samples from mediastinal lymph nodes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of transcarinal EBUS‐guided lymph node cryobiopsy.MethodsPatients referred for EBUS‐TBNA, based on abnormal mediastinal clinical and radiographic findings, were enrolled into this prospective interventional study between July 2020 and August 2021. All EBUS‐TBNA procedures were performed using ProCore 22G needle (Cook Medical) to create, both a transcarinal tract for the cryoprobe and to obtain TBNA samples. For EBUS guided transcarinal cryobiopsy, we used flexible 1.1 mm or 1.7 mm cryoprobe inserted into the working channel of the EBUS scope and into the target subcarinal lymph node.ResultsTwenty‐four patients with male predominance 2:1 and mean age of 60.12 ± 10.16 years were enrolled. All target lymph nodes had hypoechoic, homogenic consistency with demarcated borders, without central structures. Cryobiopsy provided pathological diagnosis in 20 cases (83.33%), with 1.1 mm cryoprobe in 14 and with 1.7 mm cryoprobe in 6 cases. In one case each, pathology was provided by TBNA or by cryoprobe alone. No immediate or late complications were encountered during the procedures.ConclusionTranscarinal EBUS guided lymph node cryobiopsy following EBUS‐TBNA proved to be efficient with a high diagnostic yield and can be considered safe, because no immediate or late complications occurred.

Evaluation of lung cancer biomarkers profile for the decision of targeted therapy in EBUS-TBNA cytological samples.

Guidelines recommend performing biomarker tests for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), BRAF and ROS proto-oncogene-1(ROS1) genes and protein expression of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1) in patients with non-small lung cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Studies reported that endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can provide sufficient material for cancer biomarker analyses, but there are still concerns about the subject. The purpose of the study was to assess the adequacy of EBUS-TBNA for testing lung cancer biomarkers. We retrospectively reviewed patients with NSCLC whose EBUS-TBNA was analysed for EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, BRAF and PD-L1 expression between December 2011 and December 2020. A total of 394 patients were enrolled in the study. EGFR mutation and ALK fusion were the most common studied biomarkers. EBUS-TBNA adequacy rate for biomarker tests was found 99.0% for EGFR, 99.1 for ALK, 97.2% for ROS1, 100% for BRAF and 99.3% for PD-L1 testing. Multivariate analysis revealed the histological type, history of treatment for NSCL, size, or 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake of sampled lesion did not show any association with TBNA adequacy for biomarker testing. EBUS-TBNA can provide adequate material for biomarker testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, BRAF and PD-L1 expression.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the adequacy of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration for next-generation sequencing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

ObjectivesNext-generation sequencing (NGS) is able to identify targetable mutations to guide therapy and endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) offers a potential route to routinely obtain specimens for analysis. However, the suitability of EBUS-TBNA samples for NGS remains uncertain. Materials & methodsA search was conducted from inception till 28th August 2020. Pooled proportion of adequate EBUS-TBNA samples for NGS was obtained based on binomial distribution with Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. meta-analysis of means was conducted to determine mean weight of DNA extracted from EBUS-TBNA samples. meta-regression was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. The random-effects model was used for all analyses to account for variation between studies. ResultsTwenty-one studies comprising 1,175 patients were included. The pooled proportion of adequate EBUS-TBNA samples for NGS (yield) was 86.5% (95%-CI: 80.9% to 91.4%). Pooled mean weight of DNA extracted from EBUS-TBNA samples was 868.7 ng (95%-CI: 446.3 ng to 1291.1 ng). However, considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 84.0%, 97.1%) was found. Meta-regression with a mixed-effects negative exponential model showed an increased proportion of adequate EBUS-TBNA samples for NGS as mean number of passes increases (β = 0.495, 95%-CI 0.313 to 0.676, P < 0.001). Modelled yield rates were 77.3%, 86.2%, 91.6% and 94.9% at mean passes of 3, 4, 5 & 6 respectively. ConclusionEBUS-TBNA was associated with a high yield for NGS and the success of EBUS-TBNA sampling for NGS was proportional to the number of passes.

Developing a simulation-based training curriculum in transesophageal ultrasound with the use of the endobronchial ultrasound-endoscope

There is an increasing need to focus on how best to train respiratory physicians to perform EUS with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-B-FNA). At current, training is mostly performed in the clinical environment under expert supervision; however, the advent of simulation-based education now provides a low-risk setting for novice trainees to learn and practice basic endosonography skills from identifying and understanding normal anatomy as well as pathology, maneuvering of endoscope, interpretation of images, and mastering of sampling techniques. In this descriptive educational paper, we used a six-step approach as a framework to describe the development of a structured training program combining EUS-B-FNA with the already well-established certification training program in endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. This comprehensive training curriculum includes a theoretical course to achieve foundational knowledge, followed by simulation-based training until mastery standards are met, and supervised clinical apprenticeship. All steps should end with an objective assessment to achieve certification. This systematic development will hopefully encourage endosonography leaders and educators to collaborate and implement an evidence-based comprehensive endosonography curriculum that aims to provide the trainee with the essential EUS-B competencies to ensure that lung cancer patients are diagnosed and staged correctly.

Developing a simulation-based training curriculum in transesophageal ultrasound with the use of the endobronchial ultrasound-endoscope.

ABSTRACTThere is an increasing need to focus on how best to train respiratory physicians to perform EUS with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-B-FNA). At current, training is mostly performed in the clinical environment under expert supervision; however, the advent of simulation-based education now provides a low-risk setting for novice trainees to learn and practice basic endosonography skills from identifying and understanding normal anatomy as well as pathology, maneuvering of endoscope, interpretation of images, and mastering of sampling techniques. In this descriptive educational paper, we used a six-step approach as a framework to describe the development of a structured training program combining EUS-B-FNA with the already well-established certification training program in endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. This comprehensive training curriculum includes a theoretical course to achieve foundational knowledge, followed by simulation-based training until mastery standards are met, and supervised clinical apprenticeship. All steps should end with an objective assessment to achieve certification. This systematic development will hopefully encourage endosonography leaders and educators to collaborate and implement an evidence-based comprehensive endosonography curriculum that aims to provide the trainee with the essential EUS-B competencies to ensure that lung cancer patients are diagnosed and staged correctly.

EBUS versus EUS-B for diagnosing sarcoidosis: The International Sarcoidosis Assessment (ISA) randomized clinical trial.

Background and objectiveEndosonography with intrathoracic nodal sampling is proposed as the single test with the highest granuloma detection rate in suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II. However, most studies have been performed in limited geographical regions. Studies suggest that oesophageal endosonographic nodal sampling has higher diagnostic yield than endobronchial endosonographic nodal sampling, but a head‐to‐head comparison of both routes has never been performed.MethodsGlobal (14 hospitals, nine countries, four continents) randomized clinical trial was conducted in consecutive patients with suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II presenting between May 2015 and August 2017. Using an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scope, patients were randomized to EBUS or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐B‐guided nodal sampling, and to 22‐ or 25‐G ProCore needle aspiration (2 × 2 factorial design). Granuloma detection rate was the primary study endpoint. Final diagnosis was based on cytology/pathology outcomes and clinical/radiological follow‐up at 6 months.ResultsA total of 358 patients were randomized: 185 patients to EBUS‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and 173 to EUS‐B‐fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Final diagnosis was sarcoidosis in 306 patients (86%). Granuloma detection rate was 70% (130/185; 95% CI, 63–76) for EBUS‐TBNA and 68% (118/173; 95% CI, 61–75) for EUS‐B‐FNA (p = 0.67). Sensitivity for diagnosing sarcoidosis was 78% (129/165; 95% CI, 71–84) for EBUS‐TBNA and 82% (115/141; 95% CI, 74–87) for EUS‐B‐FNA (p = 0.46). There was no significant difference between the two needle types in granuloma detection rate or sensitivity.ConclusionGranuloma detection rate of mediastinal/hilar nodes by endosonography in patients with suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II is high and similar for EBUS and EUS‐B. These findings imply that both diagnostic tests can be safely and universally used in suspected sarcoidosis patients.

Is endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) reliable and safe procedure in geriatric patients?

Even though studies have indicated the usefulness and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), elderly patient data are limited due to the small sample sizes. We aimed to evaluate usage and safety of EBUS-TBNA in elderly population. This single-center retrospective study was conducted with patients who underwent an EBUS-TBNA procedure between September 2011 and December 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups: those aged 65years or older (elderly group) and those younger than 65years (younger group). 2444 patient data, 1069 of which were in the elderly group, were analyzed. The cytological examination of EBUS-TBNA identified specimen adequacy in 96.8% of patients. One hundred and thirty patients (5.3%) experienced complications, with similar complication rates recorded in both the elderly and younger groups (5.4% vs 5.2%, p: 0.836). Logistic regression analyses revealed that age, and presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and malignancy are associated significantly with complication-related EBUS-TBNA. For the lymph nodes with a final diagnosis of malignancy, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of EBUS-TBNA revealed a diagnostic performance in excess of 90% except for metastasis and lymphoma. EBUS-TBNA can be considered a safe and effective technique in patients aged 65years and over.

Utility of EBUS-TBNA in diagnosing mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis in East London

To characterise and describe the diagnostic utility of Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in intrathoracic tuberculosis in a cohort of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknown aetiology. Consecutive patientswith intrathoracic lymphadenopathy undergoing EBUS-TBNA between 2012 and 2016 were identified. Demographic data, biopsy cytopathology and mycobacteriology results, HIV and vitamin D status, susceptibility resultsand final diagnoses were recorded. Pre- and post-procedure probability scores were assigned to each case to reflect the probabilityof tuberculosis. 315 cases were identified; 54 (17.1%) had tuberculosis and 261 (82.9%) had a non-tuberculosis diagnosis. amongst TB cases, thesensitivity of EBUS-TBNA was59.3%(95% CI 45.06-72.14),specificity 100%(95% CI 98.19-100) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was92.23% (95% CI 88.31-94.95).19/54 (35%) TB cases were confirmed by EBUS mycobacterial culture and 13/54 (24.1%) bycytopathology. 33 (61.1%)of the TB cases, had a low to medium pre-test probability score assigned prior to EBUS-TBNA.Amongst EBUS culture-confirmed cases, we found a resistance rate of 10.5% to one or more first line TB drugs, with one case of multi-drug resistant TB. We confirmed the utility of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of intrathoracic tuberculosis in an undifferentiated cohort of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknown aetiology and advocate sending samples for mycobacterial culture in all cases in high tuberculosis incidence areas.

EFFECT OF NEEDLE SIZE ON DIAGNOSTIC SENSITIVITY OF ENDOBRONCHIAL ULTRASOUND-TRANSBRONCHIAL NEEDLE ASPIRATION IN SARCOIDOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

TOPIC: Procedures TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation that most commonly involves the lungs. Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become an invaluable tool in the assessment of patients with mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy. It has been hypothesized that use of the larger 19-gauge (G) needle with EBUS-TBNA improves diagnostic sensitivity in sarcoidosis. However, it is unclear whether the existing literature supports this supposition. METHODS: A literature search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was performed by two reviewers. Included articles were evaluated for bias using the QUADAS-2 tool. For quantitative analysis, we performed a meta-analysis using a binary random-effects model to determine pooled sensitivity. Subgroup analysis was performed based on needle size, use of ROSE, study design, and prevalence of sarcoidosis in study group. RESULTS: Sixty-five studies with a total of 4242 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall pooled sensitivity for diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 83.99% (95% CI 81.22 – 86.53) among all studies. The 19G subgroup had a significantly higher sensitivity (93.73%; 95% CI 89.72% – 97.74%; I2 0.00%; p<0.01) compared to 21G subgroup (78.52%; 95% CI 66.89% – 90.15%; I2 93.05%), 22G subgroup (84.07%; 95% CI 80.90% - 87.24%; I2 85.21%) or unspecified 21G/22G subgroup (78.85%; 95% CI 70.81% - 86.90%; I2 84.47%). There were no significant differences with use of ROSE, prevalence of sarcoidosis or by study design. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 19G needles during EBUS-TBNA appears to improve diagnostic sensitivity for sarcoidosis compared to 21G and 22G needles. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of 19G needles during EBUS-TBNA should be considered in patients with suspected sarcoidosis. Further primary studies in 19G needle use is recommended for any indication. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Kayvan Amjadi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Alex Chee, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Inderdeep Dhaliwal, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Stephanie Hinton, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Alla Iansavitchene, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shayan Kassirian, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Michael Mitchell, source=Web Response

PORCELAIN PLEURA: A RARE CASE OF METASTATIC CHONDROSARCOMA WITH EXTENSIVE PLEURAL CALCIFICATION

TOPIC: Disorders of the Pleura TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Calcified pleural lesions have both benign and malignant etiologies. Benign lesions can originate from previous trauma, prior pleural infections, hemothorax, or asbestos exposures, and are often focal and limited1,2. Malignant lesions often involve metastatic disease from mesenchymal tumor origin, such as osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or mesothelioma1,3. We describe a case of a patient with metastatic chondrosarcoma manifesting with extensive calcification of the parietal and visceral pleura. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67 year old man was referred to pulmonary for a new subcarinal soft tissue mass on chest CT. He had been previously diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in 2016 and underwent treatment via a radical right proximal humerus excision and shoulder arthroplasty, with final pathology revealing grade 2 conventional chondrosarcoma, mixed hyaline and myxoid, without metastatic foci.Screening chest CT in 2020 noted a new, partially calcified subcarinal soft tissue mass and adjacent lymphadenopathy with moderate hypermetabolism on a positron emission tomography scan (PET/CT). Bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) subcarinal lymph node and adjacent posterior mass confirmed metastatic disease.He subsequently developed rapidly progressive dyspnea on exertion over the following month. Repeat chest CT revealed extensive development of circumferential nodularity and calcification of the right visceral and parietal pleura with a large pleural effusion. Thoracentesis improved dyspnea despite limited reexpansion of the lung and noted loculation of the effusion. Pleuroscopic evaluation of the complicated space was undertaken to remove loculations and optimize placement of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) for his malignant effusion. Despite difficulty with trocar insertion into the calcified pleural space, placement of the IPC was successful with improvement in his dyspnea. DISCUSSION: Metastatic pleural involvement of chondrosarcoma is rare, and can occur in the setting of direct extension in locoregional disease or hematogenous spread from other sites of primary involvement. Metastatic disease has been noted to be more prevalent in the dedifferentiated and mesenchymal subtypes4. Manifestations of metastatic pleural involvement are typically pleural calcifications that can be profound in the rapid evolution and extent of calcified involvement. Management is often palliative, as in this case, with drainage of any associated pleural effusions and attempts to mitigate accompanying dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: This case of metastatic chondrosarcoma with extensive visceral and parietal pleural involvement is rare and infrequently noted in the literature. Palliative management with thoracentesis and IPC placement was complicated by the pervasive pleural calcification that prevented ultrasound imaging and made access to the pleural space difficult and dangerous. REFERENCE #1: Sureka B, Thukral BB, Mittal MK, Mittal A, Sinha M. Radiological review of pleural tumors. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2013;23(4):313-320 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Robert Browning, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support Removed 04/29/2021 by Robert Browning, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Robert Browning, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Removed 04/29/2021 by Robert Browning, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Robert Browning, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee Removed 04/29/2021 by Robert Browning, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sean McKay, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Philip Mullenix, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Caitlin Nickens, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by John Shumar, source=Web Response

Comparing diagnostic sensitivity of different needle sizes for lymph nodes suspected of lung cancer in endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for evaluating hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. The reported sensitivity and specificity of EBUS-TBNA are 95% and 97%, respectively. A comparison of diagnostic sensitivity for lymph nodes suspected of lung cancer according to needle size in EBUS-TBNA is needed. To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the 19-G, 21-G, 22-G and 25-G needles for lymph nodes suspected of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using EBUS-TBNA. A literature search from PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, DOAJ and CENTRAL through October 2020 was performed by two reviewers. The extracted data were evaluated using STATA® and Open Meta Analyst software for meta-analysis with a binary method model to compare sensitivity, specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic curve for each needle size. Fourteen studies including 1296 participants were considered for the analysis. The overall sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA was 88.2% (95% CI 84%, 91%) and 93% (95% CI 88%, 95%) for the 19-G needle, 87.6% (95% CI 79.6%, 92.8%) for the 21-G needle and 85% (95% CI 80%, 88%) for the 22-G needle. The overall sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosing NSCLC was 88.3% (95% CI, 81%, 93%) and 92.9% (95% CI, 85%, 97%) for the 19-G needle, 89.4% (95% CI 79.4%, 94.8%) for the 21-G needle and 82.1% (95% CI 66%, 91%) for the 22-G needle. The 19-G, 21-G and 22-G needles present a similarly high diagnostic sensitivity in EBUS-TBNA. The 19-G needle provided better sample adequacy for molecular and immunohistochemical testing, improving diagnostic yield in this subgroup.