Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Research Articles

Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration: effectiveness and accuracy in non-small cell lung cancer staging.

Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has a cardinal role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing an accurate nodal staging in a less invasive way than surgical biopsy. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in the pre-operative NSCLC mediastinal staging, as well as to evaluate EBUS-TBNA specificity and sensibility in our cohort. We retrospectively analyzed data of NSCLC patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA followed by major pulmonary resection between January 2020 and December 2022. EBUS-TBNA was performed in patients with NSCLC (central T ≤ 3cm, peripheral/central T > 3cm), following the ESTS guidelines. The target nodes were selected on the basis of their radiologic/metabolic characteristics. Each procedure was conducted together with rapid on-site cytological evaluation (ROSE). Twenty-five patients were included (M/F = 17/8). At least three needle passages on each target lymph node were performed. No complications during or after the procedures occurred. We found a 100% correspondence between ROSE on the sampled nodes and postoperative pathologic findings. An upstaging occurred in three cases (12%) because of the involvement of stations 5 and 6 (not accessible via EBUS), while the only case of downstaging (N2 → N0, 4%) was probably due to intercurrent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In all cases, EBUS-TBNA has proved to achieve a diagnostic procedure on the target nodes. EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective procedure that offers high sensitivity and specificity when performed together with ROSE, which improves the accuracy of sampling. Doubt on nodal stations 5 and 6 involvement should be settled by other techniques.

Is High-Flow Nasal Oxygenation a Game Changer in Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration?: A pilot study.

This study aimed to compare the high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and supraglottic airway device (SAD) techniques in oncological patients undergoing endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) to evaluate the efficacy of HFNO in them. This pilot study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, Muscat, Oman, from May 2022 to March 2023. Patients undergoing EBUS TBNA under moderate sedation were quasi-randomised into the HFNO and SAD groups. The episodes and duration of hypoxia and the lowest level of oxygen saturation were the primary outcomes measured. A total of 24 patients were included in the study (10 of them were in the HFNO group and 14 were in the SAD group), with an equal number of males and females. The duration of the procedure in both groups was similar (45 ± 20 and 44 ± 17 minutes in the HFNO and SAD groups, respectively). The mean lowest oxygen saturation in the HFNO group was 93.5 ± 4.5%, which was significantly higher than that of the SAD group (90 ± 3%; P <0.001). In both groups, maximum hypoxia occurred during the early phase of the procedure. However, the HFNO and SAD groups were similar in terms of the cumulative duration of hypotension (140 versus 95 seconds, respectively) and bradycardia (25 versus 40 seconds, respectively). HFNO is a good alternative to SAD and could be used safely and efficiently in patients undergoing EBUS TBNA.

Molecular analysis of endobronchial ultrasound needle aspirates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Results from the SCOPE database.

Molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with advanced disease. This study aimed to examine whether samples from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of intrathoracic lymph nodes and/or lung lesions are adequate for molecular analysis across various institutions. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of linear EBUS-TBNA with a final bronchoscopic diagnosis of NSCLC entered in the Stather Canadian Outcomes registry for chest ProcEdures database. The primary outcome was specimen inadequacy rate for each molecular target, as defined by the local laboratory or pathologist. A total of 866 EBUS-TBNA procedures for NSCLC were identified. Specimen inadequacy rates were 3.8% for EGFR, 2.5% for ALK-1 and 3.5% for PD-L1. Largest target size was not different between adequate and inadequate specimens, and rapid onsite evaluation did not increase specimen adequacy rates. One centre using next-generation sequencing for EGFR had lower adequacy rates than 2 others using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry. EBUS-TBNA specimens have a very low-specimen inadequacy rate for molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer.

Comparative yield of transbronchial cryo-nodal biopsy, transbronchial intra-nodal forceps biopsy, and transbronchial needle aspiration for mediastinal lesions at a tertiary care center in India (COLD-FORCEPS study).

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided mediastinal cryobiopsy, and intranodal forceps biopsy are newer modalities for sampling mediastinal lymph nodes. The data regarding the diagnostic yield of both modalities is scarce. Patients were recruited retrospectively from our existing database. Patients who had undergone both an EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and an intranodal forceps biopsy were enrolled in the study. The final diagnosis was made with a clinical-pathological-radiological assessment and clinico-radiological follow-up after one month. A total of 34 patients were enrolled in the study who had undergone both EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and intranodal forceps biopsy and had complete data available, including 1-month follow-up data. The sample adequacy rate of EBUS-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), EBUS-TBNA with mediastinal cryobiopsy, and EBUS-TBNA with intranodal forceps biopsy was 94.11%, 97.05%, and 94.11%, respectively (p=0.56). The diagnostic yield achieved in EBUS-TBNA, EBUS-TBNA with mediastinal cryobiopsy, and EBUS-TBNA with intranodal forceps biopsy was 73.52%, 82.35%, and 79.41%, respectively (p=0.38). No major complications were seen in any patient. To conclude, adding EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and intranodal forceps biopsy to EBUS-TBNA may not be superior to routine EBUS-TBNA.

[Cytology Smears of Rapid On-site Evaluation as Supplemental Material 
for Molecular Testing of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer].

The thoracic small biopsy sampling procedure including transbronchial forceps lung biopsy (TBLB) and endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can be accompanied by rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of sample material to provide immediate feedback for the proceduralist. The present study aims to investigate the supplemental effect of ROSE smear samples for lung cancer molecular test. In a retrospective study, 308 patients admitted to our hospital from August 2020 to December 2022 undergoing diagnostic TBLB and EBUS-TBNA with ROSE and subsequently diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed. The matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE) tissue section and ROSE smears for tumor cellularity were compared. DNA yields of smears were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed on adequate smear samples. ROSE smear samples were enriched in tumor cells. Among 308 biopsy samples, 78 cases (25.3%) exhibited inadequate FFPE tissue sections, whereas 44 cases (14.3%) yielded adequate smear samples. Somatic mutations detected in the FFPE tissue section samples were also detected in the matching adequate smear sample. ROSE smear samples of the thoracic small biopsies are beneficial supplemental materials for ancillary testing of lung cancer. Combined use of cytology smear samples with traditional FFPE section samples can enhance the detection rate of informative mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC. We recommend that the laboratory could further evaluate the ROSE cell smears of the patient when FFPE tissue sections are inadequate, and that adequate cell smears can be used as a supplemental source for the molecular testing of NSCLC.

Discrepancies in tumor mutation burden reporting from sequential endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration samples within single lymph node stations - brief report.

Tumour Mutation Burden (TMB) is a potential biomarker for immune cancer therapies. Here we investigated parameters that might affect TMB using duplicate cytology smears obtained from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS TBNA)-sampled malignant lymph nodes. Individual Diff-Quik cytology smears were prepared for each needle pass. DNA extracted from each smear underwent sequencing using large gene panel (TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500 - Illumina)). TMB was estimated using the TSO500 Local App v. 2.0 (Illumina). Twenty patients had two or more Diff-Quik smears (total 45 smears) which passed sequencing quality control. Average smear TMB was 8.7 ± 5.0 mutations per megabase (Mb). Sixteen of the 20 patients had paired samples with minimal differences in TMB score (average difference 1.3 ± 0.85). Paired samples from 13 patients had concordant TMB (scores below or above a threshold of 10 mutations/Mb). Markedly discrepant TMB was observed in four cases, with an average difference of 11.3 ± 2.7 mutations/Mb. Factors affecting TMB calling included sample tumour content, the amount of DNA used in sequencing, and bone fide heterogeneity of node tumour between paired samples. TMB assessment is feasible from EBUS-TBNA smears from a single needle pass. Repeated samples of a lymph node station have minimal variation in TMB in most cases. However, this novel data shows how tumour content and minor change in site of node sampling can impact TMB. Further study is needed on whether all node aspirates should be combined in 1 sample, or whether testing independent nodes using smears is needed.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnostic and staging purposes: a narrative review.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) is a feasible and well-tolerated modality that is increasingly used to diagnose intrathoracic lesions. This narrative review summarizes the current application of EUS-B-FNA for diagnosing lung cancer, thoracic sarcoidosis, and metastases from extrathoracic malignancies. A comprehensive and systematic online literature search via Medline/PubMed for the period January 2005 to December 2022 was conducted for articles published using the keywords "EUS-B-FNA", "endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)", "endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)", "lung cancer", "staging", and "sarcoidosis". Recent data prove the efficacy and safety of EUS-B-FNA for providing complete lung cancer staging, when combined with EBUS-TBNA, and in the evaluation of para-esophageal lesions. EUS-B-FNA allows access to inferior mediastinal lymph nodes and para-esophageal masses that are not accessible by EBUS-TBNA. Additional advantages of using EUS-B-FNA include significantly lower doses of anesthetics and sedatives, a shorter procedural time, fewer incidents of oxygen desaturation due to a poor respiratory reserve, significantly less cough, and higher operator satisfaction. Moreover, this procedure can be performed sequentially in the same setting with EBUS-TBNA by one operator. Other benefits include a lower cost, a single setting, and scope use. As EUS-B-FNA and EBUS-TBNA have complementary access to the mediastinum, the diagnostic yield of EUS-B-FNA combined with EBUS-TBNA is higher than that of endosonographic techniques alone in the diagnostic workup of intrathoracic lesions.

Clinical Applications of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) Scope: Challenges and Opportunities.

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) has been widely used to stage lung tumors and to diagnose mediastinal diseases. In the last decade, this procedure has evolved in several technical aspects, with new tools available to optimize tissue sampling and to increase its diagnostic yield, like elastography, different types of needles and, most recently, miniforceps and cryobiopsy. Accordingly, the indications for the use of the EBUS scope into the airways to perform the Endobronchial Ultrasound-TransBronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has also extended beyond the endobronchial and thoracic boundaries to sample lesions from the liver, left adrenal gland and retroperitoneal lymph nodes via the gastroesophageal tract, performing the Endoscopic UltraSound with Bronchoscope-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-B-FNA). In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the main indication for the use of the EBUS scope, even the more uncommon, to underline its utility and versatility in clinical practice.

Performance of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration as the first nodal staging procedure for the determination of programmed death ligand-1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

The determination of the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression is part of the diagnostic algorithm for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA performed as first-choice nodal staging procedure for the determination of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC patients. Longitudinal-prospective study including NSCLC patients diagnosed between January 2018 and October 2019, for whom a primary tumor biopsy sample and an EBUS-TBNA cytological malignant sample were available. Samples with fewer than 100 malignant cells were considered inadequate. PDL-1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx antibody was used. The percentage of tumor cells expressing PD-L1, setting 1% and 50% as cutoff points, was collected. The weighted kappa coefficient was used to assess the concordance of PD-L1 expression. The PD-L1 expression was compared inprecision terms. From a total of 43 patients, 53 pairs of samples were obtained, of which 23 (43.4%) were adequate and included for analysis. The weighted kappa coefficient for PD-L1 expression was 0.41 (95% CI 0.15-0.68) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.23-0.9) for cutoff values ≥ 1% and ≥ 50%, respectively. In advanced stages, the weighted kappa coefficient was 0.6 (95% CI 0.3-0.9) and 1 (95% CI 1-1) for PD-L1 expression cutoff values ≥ 1% and ≥ 50%, respectively. EBUS-TBNA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 1 to detect PDL-1 expression ≥ 50% in advanced stages. EBUS-TBNA performed as first nodal staging procedure in advanced NSCLC patients provides reliable specimens for the detection of PD-L1 expression ≥ 50% and could guide immunotherapy.

Transformation of a low‐grade glioma into a glioblastoma along with the development of lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases after repeated craniotomy: A case report

AbstractExtracranial metastasis of glioma is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of glioblastoma that originated and showed stepwise malignant transformation from a low‐grade glioma (LGG) along with the presence of lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases after repeated craniotomy. A 30‐year‐old man presented with hemoptysis. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a space‐occupying lesion in the right upper lung with mediastinal nodal and metastases in both lungs; lung cancer was suspected. The patient's medical history showed that he had undergone craniotomy three times in 7 years for a primary LGG disease relapse, and stepwise malignant‐transformed high‐grade glioma (HGG). However, brain magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any relapse of intracranial tumors. The diagnosis of extracranial metastatic glioblastoma was confirmed using the morphology and staining results for specific immunohistochemistry markers using the specimen obtained via endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. Subsequently, the patient received a combination of systemic and local treatments; however, he died of massive hemoptysis after 6 months. The survival time of this glioma patient improved after transformation and metastasis. Detailed descriptions will help us understand the biological behavior of glioma, but more studies are needed to confirm the complex mechanism of extracranial metastasis.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Sampling of Centrally Located Intrapulmonary Tumors Provides Suitable Material for Diagnostic and Molecular Testing.

Curvilinear endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a key diagnostic and staging procedure for patients with suspected lung cancer. However, sampling centrally located intrapulmonary tumors is feasible but less well established. We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic utility of EBUS-TBNA in patients who underwent sampling of centrally located intrapulmonary tumors. Diagnostic accuracy, sample suitability for molecular testing, and complications were assessed. Between January 2015 and April 2021, 102 EBUS-TBNA procedures sampled centrally located intrapulmonary tumors in 99 patients. The median age was 70 [interquartile range, 63 to 75] years and 51% (51/99) were male. The commonest site was the right upper lobe (n=42/99; 42%). The median tumor size was 29 [interquartile range, 21 to 35]mm. The diagnostic yield was 88/102 (86%) with a false negative rate of 14% (14/102). In addition to intrapulmonary tumor sampling, lymph nodes were sampled in 65/102 procedures and 30/65(46%) were positive for lung cancer. Cancer was diagnosed in 87/99 (88%) cases. When requested, molecular testing was adequate in ≥94% of samples. Complications included minor bleeding in 6/102 (6%) with 2 requiring cold saline instillation, desaturation in 1/102 (1%), and tachycardia in 1/102(1%). One procedure was abandoned due to patient tachycardia. Delayed complications occurred in 1 patient who was hospitalized ≤7 days with pneumonia. EBUS-TBNA sampling of centrally located intrapulmonary tumors provides similar diagnostic accuracy to lymph node sampling, provides suitable material for molecular testing, and has a low complication rate.

Heterogeneity of tumour mutational burden in metastatic NSCLC demonstrated by endobronchial ultrasound sampling.

Tumour mutational burden (TMB) is an important emerging biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The stability of TMB values across distinct EBUS tumour regions is not well defined in advanced lung cancer patients. This study included a whole-genome sequencing cohort (n=11, LxG cohort) and a targeted Oncomine TML panel cohort (n=10, SxD cohort), where paired primary and metastatic samples were obtained by endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The LxG cohort displayed a strong correlation between the paired primary and metastatic sites, with a median TMB score of 7.70 ± 5.39 and 8.31 ± 5.88 respectively. Evaluation of the SxD cohort demonstrated greater inter-tumoural TMB heterogeneity, where Spearman correlation between the primary and metastatic sites fell short of significance. Whilst median TMB scores were not significantly different between the two sites, 3 out of 10 paired samples were discordant when using a TMB cut-off of 10 mutations per Mb. In addition, PD-L1 copy number and KRAS mutations were assessed, demonstrating the feasibility of performing multiple molecular tests relevant to ICI treatment using a single EBUS sample. We also observed good consistency in PD-L1 copy number and KRAS mutation, where cut-off estimates were consistent across the primary and metastatic sites. Assessment of TMB acquired by EBUS from multiple sites is highly feasible and has the potential to improve accuracy of TMB panels as a companion diagnostic test. We demonstrate similar TMB values across primary and metastatic sites, however 3 out of 10 samples displayed inter-tumoural heterogeneity that would alter clinical management.

Real time endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration for the diagnosis of tuberculous intrathoracic lymphadenopathy: Saudi Arabian Western region experience.

To assess the utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients with intrathoracic enlarged lymph nodes in a country with low to moderate TB incidence. Thirty-one patients with clinical features of TB and intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, who had EBUS-TBNA sampling and final confirmation of intrathoracic TB lymphadenopathy, were retrospectively reviewed over an 8-year period. Routine clinical and laboratory evaluations including computerized tomography scans were performed before the EBUS-TBNA. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile, pathological, and microbiological findings were collected. The EBUS-TBNA confirmed TB diagnosis in 26 (83.9%) subjects with a consistent pathological finding or positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pathological analysis had findings consistent with TB in 25 (80.6%) patients. Culture of the EBUS-TBNA sample was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 12 (38.7%) patients. Other supportive investigations like purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test was positive in 28 (90.3%) participants. Overall, the sensitivity of the EBUS-TBNA alone was 83.9%. No complications were recorded during the procedure. The EBUS-TBNA aspirate culture positivity was significantly related to having a larger size lymph node (p=0.048) only, while PPD positivity was significantly related to baseline and clinical features of the participants. The EBUS-TBNA demonstrated effective utility and safety in the evaluation and diagnosis of intrathoracic TB lymphadenopathy among individuals with compatible symptoms in a country with low-moderate TB-incidence.

Integral mediastinal staging in patients with NON-SMALL cell lung cancer and risk factors for occult N2 disease

BackgroundIn patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the presence of abnormal hiliar lymph nodes (clinical N1; cN1), central tumor location and/or tumor size (diameter >3 cm) increases the risk of occult mediastinal metastasis (OMM). This study investigates prospectively the diagnostic value of an integral mediastinal staging (IMS) strategy that combines EndoBronchial Ultrasound-TransBronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and Video-Assisted Mediastinoscopy (VAM) in patients with NSCLC at risk of OMM. MethodsPatients with NSCLC and radiologically normal mediastinum assessed non-invasively by positron emission tomography and computed tomography of the chest (PET-CT), and OMM risk factors (cN1, central tumor and/or >3 cm) underwent EBUS-TBNA followed by VAM if the former was negative. Those with negative IMS underwent resection surgery of the tumor. ResultsEBUS-TBNA identified OMM in 2 out of the 49 patients evaluated (4%) and VAM in 1 of the 47 patients with negative EBUS (2%). Two patients with a negative IMS had OMM at surgery. Overall, the prevalence of OMM was 10%. EBUS-TBNA has a sensitivity of 40%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.6%, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.60 (95%CI:0.30–1.16). The risk of not diagnosing OMM after EBUS was 6% and after IMS was 4.4%. ConclusionIntegral mediastinal staging in patients with NSCLC and clinical risk factors for OMM, does not seem to provide added diagnostic value to that of EBUS-TBNA, except perhaps in patients with cN1 disease who deserve further research.

Endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy Franseen fine needle biopsy tool versus standard fine needle aspiration needle: Impact on diagnosis and tissue adequacy

BackgroundThe Franseen fine needle biopsy tool (Acquire®, Boston Scientific, Boston, MA) may provide better quality specimens than current endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TNBA) needles. We performed a comparative retrospective study evaluating the diagnostic yield of the Franseen fine needle biopsy (FNB) versus standard fine needle aspiration (FNA) for benign lymphadenopathy and tissue acquisition for next generation sequencing (NGS) in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). MethodsAll EBUS-TBNA procedures performed between January 1st, 2019 to January 1st, 2020 where both the FNB needle and the FNA needle were used were analyzed. All demographic, procedural, and diagnostic data were recorded. The median tumor surface area, tumor cellularity and adequacy for NGS was evaluated for NSCLC specimens. ResultsA total of 69 target lesions in 66 patients were biopsied with both the FNB and FNA needles. The mean (SD) size of target biopsied was 1.8 cm (0.8); The most common stations were 7 (54%) and 4R (26%). The mean (SD) needle passes were 6 (2.2) and 4 (1.8) with FNA and FNB needles, respectively (p < 0.0001). Benign lymphadenopathy was diagnosed with FNA needle in 46% and in 82% with FNB (p < 0.0001). NGS tissue adequacy was 47% with FNA needle versus 76% with FNB (p = 0.02). Median tumor surface area and tumor cellularity were greater with FNB needle than FNA needle (80 mm2 versus 9 mm2, p = 0.002, and 81% versus 45%, p = 0.0004). ConclusionThe FNB needle demonstrated higher diagnostic yield in benign lymphadenopathy and higher quality for NGS than standard FNA needle.

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 R2 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

SESSION TITLE: Great Procedural Cases: Fire, Ice, Struts, Valves, and GlueSESSION TYPE: Case ReportsPRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pmINTRODUCTION: Flexible bronchoscopy and EBUS-TBNA is an effective tool for cancer staging and diagnosing mediastinal lymphadenopathy. It is a commonly performed procedure and overall safe for patients with minimal complications. The following case highlights a rare but important complication of EBUS-TBNA.CASE PRESENTATION: A 63 YO F with PMH of 20 pack year tobacco use presented for evaluation of a 2.6cm x 2.4cm RUL nodule and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. She underwent navigational bronchoscopy of RUL nodule and EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal staging. EBUS-TBNA was performed using an Olympus 21G needle at stations 11L, 4L, 7, 4R and 11R. She recovered post-procedure and discharged home. The following evening, she developed shortness of breath and "wheezing” which prompted her to report to ER. On exam, she had audible inspiratory and expiratory stridor and lungs were clear to auscultation BL. CXR showed a small right apical pneumothorax which resolved with conservative management. However, her stridor and shortness of breath was unchanged. Thus, repeat flexible bronchoscopy was performed demonstrating interval development of granulation tissue in the lower trachea and in the right main bronchus with complete obstruction of the right main bronchus. The granulation tissue formed at the TBNA puncture site at stations 7 and 4R. Ultimately, the granulation tissue was excised using cryotherapy and she was given oral corticosteroids to prevent further development of granulation tissue.DISCUSSION: The development of granulation tissue or granulomatous inflammation at the puncture biopsy site is a rare complication of TBNA. Our literature search returned six cases that describes the development of granulation tissue or granulomatous inflammation following TBNA. Of the six cases reported, this complication was identified between two weeks to six months. About one-third of these patients developed symptoms including cough and shortness of breath, whereas the others were incidentally found on repeat bronchoscopy or follow-up CT scan. In patients with malignancy, there was concern for metastasis to the puncture site leading to repeat flexible bronchoscopy and biopsy. In most of the reported cases, the granulation tissue and granulomatous inflammation resolved with conservative treatment alone. However, those who develop central airway obstruction warrant further bronchoscopic intervention.CONCLUSIONS: Granulation formation and granulomatous inflammation after TBNA is uncommon and often resolve without intervention, however, it could result in significant airway obstruction. We urge clinician awareness of this exceedingly rare phenomenon as airway occlusion may be life threatening and should be considered promptly.Reference #1: Madan K, Tiwari P, Arava S, Hadda V, Mohan A, Guleria R. Tracheobronchial puncture-site nodular reaction (TPNR) following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): Systematic review of case reports. Lung India. 2017 Nov-Dec;34(6):532-537. doi: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_12_17. PMID: 29098999; PMCID: PMC5684811.Reference #2: Lee JW, Kim WJ, Park CW, Kang HW, Ban HJ, Oh IJ, Kwon YS, Kim KS, Kim YI, Lim SC, Kim YC, Choi YD. Endotracheal tuberculous granuloma formation following endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. Intern Med. 2013;52(11):1207-10. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.9360. PMID: 23728557.Reference #3: Asano F, Aoe M, Ohsaki Y, et al. Complications associated with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a nationwide survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy. Respir Res. 2013;14(1):50. Published 2013 May 10. doi:10.1186/1465-9921-14-50DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Hitesh BatraNo relevant relationships by Anneka HuttonNo relevant relationships by Melissa Jordan SESSION TITLE: Great Procedural Cases: Fire, Ice, Struts, Valves, and Glue SESSION TYPE: Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Flexible bronchoscopy and EBUS-TBNA is an effective tool for cancer staging and diagnosing mediastinal lymphadenopathy. It is a commonly performed procedure and overall safe for patients with minimal complications. The following case highlights a rare but important complication of EBUS-TBNA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63 YO F with PMH of 20 pack year tobacco use presented for evaluation of a 2.6cm x 2.4cm RUL nodule and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. She underwent navigational bronchoscopy of RUL nodule and EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal staging. EBUS-TBNA was performed using an Olympus 21G needle at stations 11L, 4L, 7, 4R and 11R. She recovered post-procedure and discharged home. The following evening, she developed shortness of breath and "wheezing” which prompted her to report to ER. On exam, she had audible inspiratory and expiratory stridor and lungs were clear to auscultation BL. CXR showed a small right apical pneumothorax which resolved with conservative management. However, her stridor and shortness of breath was unchanged. Thus, repeat flexible bronchoscopy was performed demonstrating interval development of granulation tissue in the lower trachea and in the right main bronchus with complete obstruction of the right main bronchus. The granulation tissue formed at the TBNA puncture site at stations 7 and 4R. Ultimately, the granulation tissue was excised using cryotherapy and she was given oral corticosteroids to prevent further development of granulation tissue. DISCUSSION: The development of granulation tissue or granulomatous inflammation at the puncture biopsy site is a rare complication of TBNA. Our literature search returned six cases that describes the development of granulation tissue or granulomatous inflammation following TBNA. Of the six cases reported, this complication was identified between two weeks to six months. About one-third of these patients developed symptoms including cough and shortness of breath, whereas the others were incidentally found on repeat bronchoscopy or follow-up CT scan. In patients with malignancy, there was concern for metastasis to the puncture site leading to repeat flexible bronchoscopy and biopsy. In most of the reported cases, the granulation tissue and granulomatous inflammation resolved with conservative treatment alone. However, those who develop central airway obstruction warrant further bronchoscopic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Granulation formation and granulomatous inflammation after TBNA is uncommon and often resolve without intervention, however, it could result in significant airway obstruction. We urge clinician awareness of this exceedingly rare phenomenon as airway occlusion may be life threatening and should be considered promptly. Reference #1: Madan K, Tiwari P, Arava S, Hadda V, Mohan A, Guleria R. Tracheobronchial puncture-site nodular reaction (TPNR) following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): Systematic review of case reports. Lung India. 2017 Nov-Dec;34(6):532-537. doi: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_12_17. PMID: 29098999; PMCID: PMC5684811. Reference #2: Lee JW, Kim WJ, Park CW, Kang HW, Ban HJ, Oh IJ, Kwon YS, Kim KS, Kim YI, Lim SC, Kim YC, Choi YD. Endotracheal tuberculous granuloma formation following endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration. Intern Med. 2013;52(11):1207-10. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.9360. PMID: 23728557. Reference #3: Asano F, Aoe M, Ohsaki Y, et al. Complications associated with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: a nationwide survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy. Respir Res. 2013;14(1):50. Published 2013 May 10. doi:10.1186/1465-9921-14-50 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Hitesh Batra No relevant relationships by Anneka Hutton No relevant relationships by Melissa Jordan

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.