Final Diagnosis Of Sarcoidosis Research Articles

Utility of Narrow-band Imaging Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Endobronchial Sarcoidosis.

There are few reports on the utility of bronchoscopic narrow-band imaging (NBI) for visualizing endobronchial abnormalities in sarcoidosis. Our primary objective was to compare the sensitivity of finding endobronchial abnormality using NBI versus white light bronchoscopy (WLB) in patients with sarcoidosis. The secondary aim was to evaluate the sensitivity of NBI in diagnosing endobronchial sarcoidosis against a reference standard of positive endobronchial biopsy (EBB). We retrospectively included subjects with sarcoidosis, where we sequentially recorded WLB and NBI videos to visualize the endobronchial mucosa. We collected data on the demographic findings, sarcoidosis stage, and the histopathological findings of transbronchial needle aspiration, EBB, and transbronchial lung biopsy. Three experienced bronchoscopists viewed the video recordings and noted the abnormalities of the airway mucosa separately on WLB and NBI. We included 28 subjects (mean age, 42.9y; 53.6% men; 14 each, stages 1 and 2) with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Granulomas were detected on EBB in 11 (39.3%) subjects. We identified endobronchial nodules in 10 and 15 subjects on WLB and NBI. The sensitivity of finding endobronchial abnormality using WLB and NBI was 35.7% (10/28) and 53.6% (15/28), respectively (χ2=1.77, df=1, P=0.18). The sensitivity of NBI in diagnosing endobronchial sarcoidosis against a positive EBB was 63.6% (7/11 subjects). There was excellent agreement (Κ=0.86) for detecting nodules on NBI among the 3 observers. NBI might allow the identification of additional abnormalities not detected on WLB in sarcoidosis. Larger studies are required to confirm our observations.

Sarcoidosis Mimicking Primary Lung Cancer on 99mTc-3PRGD2 Scintigraphy in a PTC Patient.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease of unknown etiology that typically occurs in middle-aged adults, often presenting as the formation of granulomas in various organs, including the lungs. Non-typical pulmonary sarcoidosis is rare, and it isnecessary to distinguish its imaging features from lung cancer and tuberculosis. They may appear as an irregular mass with multiple nodules on thoracic computed tomography (CT). In this case, primary lung cancer was suspected in a 57-year-old papillary thyroid carcinoma patient, as the pulmonary lesions were non-radioiodine avid and progressed shortly afterward. The asymmetrical focal uptake that was demonstrated in integrin receptor imaging (99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2)) warranted flexible-bronchoscope biopsy. Meanwhile, no evidence of malignancy was found, and pathological manifestations led to the subsequent six months of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Combined with the fact that standard anti-tuberculosis showed no improvement, and the patient’s condition was stabilized by corticosteroid treatment alone, a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made by an MDT (multidisciplinary consultation). Reported herein is the first case of a hyper vascularization condition within the non-typical asymmetrical sarcoidosis lesions, which should help to establish that the uptake of 3PRDG2 in sarcoidosis can avoid imaging pitfalls.

Evaluation of the Utility of Liquid-based Cytology, Cell-blocks, and Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping on Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Samples in the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis.

There is little information on the value of different processing methods for samples obtained during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in suspected sarcoidosis. We evaluated the role of conventional smears, liquid-based cytology (LBC), cell-blocks and flow cytometric immunophenotyping in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis using EBUS-TBNA samples. This was a prospective study of consecutive EBUS-TBNA samples from clinically suspected cases of sarcoidosis. In addition to conventional smears, we prepared LBC smears, cell-blocks, and performed flow cytometric evaluation of the CD4:CD8 ratio. The final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made based on the relevant clinical details and laboratory investigations including the results of transbronchial and endobronchial biopsies (TBLB and endobronchial biopsy). We included 60 subjects [mean age: 45.2 y; 29 (48.3%) men]. The sensitivity of conventional smears, LBC, and cell-blocks for diagnosing sarcoidosis was found to be 75.5%, 37.8%, 35%, respectively, when used alone. However, on combining conventional and LBC smears, the sensitivity increased to 84.4% and on combining all three techniques, the sensitivity was 86.7%. The CD4:CD8 ratio on flow cytometric immunophenotyping of EBUS-TBNA samples ranged from 0 to 11.5 with a mean of 3.17±2.78 in confirmed cases of sarcoidosis and 70% of these cases had CD4:CD8 ratio of more than 2. Cell-blocks and liquid-based preparations add to the yield of conventional preparation of EBUS-TBNA samples in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A combination of conventional and LBC works well in detecting almost 85% of the cases of sarcoidosis. Higher CD4:CD8 ratio favors a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Meningoids: Lesions mimicking meningiomas

IntroductionDural based lesions, often misinterpreted as meningiomas, may have deleterious impact on patient care and may mislead the presurgical treatment algorithm. The study proposes the term ‘Meningoids’ for clubbing intracranial lesions which clinically and radiologically mimic meningiomas. The study also defines the various features of such lesions which help to raise a suspicion in surgeon’s mind and also prepares him for possible intra and post-operative challenges and surprises. Materials and methodsAll patients presenting with a preoperative radiological diagnosis of meningioma and a final histopathological diagnosis other than meningioma were included in the study. Patients were recognised and their relevant radiological profiles were retrospectively drawn and assessed in terms of variables based on plain and contrast enhanced CT scan and MRI findings. Data was presented in a tabulated form and variables were analysed based on features mimicking and atypical of meningioma. ResultsA total of 9 patients were included in the study. A final diagnosis of tuberculoma and hemangioblastoma were made in 2 patients each. One patient each had a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis, non hodgkin’s lymphoma, chondroma, ependymoma and metastasis from adenocarcinoma.On retrospectively analysing the data, the following findings were found to raise a high index of suspicion for a meningoid: cystic changes, disproportionate oedema, erosive bony changes, atypical dural tail, flow voids around the lesion and intraoperative gross features. ConclusionIts not uncommon for neurosurgeons to encounter dural based lesions mimicking meningioma and being prepared preoperatively with ‘meningoids’ would be important to optimise outcomes, minimise morbidity and most importantly forcing the neurosurgeon to think critically which is eventually helpful in prognostication.

The role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in isolated intrathoracic lymphadenopathy in non-neoplastic patients: a common dilemma in clinical practice.

ABSTRACTObjective:To determine the diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in non-neoplastic patients with isolated intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (IL). Methods:This was a retrospective study of patients with isolated IL referred for EBUS-TBNA. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of granulomatous, reactive, and neoplastic lymphadenopathy. In cases of nonspecific granulomas, reactive lymphadenopathy, or inconclusive results, a definitive diagnosis was established by other diagnostic procedures or during a follow-up period of at least 18 months. Results:Among the 58 patients included in the study, EBUS-TBNA established a diagnosis of granulomatous disease in 22 (38%), reactive lymphadenopathy in 15 (26%), cancer in 8 (14%), and other diseases in 3 (5%). Results were inconclusive in 10 (17%), the diagnosis being established by other bronchoscopic procedures in 2 (20%) and by surgical procedures in 8 (80%). A final diagnosis of reactive lymphadenopathy was established in 12. Of those, 11 (92%) had their diagnosis confirmed during follow-up and 1 (8%) had their diagnosis confirmed by mediastinoscopy. In another 3, a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis or neoplasm was established. For the diagnosis of granulomatous disease, neoplasms, and reactive lymphadenopathy, EBUS-TBNA was found to have a sensitivity of 73%, 68%, and 92%, respectively; a specificity of 100%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; an accuracy of 86%, 93%, and 93%, respectively; a PPV of 100%, 100%, and 80%, respectively; and an NPV of 78%, 92%, and 98%, respectively. Conclusions:In non-neoplastic patients, granulomatous disease and reactive lymphadenopathy appear to be common causes of isolated IL. EBUS-TBNA shows promising results as a first-line minimally invasive diagnostic procedure. The results obtained by EBUS-TBNA can be optimized by examining clinical and radiological findings during follow-up or by comparison with the results obtained with other bronchoscopic methods.

How Many Passes Are Needed for Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Sarcoidosis? A Prospective Multicenter Study

Background: While endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is widely used as an initial diagnostic procedure for pathological confirmation of sarcoidosis, it is unclear how many passes are required to obtain diagnostic materials. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the number of needle passes needed for the diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis using EBUS-TBNA. Methods: At three institutions, 109 patients with suspected stage I/II sarcoidosis were recruited and underwent 6 passes of EBUS-TBNA for the main target lesion. Additional EBUS-TBNA for other lesions was permitted. The cumulative yields of needle passes for detecting noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas were analyzed. Results: A total of 109 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA for 184 lesions. EBUS-TBNA identified specimens containing granulomas in 81 of 92 patients (88%) with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The cumulative yields through the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth passes for the main target lesion were 63, 75, 82, 85, 86 and 88%, respectively. In the 55 patients that underwent EBUS-TBNA for multiple lesions, the cumulative yields of 2 passes per lesion for 2 lesions (total of 4 passes) and of 4 passes for single lesions were 86 and 84%, respectively (p = 1.00). Conclusions: If rapid on-site cytological evaluation is not available, we recommend at least 4 passes per patient for either single or multiple lesions with EBUS-TBNA for pathological diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis.

Utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transbronchial fine-needle cytology in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: A Saudi experience

Background:Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transbronchial fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-TFNA) is a minimally invasive technique for diagnosis of mediastinal masses/lesions. Although most studies have reported the utility of EBUS-TFNA in malignancy, its use has been extended to the benign conditions as well.Objective:The present study focused on utility of EBUS in contributing to reach the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis.Design:From May 2010 to December 2013, 19 of 80 patients who underwent EBUS-TFNA at one center for radiologically suspicious lesions for sarcoidosis, and with no definite histological diagnosis, were included in this retrospective study.Results:When the histological diagnosis was taken as the gold standard, the sensitivity of EBUS-TFNA was 84.2% and specificity 100% with the positive predictive value of 100. The combined diagnostic sensitivity of EBUS-TFNA and transbronchial lung biopsy was 100%.Conclusion:EBUS is a valuable, minimally invasive diagnostic modality to support the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in appropriate clinical setting, after conventional work-up – particularly if patients have suspicious radiological findings. This minimally invasive procedure helps in providing a final diagnosis without exposing the patient to the risk of complications from more invasive procedures.

Use of Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the Diagnosis of Granulomatous Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy

This study assessed the clinical utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for the diagnosis of suspected granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for suspected granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy at Singapore General Hospital between December 2008 and December 2011 inclusive. Over a period of 3 years, a total of 371 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA of whom 33 (9%) had the procedure performed for evaluation of suspected granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy - 18 for suspected tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lymphadenitis, and 15 for suspected sarcoidosis. EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 9 of the 13 patients with a final diagnosis of TB/NTM. EBUS-TBNA cultures were positive in 6 of them (46%), 1 showed acid-fast bacilli (AFB) although cultures were negative, and 2 had necrotising granulomatous inflammation from EBUS-TBNA biopsies and sputum cultures grew TB. EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 9 of the 14 patients with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis through histology showing non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. The sensitivities of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of TB/NTM, sarcoidosis and overall granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy were 69%, 64%, 64%; the negative predictive values were 56%, 17%, 33%; and accuracies were 78%, 67%, 70%, respectively. EBUS-TBNA can be useful in the diagnosis of suspected granulomatous mediastinal lymphadenopathy with sensitivities and accuracies of >60%.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: An important differential diagnosis in transbronchial lung biopsies

Background:Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Lungs and lymphatics are the principal sites affected by this disease. The disorder is often not suspected by physicians.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study done on 140 transbronchial lung biopsies received for histopathological examination in the Department of Pathology for 1 year in a multispeciality tertiary care hospital, in Delhi.Results:Out of 140 transbronchial lung biopsies studied, 13 cases of sarcoidosis were diagnosed histopathologically. In these patients a clinical, pathological, and radiological corelation was done. And a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was given after excluding other granulomatous lesions.Conclusion:Transbronchial lung biopsies have become an important tool in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in present time. Hence sarcoidosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when dealing with granulomatous lesions in lung biopsies.

Endosonography vs Conventional Bronchoscopy for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Tissue verification of noncaseating granulomas is recommended for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsies, the current diagnostic standard, has moderate sensitivity in assessing granulomas. Endosonography with intrathoracic nodal aspiration appears to be a promising diagnostic technique. To evaluate the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy vs endosonography in the diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis. Randomized clinical multicenter trial (14 centers in 6 countries) between March 2009 and November 2011 of 304 consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis (stage I/II) in whom tissue confirmation of noncaseating granulomas was indicated. Either bronchoscopy with transbronchial and endobronchial lung biopsies or endosonography (esophageal or endobronchial ultrasonography) with aspiration of intrathoracic lymph nodes. All patients also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield for detecting noncaseating granulomas in patients with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The diagnosis was based on final clinical judgment by the treating physician, according to all available information (including findings from initial bronchoscopy or endosonography). Secondary outcomes were the complication rate in both groups and sensitivity and specificity of bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A total of 149 patients were randomized to bronchoscopy and 155 to endosonography. Significantly more granulomas were detected at endosonography vs bronchoscopy (114 vs 72 patients; 74% vs 48%; P < .001). Diagnostic yield to detect granulomas for endosonography was 80% (95% CI, 73%-86%); for bronchoscopy, 53% (95% CI, 45%-61%) (P < .001). Two serious adverse events occurred in the bronchoscopy group and 1 in the endosonography group; all patients recovered completely. Sensitivity of the bronchoalveolar lavage for sarcoidosis based on CD4/CD8 ratio was 54% (95% CI, 46%-62%) for flow cytometry and 24% (95% CI, 16%-34%) for cytospin analysis. Among patients with suspected stage I/II pulmonary sarcoidosis undergoing tissue confirmation, the use of endosonographic nodal aspiration compared with bronchoscopic biopsy resulted in greater diagnostic yield. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00872612.

Transesophageal Bronchoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration for Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Background: Several studies have reported that specimens from mediastinal lesions located adjacent to the esophagus can be sampled using an ultrasound bronchoscope instead of an ultrasound endoscope. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of transesophageal bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration using an ultrasound bronchoscope in patients with stage I/II sarcoidosis. Methods: Thirty-three patients suspected of having stage I/II sarcoidosis were included in this prospective study. Needle aspiration through the esophagus using an ultrasound bronchoscope was performed for hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes. The final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on clinicoradiological compatibility and pathological findings. Results: A total of 62 lymph nodes with a mean shortest diameter of 13.6 mm were examined. Of the 33 patients enrolled, 29 were given a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Four of the residual patients had other diseases (1 lung cancer, 1 tuberculosis, 2 non-specific lymphadenitis). Transesophageal bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration showed noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas in 25 of 29 patients (86%; 95% confidence interval 73–100) with the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. No complications were observed. Conclusions: Transesophageal bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is feasible, safe and accurate for the diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis.

Prospective study of endobronchial ultrasound–guided transbronchial needle aspiration of lymph nodes versus transbronchial lung biopsy of lung tissue for diagnosis of sarcoidosis

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been reported to be an accurate and safe method to confirm a pathologic diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, only a few retrospective or small prospective studies have been published on EBUS-TBNA versus transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), which has been the standard method for making a pathologic diagnosis of sarcoidosis so far. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA and TBLB through a flexible bronchoscope in patients with stage I and II sarcoidosis. A total of 62 patients with suspected stage I and II sarcoidosis were included in this prospective study. EBUS-TBNA was performed (2 lymph nodes, 2 needle passes for each lymph node), followed by TBLB (5 biopsy specimens from multiple lung segments) in the same setting. The final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on clinicoradiologic compatibility and pathologic findings. Of the 62 patients enrolled, 54 were given a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA and TBLB for sarcoidois by showing noncaseating epithelioid cell granuloma was 94% (stage I, 97%; stage II, 88%) and 37% (stage I, 31%; stage II, 50%), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). One case of pneumothorax and 3 cases of moderate bleeding (7%) resulted from TBLB, and 1 case of severe cough (2%) from EBUS-TBNA. The diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for stage I and II sarcoidosis is higher than for TBLB.

Mystery called sarcoidosis: Forty-four years follow-up of chronic systemic disease

This is a presentation of a 61-year-old female patient. Since 44 years have passed from the onset of her first symptoms until the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis, this was the reason of our decision to publish the case. During the follow-up period of 44 years the patient had ocassional polymorphic complains, such as adynamia, nausea, abdominal pains, myalgia, arthralgia, body weight loss (8-10 kg) etc. The clinical course was predominated by splenomegaly, hepatitis and arthralgia, and later chronic renal failure also developed. Laboratory findings showed elevated markers of acute inflammation and autoantibodies. The patient was hospitalized in different university internal hospitals (gastroenterology, allergology, rheumatology, nephrology and pulmology). Liver biopsy was performed three times, rectum and kidney biopsy once each and finally bronchoscopy and pulmonary biopsy was done. At last, about 40 years from the onset of the first symptoms, in 2006 the diagnosis of lung sarcoidosis was established. The final diagnosis of spleen sarcoidosis was confirmed by pathologically verified sarcoidosis of the lungs. This case is particularly interesting because of the presence of familial sarcoidosis (the patient's son also had recurrent pulmonary sarcoidosis).

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is useful in the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis

A 45-year-old man presented with a progressive transverse spinal cord syndrome. MRI scanning revealed bitemporal and multiple spinal lesions with significant enhancement after gadolinium administration mimicking an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. CSF analyses showed a lymphocytic pleocytosis. After treatment with high dose steroids clinical improvement was observed with a secondary decline shortly thereafter. MRI rescanning showed no remarkable alterations of the lesions. Further diagnostic work-up included a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) of the whole body to search for occult inflammation or neoplasia. The FDG-PET showed hypermetabolic foci corresponding to the lesions on MRI and additionally increased uptake in mediastinal and pulmonary hilar lymph nodes. A mediastinal lymph node was biopsied. Pathology was consistent with the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The usual diagnostical tools to evaluate a sarcoidosis, such as serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and computed tomography of the chest were performed initially and revealed no pathological results. Therefore, in this case FDG-PET was crucial for the diagnostic work-up leading to an accessible inflammatory lesion outside the CNS for biopsy and the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

EUS-FNA for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis

Background: Other than malignancy mediastinal lymphadenopathy may indicate benign diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis, which are more frequently found in ethnic subgroups. Differentiation between sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and other diseases can be difficult, if standard diagnostic methods such as bronchoscopy and sputum analysis fail. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of mediastinal nodes has proven to be highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of lung cancer. It can provide material for cytology and bacteriology but it remains unknown whether this is sufficient to differentiate between TB and sarcoidosis. Methods: Prospective study including 72 consecutive patients (Mean: 50.2 years; 36 male) with mediastinal lymphadenopathy but no suspicion of lung cancer or other malignancy on CT. All had negative investigations including bronchoscopic biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage before EUS-FNA was carried out with at least two passes using a 22gauge needle. Cytology and microscopy for acid-fast bacilli was performed by independent physicians and material sent for TB culture. At least 9 months of clinical follow-up was undertaken to exclude TB in non-TB cases. Results: Adequate samples were obtained in 71/72 patients and no complications occurred. Cytology suggested TB in 24 cases and sarcoidosis in 33. Malignancy was found in 4 patients (n=2 lymphoma, n=2 metastatic cancer); in the remaining 10 cases, 2 abscesses and 8 non-specific inflammatory changes were found. Culture revealed TB in 20 cases. A final diagnosis of TB was made in 27 patients after at least 9 months' follow-up; of these 3 had negative cytology but positive culture. The final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made in 30 cases; the remaining 3 with cytology suggesting sarcoidosis were proven to have TB on EUS-FNA culture. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS-FNA for TB were 0.89 and 1.0 respectively; those for sarcoidosis were 1.0 and 0.93. EUS-FNA achieved a correct diagnosis in 63/72 patients (88%). In 8 of these with non-specific inflammation no significant diagnosis was found. Lymphadenopathy was due to old TB and smoking. Conclusion: EUS-FNA cytology combined with culture offers an excellent method for the differential diagnosis of TB and sarcoidosis, which had not been diagnosed by traditional methods.

The yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for histological diagnosis in patients suspected of stage I sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by a pathological hallmark, noncaseating granuloma. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) is a major clinical feature, but it is sometimes difficult to exclude other diseases, especially in cases where there are no pulmonary abnormalities (stage I). Bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy is currently a popular method by which to obtain pathological material, but its diagnostic power is insignificant. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), also attempted recently, makes the sampling of pathological material easier and better, but the diagnoses are still based on cytological findings. Our study aimed to evaluate the yield of transesophageal EUS-FNA for histological confirmation of stage I sarcoidosis. The study was a prospective comparative study to investigate the diagnostic sensitivities of FNA cytology and FNA histology. Subjects were consecutive patients with BHL without lung lesions on chest radiographs or chest CT who were referred to our hospitals between December 2003 and April 2006. Transesophageal EUS-FNA was performed with 19-gauge needles instead of the conventional 22-gauge needles. Forty-one patients were included in this study, and both histological and cytological materials were obtained successfully by EUS-FNA in all patients. Histopathological examination of the FNA sample showed noncaseating granuloma in 34 (94.4%) of the 36 patients with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In contrast, only 28 of the 36 (77.8%) were diagnosed as having sarcoidosis on the basis of cytological findings. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0444). FNA histology is better suited than FNA cytology to establishing the diagnosis of stage I sarcoidosis, and EUS-FNA with a 19-gauge needle plays a important role in this process.

Endobronchial Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

The diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis can be established by a variety of techniques. Transbronchial lung biopsy is often the preferred approach, but it is frequently nondiagnostic and carries a risk of pneumothorax and bleeding. Mediastinoscopy is often suggested as the next diagnostic step but entails significant cost and associated morbidity. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is emerging as a safe, minimally invasive tool for the primary diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of EBUS-TBNA for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Fifty consecutive patients who had been referred for EBUS-TBNA for suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis were included in the study. On-site cytology was used to assess the adequacy of the samples. The presence of noncaseating granulomas without necrosis in the appropriate clinical setting was deemed to be adequate for the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Patients with a negative EBUS-TBNA underwent further histologic biopsy or clinical follow-up to determine the final diagnosis. Eighty-two lymph nodes with a median size of 16 mm (range, 4 to 40 mm) were punctured. EBUS-TBNA demonstrated noncaseating granulomas without necrosis in 41 of 48 patients (85%) with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. EBUS-TBNA, therefore, has a sensitivity of 85% for the primary diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis. EBUS-TBNA is a safe, minimally invasive tool for the primary diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis that has a high diagnostic yield. EBUS-TBNA should be considered an appropriate alternative diagnostic technique for patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

E08-02: EBUS-TBNA: Real-time endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration

E08-02: EBUS-TBNA: Real-time endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Endobronchial ultrasound: new insight for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis

A diagnosis of sarcoidosis should be substantiated by pathological means in order to thoroughly exclude other diseases. The role of real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis has not been reported. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA in demonstrating the pathological features of sarcoidosis. In total, 65 patients with suspected sarcoidosis, with enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes on computed tomography, were included in the study. Patients with a suspected or known malignancy or previously established diagnosis of sarcoidosis were excluded. Convex probe endobronchial ultrasonography integrated with a separate working channel was used for EBUS-TBNA. Surgical methods were performed in those in whom no granulomas were detected by EBUS-TBNA. Patients were followed up clinically. EBUS-TBNA was performed on a total of 77 lymph node stations in 65 patients. A final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made for 61 (93.8%) of the patients. The remaining four patients were diagnosed as having Wegener's granulomatosis (n=1) or indefinite (n=3). In patients with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis, EBUS-TBNA demonstrated noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas in 56 (91.8%) of the patients. No complications were reported. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration proved to be a safe procedure with a high yield for the diagnoses of sarcoidosis.

Hepatic Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas. We report its unusual presentation in a young child whose hepatic dysfunction raised a diagnostic dilemma. Case Report: A 5-year-old male from Mexico was admitted to the ICU with a hepatopathy. He had a 3-week history of daily high fevers, malaise and rash. Exam revealed an ill-appearing, pale child with mildly icteric sclerae, hepatosplenomegaly, ascites and a hyperpigmented, papular truncal rash. Diagnostic tests revealed: AST 259 U/L, ALT 332 U/L, ALP 1110 U/L, T.bili 2.5 mg/dL, Alb 1.7 g/dL, GGT 400 U/L, ESR 47 mm/hr, PT 15 sec, INR 1.43, PTT 53 sec and IgG 2470 mg/dL. Hgb was 7.7K/mm3; WBC and platelets were normal. Infectious evaluation was negative for viral, bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and parasitic etiologies, including viral hepatitis A/B/C/E. No toxic, autoimmune, or metabolic causes of liver disease were identified. Chest CT revealed interstitial lung disease and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Tuberculin skin testing and BAL culture/stains for acid fast bacilli were negative. Skin and bone marrow biopsies contained granulomatous foci. Liver biopsy showed necrosis, hepatocyte loss, giant cell transformation and noncaseating, non-necrotizing granulomas. Immunostaining ruled out histiocytosis and NBT testing was negative for chronic granulomatous disease. Elevated serum levels of ACE and aldolase were found. A final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made and the patient was treated with oral prednisone with prompt resolution of the fever, rash and hepatopathy. Discussion: Recognizing sarcoidosis is challenging due to its nonspecific presentation. Diagnosis hinges on clinicoradiologic features, histologic proof of noncaseating granulomas, and exclusion of alternate disease processes. Up to 40% of patients with sarcoidosis can present with hepatomegaly and 4–7% with hepatitis. Clinically significant hepatic dysfunction is rare. Oral steroids can result in symptomatic and biochemical improvement, although relapse is common upon discontinuation. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been used as adjunctive therapy. [figure 1]Figure 1