Poor Diagnostic Yield Research Articles

Childhood Intra-Thoracic Tuberculosis Clinical Presentation Determines Yield of Laboratory Diagnostic Assays.

Diagnosis of intra-thoracic tuberculosis (ITTB) in children is difficult due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease, the challenge in collecting appropriate specimens, and the low sensitivity of smear microscopy and culture. Culture and Xpert MTB/RIF provide higher diagnostic yield in presumptive TB in adults than in children. Current study was designed to understand poor yield of diagnostic assays in children. Children with presumptive ITTB were subjected to gastric aspirates and induced sputum twice. Samples were tested by Ziehl-Neelsen stain, Xpert MTB/RIF-assay, and MGIT-960 culture. Subjects were grouped as Confirmed, Unconfirmed, and Unlikely TB, and classified as progressive primary disease (PPD, lung parenchymal lesion), and primary pulmonary complex (PPC, hilar lymphadenopathy) on chest X-ray. Of children with culture-positive TB 51/394 (12.9%), culture-negative TB 305 (77.4%), and unlikely TB 38 (9.6%), 9 (2.3%) were smear positive, while 95 (24.1%) were Xpert-MTB/RIF positive. Xpert-MTB/RIF detected 40/51 culture confirmed cases (sensitivity 78.4% and NPV 96.3%). Culture was positive in more children presenting as PPD (p < 0.04). In culture-negative TB group, Xpert positivity was seen in 31% of those with PPD and 11.9% in those with PPC (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Xpert-MTB/RIF improved diagnosis by 2-fold and increased detection of MDR-TB. Both liquid culture and Xpert-MTB/RIF gave higher yield in children with lung parenchymal lesions. Children with hilar lymphadenopathy without active lung parenchymal lesions had poor diagnostic yield even with sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests, due to paucibacillary/localized disease, suggesting possible utility of invasively collected samples in early diagnosis and treatment.

Electroanatomic Mapping System and Intracardiac-Echo to Guide Endomyocardial Biopsy.

Interest in endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) has progressively grown during the past decade. Still, its use remains limited to highly specialized centers, mostly because it is considered an invasive procedure with poor diagnostic yield and inherent complications. Indeed, the diagnostic performance of EMB is strictly linked to the sample of myocardium we can obtain. If we can precisely localize areas of diseased myocardium, sampling error or inadequate withdrawals are minimized. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide guidance on how to technically and practically perform EMB guided by electroanatomic voltage mapping and intracardiac echocardiography, and review the evidence supporting this combined approach.

A rare presentation of rectal endometriosis

Endometriosis is the ectopic growth of viable endometrium outside the uterus, affecting approximately 7% women. It can occur in the absence of visible pelvic disease. Most common sites are gastrointestinal and urinary tract. Common sites of involvement are rectosigmoid (51%), appendix (15%), small bowel (14%), rectum (14%), cecum and colon (5%). Cyclical hematochezia is a definitive, but rare association of intestinal endometriosis. The diagnosis of colonic endometriosis is also difficult owing to the poor diagnostic yield of colonoscopy.

High Accuracy of Digital Tomosynthesis-Guided Bronchoscopic Biopsy Confirmed by Intraprocedural Computed Tomography

Background: Digital fluoroscopic tomosynthesis-guided electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (F-ENB) is a novel adjunct to ENB associated with higher diagnostic yield. The likelihood of F-ENB allowing accurate placement of a biopsy needle within a target remains unclear. Objective: This study intends to determine the accuracy of F-ENB as confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Methods: Patients undergoing CBCT-assisted ENB for lung nodule biopsy were prospectively enrolled. ENB was performed followed by digital tomosynthesis correction. Once optimal F-ENB alignment was achieved, and a needle was advanced into the expected location of the nodule followed by CBCT. The primary outcome was the percentage of “needle-in-lesion” hits, defined as needle tip within the nodule in 3 planes. Secondary outcomes were diagnostic yield, procedure and room time, complications, radiation, and distance between the needle tip and nodule. Results: Twenty-six patients with a total of 29 nodules were enrolled. Mean nodule size was 13 mm (±4 mm) in maximal axial dimension, 83% (n = 24) were located in the peripheral third of the chest, and 17% (n = 5) had a bronchus sign. F-ENB guidance resulted in needle-in-lesion in 21 of 29 nodules (72%). Mean needle tip-to-nodule distance for nonhits was 1.75 mm (±1.35 mm). There were no complications. Conclusion: F-ENB resulted in a needle-in-lesion biopsy in greater than 70% of nodules despite features traditionally associated with poor diagnostic yield (size, absence of bronchus sign). Mean distance between needle tip and target for nonhits was less than 2 mm. These data suggest F-ENB alignment is accurate for small peripheral nodules.

Audit of Computed Tomography (Brain) Referrals from the Accident and Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Non-contrast Computerised Tomography (NCCT) Brain is a common referral made from the Accident and Emergency (A&amp;E) department both for traumatic and non traumatic causes. Aim: To evaluate the veracity of the referrals made by the Accident and Emergency Department clinicians for non-contrast computed tomography Head. Materials and Methods: This was the Retrospective evaluation of diagnostic yield of head Computed Tomography (CT) referrals made from A&amp;E Department of a tertiary care hospital located in northern-central India over three year period between January 2015 to December 2017. CT reports were first grouped into two major group’s trauma and non trauma referrals with further subdivision into positive and negative scan on the basis of presence of abnormality. Subsequently, the positive trauma reports were classified into Major findings (three subgroups extra-axial haemorrhage, brain contusions and other miscellaneous findings) and minor findings like undisplaced fractures of the skull or facial bones with or without subgaleal haematoma. Distribution of trauma cases as per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) criteria was then tabulated. Non-trauma reports were also further classified in to the two major clinically important findings of haemorrhage and infarct as well as non-specific minor findings. Results: Of the total data of 2185 head CT (980 trauma cases and 1205 in non trauma cases) referrals done by A&amp;E Department during the study period. The 144 (58.5%) out of trauma cases and 328 (27.2%) out of non trauma cases were with major findings. 788 (80.4%) of trauma cases and 965 (80.1%) out of non trauma cases were referred by Medical Officer (MO)/ Resident as revealed from the audit. Positivity percentages for traumatic and non traumatic causes were 25.1% and 27.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to non adherence to existing guidelines or due to poor clinical knowledge, there is poor diagnostic yield of CT referrals made from A&amp;E department. Thus clinical Audit is essential at Department of Radiodiagnosis to streamline the referring protocols and improves the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

Optimum Radiological Screening Examination for Lumbar Spine

A retrospective study was performed to assess the diagnostic contribution of oblique view films of the lumbar spine, to information obtained from anteroposterior (AP) and lateral films, as an initial screening tool for the detection of pars interarticularis defects. Twenty-two cases of lumbar spondylolysis were selected from 243 lumbar spine reports, randomly combined with 40 plain X-rays of normal lumbar spines, and evaluated by radiology residents. The frequency of correctly detecting a pars defect on lateral vs. right and left oblique views was determined. Of the bilateral spondylolyses, 85% were diagnosed on lateral films compared to 35% on oblique radiographs. Both views gave poor diagnostic yield in detecting unilateral pars defects. In evaluating a total of 186 X-rays, an average of 31 oblique films were incorrectly diagnosed, as compared to an average of 14 misdiagnosed lateral films. Considering the low sensitivity associated with the use of oblique view radiography, in addition to the extra cost and significantly increased radiation exposure seen with this procedure, our findings indicate that oblique views should be used only for selected patients who might require further investigation. We therefore recommend that the initial lumbosacral radiological evaluation be limited to AP and lateral views.

Follow-up of infants born to mothers with autoinmune thyroid disease. What should not be screened?

IntroductionThyroid dysfunction is a common problem in pregnant women. It is usually of an autoimmune origin, with Hashimotós thyroiditis and Graveś disease being the most common conditions. Although hormonal changes and transplacental antibody transfer may occur, specific neonatal screening has not been shown to be useful. Patients and methodA prospective study of newborns of women with autoimmune thyroid disease born at a level III university hospital (November 2013–December 2016). Neonates were selected during their stay at the maternity. Babies with perinatal asphyxia were excluded. Data were collected from the clinical histories of mothers and newborns. ResultsA total of 191 neonates were included. Ninety percent of mothers had been diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Only 5.8% of newborns had some laboratory disorder, consisting of slightly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, which returned to normal at the age of one month and did not correlate to thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. Transient hyperthyrotropinemia was diagnosed in one newborn and required thyroxin treatment during the first year of life. Among newborns from mothers with Graveś disease, 36.8% had some abnormal laboratory value during the first 7 days of life, but there were no cases of hyperthyroidism and only one of transient hyperthyrotropinemia. ConclusionsExperience at our hospital in screening of newborns from hypothyroid mothers reveals a high number of laboratory controls with a poor diagnostic yield. No relationship was found between thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and thyroid dysfunction. We support the recommendations to continue testing serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and FT4 levels at 48 h of life in newborns of mothers with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Patellar Osteoid Osteoma as a Cause of Intractable Anterior Knee Pain - A Case Report and Systematic Review of Literature.

Introduction:Patellar involvement by osteoid osteoma is very rare. Osteoid osteomas that present as anterior knee pain are frequently misdiagnosed which leads to initial delay in treatment. Plain radiology has poor diagnostic yield. A combination of high index of suspicion, appropriate imaging, and complete ablation of the lesion is necessary to achieve good outcomes.Case Report:A 16-year-old male presented with insidious onset anterior knee pain for the past 2 years. The pain was intermittent and mild; however, it increased progressively in intensity and frequency, which was worse at night. Examination reveals minimal effusion in the suprapatellar pouch, full range of motion of the knee, and wasting of the quadriceps. Serum biochemistry parameters were in normal limits. Plain radiographs did not reveal any significant abnormality. On magnetic resonance imaging, a hypointense, punctate lesion surrounded by a small hyperintense zone was noted at medial aspect of patella. A computed tomography scan showed the lesion with a central nidus, surrounded by a sclerotic rim, confirming the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Radiofrequency ablation was carried out without any post-procedural complications. The patient was pain free a few days after the procedure. At 14-month follow-up, there was no recurrence of symptoms.Conclusion:Osteoid osteomas that present as anterior knee pain are frequently misdiagnosed. Plain radiology has poor diagnostic yield. A combination of high index of suspicion, appropriate imaging, and complete ablation of the lesion is necessary to achieve good outcomes.

Seguimiento del hijo de madre con patología tiroidea autoinmune. ¿Qué no debemos cribar?

IntroductionThyroid dysfunction is a common problem in pregnant women. It is usually of an autoimmune origin, with Hashimotós thyroiditis and Graveś disease being the most common conditions. Although hormonal changes and transplacental antibody transfer may occur, specific neonatal screening has not been shown to be useful. Patients and methodA prospective study of newborns of women with autoimmune thyroid disease born at a level III university hospital (November 2013-December 2016). Neonates were selected during their stay at the maternity. Babies with perinatal asphyxia were excluded. Data were collected from the clinical histories of mothers and newborns. ResultsA total of 191 neonates were included. Ninety percent of mothers had been diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Only 5.8% of newborns had some laboratory disorder, consisting of slightly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, which returned to normal at the age of one month and did not correlate to thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. Transient hyperthyrotropinemia was diagnosed in one newborn and required thyroxin treatment during the first year of life. Among newborns from mothers with Graveś disease, 36.8% had some abnormal laboratory value during the first 7 days of life, but there were no cases of hyperthyroidism and only one of transient hyperthyrotropinemia. ConclusionsExperience at our hospital in screening of newborns from hypothyroid mothers reveals a high number of laboratory controls with a poor diagnostic yield. No relationship was found between thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and thyroid dysfunction. We support the recommendations to continue testing serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and FT4 levels at 48h of life in newborns of mothers with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

P1.17-29 8-year Experience of Navigational Bronchoscopy for Preoperative Localization of Subcentimeter Lung Nodules in a Small Community Hospital

With the advent of lung cancer screening, CT imaging has led to the identification of sub-centimeter nodules that are challenging to localize for both diagnosis and resection. The traditional approaches are problematic because biopsies often have poor diagnostic yield, resulting in repeat attempts at tissue collection, delay in time to treatment, and increased cost. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a newer technology that allows greater precision in preoperative localization of nodules to obtain tissue for diagnosis and fiducial marker placement. Our institution has adopted a practice that combines simultaneous ENB for nodule localization and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for resection with single anesthetic administration and operating room team. We aimed to evaluate changes in time to treatment, time to surgery, and length of stay. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent nodule localization and VATS or robotic-assisted VATS (RATS) between (May 2011- March 2019). ENB localization was performed with transbronchial injection of ICG and/or placement of gold fiducial markers. A total of 72 patients underwent VATS or RATS. During the first two years of the study period, ENB was performed with portable C-arm fluoroscopic guidance with diagnostic yield of 48%. Surgery was performed on average 29.7 days (4-190 days) after ENB (3 patients had non-diagnostic bronchoscopy and were followed with serial CT scans that resulted in >100 days until surgery). In August 2017 utilization of Cone Beam CT scan began during ENB, which resulted in reduction in time to surgery to average of 20.1 days (1-39 days). After persistent low diagnostic yield with bronchoscopy and demand for expedient diagnosis, in February 2018, ENB and surgical resection were performed simultaneously with single anesthetic administration and OR team. Furthermore, in December 2018 utilization of daVinci Xi robot began for RATS with ICG injection during ENB for intraoperative localization of nodules. The hospital length of stay (LOS) and time to treatment (from the initial identification of a lung nodule to surgery) for Super D bronchoscopy group (SDB) (n=36) is 5.7/63.8 days, SDB-with cone beam technology (n=8) is 4.5/62.8 days, respectively. Transition to simultaneous resection (n=28) resulted in 100% diagnostic yield, further decrease of both hospital LOS and time to treatment, to 3.6 days and 43.7 days, respectively. Our data demonstrates that intraoperative ENB lung lesion localization with simultaneous VATS/RATS resection results in decreased hospital length of stay, reduced time to treatment, and 100% diagnostic yield. Both metrics significantly impact patient satisfaction and healthcare costs.

Antibody-mediated rejection 16 years post-cardiac transplantation: a case report of an uncommon late presentation in a middle-aged woman.

Background Very late antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in heart transplant patients (over 10 years post-transplant) is very rare. It is associated with high mortality, graft dysfunction, and fulminant coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) and should remain in the differential for patients presenting with late graft dysfunction.Case summary A 57-year-old woman 16 years of post-heart transplant with a previously unremarkable post-transplant course including protocol driven biopsies showing no rejection and a recent unremarkable screening nuclear stress test presented to our institution with clinical heart failure. Echocardiogram revealed graft dysfunction and endomyocardial biopsy showed no signs of cellular rejection, but evidence of AMR. The patient was treated with steroid and immunotherapy with clinical improvement but suffered several infectious complications and renal dysfunction requiring haemodialysis related to her immunotherapy treatment. Despite aggressive AMR management, donor-specific antibodies and symptoms persisted and CAV progressed.Discussion This case illustrates the poor diagnostic yield of non-invasive testing for AMR, and highlights importance to clinicians of considering AMR even if the patient over 10 years post-transplant when the diagnosis is rare.

Disease and subtype specific signatures enable precise diagnosis of the mucopolysaccharidoses

Expanding treatments for the mucopolysaccharidoses-a family of genetic disorders-place unprecedented demands for accurate, timely diagnosis because best outcomes are seen with early initiation of appropriate therapies. Here we sought to improve the diagnostic odyssey by measuring specific glycosaminoglycan fragments with terminal residues complicit with the genetic defect resulting in precise diagnosis rather than the usual first-line, ambiguous total glycosaminoglycan determinations that return poor diagnostic yield. A derivatizing reagent was added to urine aliquots (0.5 μmol creatinine) before separation of the glycosaminoglycan fragments by liquid chromatography and quantification with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry using multiple reaction monitoring for 10 targeted fragments plus the internal standard. All 93 mucopolysaccharidosis patients were correctly identified as 1 of 10 subtypes from a total of 723 de-identified subjects-blinded to diagnosis-based on the presence of specific "signature" glycosaminoglycan fragments. Employing reference intervals calculated from 630 unaffected urines, with 99% confidence intervals, provided a laboratory test with 100% specificity and sensitivity. This novel urine assay allows diagnosis of 10 mucopolysaccharidosis subtypes in a single test. The precise quantification of unique glycosaminoglycan fragments also enables longitudinal biochemical monitoring following therapeutic interventions.

Development and first in-human use of a Raman spectroscopy guidance system integrated with a brain biopsy needle.

Navigation-guided brain biopsies are the standard of care for diagnosis of several brain pathologies. However, imprecise targeting and tissue heterogeneity often hinder obtaining high-quality tissue samples, resulting in poor diagnostic yield. We report the development and first clinical testing of a navigation-guided fiberoptic Raman probe that allows surgeons to interrogate brain tissue in situ at the tip of the biopsy needle prior to tissue removal. The 900 μm diameter probe can detect high spectral quality Raman signals in both the fingerprint and high wavenumber spectral regions with minimal disruption to the neurosurgical workflow. The probe was tested in three brain tumor patients, and the acquired spectra in both normal brain and tumor tissue demonstrated the expected spectral features, indicating the quality of the data. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate the consistency of the acquired Raman signal with different systems and experimental settings. Additional clinical development is planned to further evaluate the performance of the system and develop a statistical model for real-time tissue classification during the biopsy procedure.

Standard Bronchoscopy With Fluoroscopy vs Thin Bronchoscopy and Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound for Biopsy of Pulmonary Lesions: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Trial

New technology has resulted in bronchoscopy being increasingly used for diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Reported yield from these procedures varies widely with few randomized clinical trials. This study compares the diagnostic yield of a thin bronchoscope and radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) with standard bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy (SB-F) in lung lesions. Patients presenting for diagnostic bronchoscopic evaluation at five centers were randomized to undergo SB-F or R-EBUS with a thin bronchoscope (TB-EBUS). If SB-F was nondiagnostic, crossover to the TB-EBUS arm was allowed. Data on patient demographics, radiographic features, and final pathologic or radiographic follow-up were collected. Statistical comparisons were made by Fisher exact test, χ2 test, and Student t test. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of diagnostic yield. One hundred and ninety-seven patients were included in the final analyses. There was no difference in demographics, lesion size, or location between study arms. The average lesion size was 31.2mm (SD, 10.8mm). Bronchoscopy was diagnostic in 87 patients (44%). Although the diagnostic yield was higher in the TB-EBUS arm compared with the SB-F arm (49%vs37%), this difference was not statistically significant (P= .11). Among those with nondiagnostic bronchoscopic findings in the standard arm, 87%(n= 46) crossed over to TB-EBUS, resulting in a diagnosis in seven additional patients (15%of 46). Bronchoscopy with or without a thin scope and R-EBUS had a poor diagnostic yield for pulmonary lesions. Future work should focus on improvements in technique and technology advances that ensure a higher likelihood of obtaining a diagnosis.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle biopsy (FNB) with the Procore™ needle provides inadequate material for the histological diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.

diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis (CP) is hampered due to the low accuracy of current imaging techniques and the absence of methods for histological confirmation. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) for the histological diagnosis of early CP. a prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was designed. Consecutive patients referred for EUS with a clinical suspicion of CP were evaluated for inclusion into the study. Inclusion criteria were age > 18 years and indeterminate EUS findings for the diagnosis of CP according to the Rosemont classification. EUS-FNB of the body of the pancreas was performed with Procore™ needles. Tissue samples were immersed into a methanol-based buffered preservative solution for cytohistological evaluation. The quality of the samples obtained and the histological findings were evaluated. Procedure-related complications were recorded. the study was stopped after eleven patients were included due to safety concerns and poor diagnostic yield. The mean age of the patients was 50.3 years (range 33-70 years) and six were male. Samples were of poor quality in five cases, but were sufficient for cell-block evaluation. An inflammatory infiltration with mild fibrosis was identified in two cases and neither inflammatory infiltration nor fibrosis was identified in three cases. With regard to the other six cases, isolated inflammatory cells were observed in one case, although the cellularity was poor and unsuitable for cytological evaluation in five cases. There was one major complication (9.1%) of acute pancreatitis that required hospitalization for 48 hours. EUS-FNB is technically feasible in patients with EUS findings categorized as indeterminate for a CP diagnosis. However, the diagnostic yield is poor and there is a non-negligible risk of complications.

Medical thoracoscopy and its evolving role in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease.

Establishing the etiology of exudative pleural effusions in the setting of an unrevealing pleural fluid analysis often requires biopsies from the parietal pleura. While closed pleural biopsy (CPB) has been a popular minimally-invasive approach, it has a poor diagnostic yield, barring a diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a minimally-invasive ambulatory procedure performed under local anesthesia or moderate sedation which allows for direct visualization of biopsy targets as well as simultaneous therapeutic interventions, including chemical pleurodesis and indwelling tunneled pleural catheter (ITPC) placement. The excellent yield and favorable safety profile of MT has led to it replacing CPB for many indications, particularly in the management of suspected malignant pleural effusions. As experience with MT amongst interventional pulmonologists has grown, there is an increased appreciation for its important role alongside percutaneous and surgical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease.

Application of Interventional Bronchoscopy in Pulmonary Peripheral Lesions

肺癌是全球癌症相关死亡的主要原因, 肺癌的治愈率很低, 不仅因其自身攻击性, 还因对肺癌筛查的忽视。随着肺部筛查手段的不断进展, 肺外周病变的检出率逐渐提高, 当前对外周肺病变进行诊断的最常用方法是经支气管行支气管镜检查或计算机断层扫描(computed tomography, CT)引导下经皮穿刺针吸/活检, 然而对于外周肺病灶, 支气管镜检查有较低的诊断率, 经皮穿刺检查有较高的气胸发生率, 因此, 使用安全、微创的方法对外周肺病变进行组织确诊是临床工作者将面临的挑战。新型支气管镜介入诊断技术已逐渐用于临床, 这些技术可有效提高外周肺病变的诊断率, 缩短诊断时间, 使患者获得及时有效的治疗。本文将现有的技术进行简要综述以帮助临床医生尝试应用这些微创技术。

Computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy for vertebral neoplasms: a department's experience and hybrid biopsy technique to improve yield.

OBJECTIVE Recent articles have identified the poor diagnostic yield of percutaneous needle biopsy for vertebral osteomyelitis. The current study aimed to confirm the higher accuracy of CT-guided spinal biopsy for vertebral neoplasms and to identify which biopsy technique provides the highest yield. METHODS Over a 9-year period, the radiology department at University Hospitals Case Medical Center performed 222 CT-guided biopsies of vertebral lesions, of which clinicians indicated a concern for vertebral neoplasms in 122 patients. A retrospective chart review was performed to confirm the higher sensitivity of the percutaneous intervention for vertebral neoplasms. RESULTS A core sample was obtained for all 122 biopsies of concern (100.0%). Only 6 cases (4.9%) were reported as nondiagnostic per histological sampling, and 12 cases (9.8%) were negative for disease. The question of vertebral neoplastic involvement warrants follow-up, and the current study was able to determine the subsequent diagnosis of each lesion. Of the 122 total, 94 (77.0%) core samples provided true-positive results, and the sensitivity of core biopsy measured 87.9%. The technical approach did not demonstrate any significant difference in diagnostic yield. However, when the vertebral cortex was initially pierced with a coaxial bone biopsy system and subsequently a 14-gauge spring-loaded cutting biopsy needle was coaxially advanced into lytic lesions, 14 true positives were obtained with a corresponding sensitivity of 100.0%. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the higher sensitivity of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy for vertebral neoplasms. In addition, it demonstrates how the use of a novel cutting needle biopsy approach, performed coaxially through a core biopsy track, provides the highest yield.

Tubercular Spinal Paravertebral Abscesses Presenting as Multiple Dermal Sinuses in HIV Reactive Patients

Extra Pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for more than 50% of the cases of Tuberculosis in HIV-reactive patients and the clinically presentation is often atypical. EPTB sometimes poses diagnostic dilemmas as conventional diagnostic methods have a poor diagnostic yield and definite diagnosis may be delayed. Here we report a case of Spinal TB who uncommonly presented with multiple non healing sinuses in the Thoracolumbar region. Diagnosis was clinched by clinical presentation, +ve Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) accompanied by suggestive Magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Navigational transbronchial needle aspiration, percutaneous needle aspiration and its future.

Peripheral lung nodule evaluation represents a clinical challenge. Given that many nodules will be incidentally found with lung cancer screening following the publication of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), the goal is to find an accurate, safe and minimally-invasive diagnostic modality to biopsy the concerning lesions. Unfortunately, conventional bronchoscopic techniques provide a poor diagnostic yield of 18-62%. In recent years advances in technology have led to the introduction of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) as a tool to guide sampling of peripheral lung nodules. The same principle has also recently been expanded and applied to the transthoracic needle biopsy, referred to as electromagnetic transthoracic needle aspiration (E-TTNA). An improved diagnostic yield has afforded this technology a recommendation by the 2013 3(rd) Edition ACCP Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer which state that "in patients with peripheral lung lesions difficult to reach with conventional bronchoscopy, ENB is recommended if the equipment and the expertise are available (Grade 1C)". In this review we will discuss the technology, devices that are available, techniques and protocols, diagnostic yield, safety, cost effectiveness and more.