Abstract
Background: Real-time endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guidance is a new method of TBNA. A descriptive study was conducted to test this new method for non-malign diseases.
Methods: 82 patients with enlarged hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on computed tomography,were included in the study. Convex probe endobronchial ultrasonography integrated with a separate working channel was used for EBUS-TBNA. After the procedures, patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for 6-30 months.
Results: EBUS-TBNA was performed on a total of 140 lymph node stations in 82 patients (44 women and 38 men, mean age 50,2 years). The mean size of the enlarged lymph nodes, as measured by EBUS, was 13.9±4,46 mm. The most commonly sampled lymph node station (57 out of 140; 40,7%) was subcarinal. Final diagnosis was based on cytology, surgical results, and/or clinical follow-up. Diagnostic results are shown at the table.
EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 59 (71,9%) patients. There were no complications associated with the procedures.
Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA proved to be a safe procedure with a high yield for the diagnoses of non-malign diseases.
- © 2013 ERS