Transbronchial biopsy with virtual CT bronchoscopy and nodal highlighting

Radiology. 2001 Nov;221(2):531-6. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2211001585.

Abstract

Transbronchial biopsy to sample lymph nodes and tumors that are not visible at endoscopy has a poor (<50%) success rate. These nodes can be highlighted easily at virtual computed tomographic (CT) bronchoscopy to provide a guide. This study was performed to evaluate if the addition of this information to the bronchoscopist improved the success rate of transbronchial biopsy of subcarinal and aortopulmonary lymph nodes. The addition of virtual CT bronchoscopy with lymph node highlighting significantly (P < .5) increased biopsy success rates for pretracheal, hilar, and high pretracheal adenopathy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Bronchi
  • Bronchoscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*