Background: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is used to sample mediastinal masses, but the value may be limited by the small specimen size obtained. In benign diseases and hematologic malignancies, the sample size from TBNA is often considered insufficient for diagnosis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of obtaining histologic specimens from subcarinal masses using a 1.15-mm miniforceps under endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guidance and compared the diagnostic yield with TBNA alone.
Methods: Patients being evaluated for subcarinal lesions exceeding 2.5 cm (short axis) and without known or suspected non-small cell lung cancer were included. Bronchoscopy was performed, and EBUS-guided BNA of the lesion was performed first with a 22-gauge needle, followed by the 19-gauge needle. The miniforceps was then passed through the airway into the lesion (three to five passes) under real-time EBUS guidance. Three biopsy specimens were obtained.
Results: The study enrolled 75 patients (41 men; mean age, 51.5 years). Specimens were acquired from each patient using the three techniques and processed separately. A specific diagnosis was made in 36% of patients with the 22-gauge needle, 49% with the 19-gauge needle, and in 88% with the miniforceps. The increase in diagnostic yield with miniforceps was most significant in patients with sarcoidosis (88% vs 36% for TBNA, p = 0.001) or lymphoma (81% vs 35%, p = 0.038). No complications occurred.
Conclusions: Miniforceps biopsy, performed under real-time EBUS guidance, can be used to obtain tissue specimens from subcarinal masses adjacent to the airway. The diagnostic yield for lymphoma and sarcoidosis is superior to TBNA alone, and the procedure appears safe.