Endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsy of sub-carinal lymph nodes.
OBJECTIVE
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided biopsy is not widely available in the U.K., and sub-carinal nodes can be difficult to biopsy percutaneously. Tissue obtained from these nodes can influence patient management. We describe our initial experience with EUS guided transoesophageal biopsy of sub-carinal nodes using a Pentax FG-34 EUS probe and a 22 G Hancke-Villman or Echotip needle in 20 patients.


RESULTS
Malignant cells were obtained from the nodes in 13 patients, and in another patient in whom the node biopsy was negative, small cell carcinoma cells were obtained from a lesion in the liver. There were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Mediastinoscopy to obtain tissue, or the blind treatment of presumed malignancy was avoided in all the patients in whom a positive biopsy was obtained. In many of these patients, more conventional methods to obtain a tissue diagnosis had already failed. The problem solving capability of this safe, well-tolerated technique is discussed.Roberts, S. A. Clinical Radiology55, 832-836.
Roberts
S A
SA
Department of Radiology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK. ashley.roberts@swansea-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Davies
G
G
Howell
S
S
Banks
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional