Advances in lung cancer diagnosis and staging: endobronchial ultrasound.
BACKGROUND
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is an accurate and relatively less invasive procedure for the diagnosis of lung lesions and mediastinal lymph node staging for lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility and safety of this new EBUS service established in our hospital.


METHODS
Consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions or for transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal lymph node enlargement were included in this audit. Demographic and clinical data were obtained prospectively. Diagnostic yield from the results of EBUS was compared to other clinical information obtained.


RESULTS
Thirty-eight patients underwent EBUS over a 10-month period. The yield from EBUS-TBLB was 62%. The average size of the lung lesions biopsied was 3.5 cm and 62% were located in the upper lobes. Malignancy was diagnosed in 14 cases and a benign aetiology in four. The yield from EBUS-TBNA was 88% and the average size of the lymph nodes was 2.3 cm. The lymph nodes were all located in the subcarinal station except for two that were in the lower paratracheal station. Malignancy was diagnosed in 10 cases on TBNA and 4 cases had benign pathology. There was one complication seen (small pneumothorax).


CONCLUSIONS
EBUS is safe and an effective method for both, diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and staging for lung cancer.
Koh
M S
MS
Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. kohsiyue@yahoo.com.sg
Tee
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Wong
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Antippa
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Irving
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D001980:Bronchi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity