title: Radial endobronchial ultrasound for the diagnosis of bronchoscopically invisible lesions: First case series from India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A peripheral, bronchoscopically invisible pulmonary lesion is a diagnostic challenge. Transthoracic needle aspiration has long been the investigation of choice but runs the risk of pneumothorax (up to 44%). Newer technologies like radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) offer a safer approach. We present our results of R-EBUS in the diagnosis of bronchoscopically invisible lesions. This is the first large case series from India.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  (1) To determine the yield of R-EBUS for the diagnosis of bronchoscopically invisible lesions. (2) To compare the yields of forceps versus cryobiopsies in the diagnosis of these lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care cancer center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive patients presenting between January and October 2015 with bronchoscopically invisible peripheral pulmonary lesions were included. R-EBUS was used to localize and sample the lesion and the yields were analyzed. Yields of cryo and forceps biopsy were compared where both methods had been used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A definite diagnosis obtained in 67.3% (37/55) patients with no major complications. No significant difference was found in yield between: (1) small (<3 cm) and large (>3 cm) lesions: (46.2% versus 78.6%,P= 0.38). (2) central and adjacent lesions: 61.5% versus 70%. (3) forceps and cryobiopsy (n= 28, 75% versus 67.9%P= 0.562).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  R-EBUS is a safe procedure in our setting and its yield is comparable to that reported in literature. The yield of central and adjacent lesions and forceps or cryobiopsy appears similar. Further refinements in the technique could improve yield.
authors.affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Kedar Ravi
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Hibare
authors.affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goyal
authors.affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Chetan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nemani
authors.affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Rao
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Avinash
authors.affiliation: Nayati Healthcare and Research Center, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Bajpai
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ram
authors.affiliation: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Batra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ullas
keywords: Bronchoscopically invisible lesion; peripheral pulmonary lesion; radial endobronchial ultrasound