Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in diagnosis of mediastinal lesions / Punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico (EBUS-TBNA) no diagnóstico de lesões do mediastino

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the results of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in making diagnosis of mediastinal injuries associated to different causes. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients submitted to Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration at a private organization, between June 2013 and October 2016. All cases referred for collection of lymph nodes or peritracheal/peribronchial masses by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, and evaluated through tomography or PET-CT were included. Interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons with experience in the method did the procedures. Rapid on-site evaluation of fine needle aspiration was performed by an experienced pathologist. Material analysis included cytological smear and cytopathological analysis of paraffin-embedded cell blocks. Other specific analyses (immunocytochemistry, tests and cultures of infectious agents) were performed whenever necessary. Results We included 72 patients; 6 were excluded for presenting endobronchial lesions in which bronchoscopic biopsy could be performed, or intrathoracic lesions that were not accessible by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. The mean age of 66 patients included for analysis was 61.17 years (±14.67 years), with a predominance of males (64%). Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration was definitive for diagnosis in 60 cases (91%). Three cases (4.5%) had inconclusive test results. There were no major complications related to the procedure. Conclusion Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration had a high diagnosis yield, with minimal morbidity, being an excellent option for diagnostic approach of patients with lymphadenopathy or intrathoracic lesions, and for neoplasm staging.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os resultados da utilização de punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico na definição do diagnóstico em casos de lesões mediastinais por diferentes causas. Métodos Estudo transversal retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos à punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico em instituição privada, entre junho de 2013 e outubro de 2016. Foram incluídos todos os casos referenciados para coleta de materiais de linfonodos ou massas peritraqueais/peribrônquicas por punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico, estudados com tomografia ou PET-CT. Os procedimentos foram realizados por pneumologistas intervencionistas e cirurgiões torácicos com experiência no método. Rapid on-site evaluation da punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi realizada por patologista experiente. A análise do material incluiu citologia dos esfregaços em lâminas e análise citopatológica do emblocado celular. Outras análises específicas (imunocitoquímica, pesquisas e culturas de agentes infecciosos) foram realizadas se necessárias. Resultados Foram incluídos 72 pacientes; destes, 6 foram excluídos por apresentarem lesões endobrônquicas passíveis de biópsia broncoscópica convencional ou lesões intratorácicas não acessíveis a punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico. Assim, a média de idade dos 66 pacientes incluídos para análise foi 61,17 anos (±14,67 anos), com predomínio do sexo masculino (64%). A punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico foi definitivo para o diagnóstico em 60 casos (91%). Três casos (4,5%) foram inconclusivos. Não houve complicações maiores relacionadas ao procedimento. Conclusão A punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico teve elevado rendimento diagnóstico, com mínima morbidade, constituindo excelente opção na abordagem diagnóstica de pacientes com linfadenopatia ou lesões intratorácicas e no estadiamento de neoplasias.

Punção aspirativa guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico no diagnóstico e estadiamento de linfadenopatia mediastinal: experiência inicial no Brasil / Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymphadenopathy: initial experience in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA, punção aspirativa por agulha guiada por ultrassom endobrônquico) é um método novo em diagnóstico e estadiamento linfonodal mediastinal. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os resultados preliminares obtidos com EBUS-TBNA no diagnóstico de lesões e no estadiamento linfonodal mediastinal. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados pacientes com tumores ou adenopatias mediastinais e com diagnóstico ou suspeita de câncer de pulmão. Os procedimentos foram realizados com os pacientes sob sedação ou anestesia geral. O material coletado foi preparado em lâminas fixadas em álcool absoluto para citologia e em formol para bloco de células. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 50 pacientes (30 do sexo masculino), com média de idade de 58,3 ± 13,5 anos. Foram realizadas 201 punções em 81 linfonodos ou massas mediastinais (média de 2,5 punções). O material obtido foi considerado adequado para análise citológica em 37 pacientes (74 por cento), dos quais 21 (57 por cento) foram diagnosticados com malignidade. Nos 16 pacientes remanescentes, 1 teve diagnóstico de tuberculose, 6 tiveram seguimento clínico, e 9 foram submetidos a investigação adicional (2 diagnosticados com neoplasia - resultados falso-negativos). O rendimento do exame foi maior nos procedimentos com objetivo diagnóstico, em pacientes com lesões em múltiplas estações, e nas punções da estação linfonodal subcarinal. Um paciente apresentou sangramento endobrônquico resolvido com medidas locais. Não houve mortalidade na série. CONCLUSÕES: Esta experiência preliminar confirmou que o EBUS-TBNA é procedimento seguro, e que o nosso rendimento diagnóstico, inferior ao da literatura, foi compatível com a curva de aprendizado do método.

OBJECTIVE: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a new method for the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymph nodes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results obtained with EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lesions and mediastinal lymph node staging. METHODS: We evaluated patients with tumors or mediastinal adenopathy, diagnosed with or suspected of having lung cancer. The procedures were performed with the patients under sedation or under general anesthesia. Material was collected by EBUS-TBNA, after which it was prepared on slides, fixed in either absolute alcohol (for cytology) or formalin (for cell-block analysis). RESULTS: We included 50 patients (30 males). The mean age was 58.3 ± 13.5 years. We performed 201 biopsies of 81 lymph nodes or mediastinal masses (mean of 2.5 punctures/biopsy). The quantity of material was considered sufficient for cytology in 37 patients (74 percent), 21 (57 percent) of whom were thus diagnosed with malignancy. Of the remaining 16 patients, 1 was diagnosed with tuberculosis, 6 entered clinical follow-up, and 9 underwent further investigation (2 diagnosed with neoplasm-false-negative results). The yield was higher when the procedure was performed for diagnostic purposes, as well as being higher in patients with lesions in multiple stations and in biopsies involving the subcarinal lymph node station. One patient had endobronchial bleeding, which was resolved with local measures. There were no deaths among the patients evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience shows that EBUS-TBNA is a safe procedure. Our diagnostic yield, although lower than that reported in the literature, was consistent with the learning curve for the method.

Combined use of EUS-guided FNA and immunocytochemical stains disclosed metastatic and unusual diseases in the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknow etiology

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy [ML] is a cause for concern, especially in patients with previous malignancy. We report our experience with the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration [EUS-FNA] with immunocytochemical stains in patients being evaluated for ML. Retrospective analysis of patients with ML of unknown origin who underwent EUS-FNA. On-site evaluation was performed by experienced cytologist, and special immunocytochemical stains were requested as indicated. A total of 116 patients were included, and a total of 136 mediastinal LN were sampled. Prior malignancy was present in 45%. The most common site of examined lymph node [LN] were subcarinal [76%, 103 LN]. The median long and short axis diameters were 28 mm and 13 mm, respectively. FNA was read on-site as malignant, 21 [16%]; benign, 100 [76.9%]; suspicious, six [4%]; atypical, 3 [2%]; and inadequate sample, six [4%]. Sixty-four LN were deferred for additional studies; 22 for immunocytochemical and 26 for Gimesa [GMS] stain and 21 for flow cytometry. Final FNA read was malignant in 28 [21%], benign in 103 [76%], suspicious in three [2%], and atypical in two [1%]. Metastatic malignancies disclosed included Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, hepatoma, breast, lung, colon, renal, endometrial, Fallopian tube, and unknown carcinoma. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the final FNA read to predict malignancy were 100%. EUS-guided FNA with additional ancillary studies is useful in disclosing metastatic ML from a variety of neoplasms. Due to its safety and accuracy profile, it should be considered the test of choice in evaluating abnormal ML in appropriately selected patients

CT-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Intrathoracic Lesions

Percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsy of mediastinal and pulmonary lesions is a minimally invasive approach for obtaining tissue for histopathological examination. Although it is a widely accepted procedure with relatively few complications, precise planning and detailed knowledge of various aspects of the biopsy procedure is mandatory to avert complications. In this pictorial review, we reviewed important anatomical approaches, technical aspects of the procedure, and its associated complications.

Soft tissue Rosai-Dorfman disease of the posterior mediastinum / Doença de Rosai-Dorfman de partes moles no mediastino posterior

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) consists of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement occurs in up to 43% of cases. However, isolated soft tissue RDD is rare. Isolated mediastinal RDD is exceedingly rare, and there have been only three previous reports. Involvement of the posterior mediastinum in RDD has been reported only in the context of disseminated RDD. Here, we report the case of a 49-year-old female patient with a two-year history of cervical pain and lymphadenomegaly, which resolved spontaneously. A CT scan revealed a left paravertebral mass with a diameter of 6 cm. The patient was submitted to surgical excision of the mass. Microscopic examination and immunophenotyping of the surgical specimen led to a diagnosis of RDD. During a 12-month follow-up period, the patient complained of mild cough and chest pain. Periodic imaging tests showed no sign of recurrence, and no postoperative cervical lymphadenomegaly was detected.

A doença de Rosai-Dorfman (DRD) consiste em histiocitose sinusal com linfadenopatia maciça. O envolvimento extranodal ocorre em até 43% dos casos. Entretanto, a DRD de partes moles de forma isolada é rara. A forma isolada de DRD mediastinal é muito rara, com apenas três relatos prévios. O envolvimento do mediastino posterior só foi descrito no contexto da DRD disseminada. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 49 anos de idade com história de dor e linfadenomegalia cervical há dois anos, com resolução espontânea. A TC revelou uma massa paravertebral à esquerda medindo 6 cm de diâmetro. A paciente foi submetida à ressecção cirúrgica da massa. O exame microscópico e estudo do imunofenótipo da peça cirúrgica definiram o diagnóstico de DRD. A paciente foi acompanhada por 12 meses, queixando-se de tosse discreta e dor torácica. O acompanhamento por imagem não detectou recorrência, e nenhuma linfadenomegalia cervical foi observada após a cirurgia.

Endoscopic ultrasound in clinical practice: [revision] / La ecoendoscopía en la práctica clínica: [revisión]

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is an accurate technique for the diagnosis and staging of benign and malignant lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and the mediastinum. EUS overcomes the limitations of other imaging diagnostic methods and gives the possibility to obtain tissue for histologic diagnosis (EUS guided FNA). The most useful indications of EUS are differentiation of submucosal tumors, staging for neoplasia, examination of the pancreato-biliary system and therapeutics. EUS can distinguish extrinsic compressions from intramural lesions and defines their nature (solid, cystic or vascular) and origin. EUS is useful for local staging of esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and rectal cancer using the TNM (tumor, node, metastases) system, as well as for diagnosing and staging of pancreatic lesions. The addition of EUS-guided FNA has improved the ability to detect malignant lymph node invasion. EUS is also highly sensitive for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, avoiding unnecessary danger of diagnostic ERCP. New therapeutic indications of EUS include drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses and celiac plexus block and neurolysis. EUS has become an indispensable diagnostic method in gastroenterological everyday practice and should be part of most endoscopy units.

La ultrasonografía endoscópica (EUS) es una técnica precisa para el diagnóstico y estadío de lesiones benignas y malignas en el tracto gastrointestinal y el mediastino. La EUS supera las limitaciones de otros métodosde diagnóstico de imágenes y da la posibilidad de obtener tejido para diagnóstico histológico (EUS guiadoFNA). Las indicaciones más útiles de la EUS son la diferenciación de tumores submucosos, en estadío de neoplasia, examen y terapéutica del sistema pancreatobiliar. La EUS puede distinguir compresiones extrínsecas de lesiones intramuros y define su naturaleza (sólido, quístico o vascular) y el origen. La EUS es útil para el estadío local de cáncer del esófago gástrico duodenaly rectal usando el sistema de TNM (tumor, nódulo, metástasis), así como para el diagnóstico y estadío delesiones pancreáticas. La incorporación de EUS-FNA guiado ha mejorado la capacidad de detectar la invasiónde los nódulos linfáticos malignos. La EUS también es altamente sensible para el diagnóstico de colédoco litiasis, evitando el peligro innecesario de diagnóstico de ERCP. Nuevas indicaciones terapéuticas de la EUS incluyen el drenaje de pseudoquistes pancreáticos y abscesos, y bloqueo del plexo celíaco y neurolisis. La EUS se ha convertido en un método de diagnóstico indispensable en la práctica diaria gastroenterológica y debe formar parte de la mayoría de las unidades de endoscopía.

Superior vena cava obstruction; Presentation of idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis

iltifatsultan@hotmail.com Idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis is a disease of unknown etiology. The cause is probably an abnormal fibro-proliferative response within the mediastinum. It can result in clinical syndromes due to invasion and compression of mediastinal structures. A case of young male with idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis and superior vena caval obstruction is described

Amiloidose ganglionar mediastinal em paciente com sarcoidose / Mediastinal lymph node amyloidosis in a patient with sarcoidosis

Paciente masculino, 27 anos, com sintomas respiratórios, linfonodomegalia cervical anterior bilateral e hepatomegalia. Os estudos de imagem evidenciaram linfonodomegalia hilar bilateral e infiltrado pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido a biópsias pulmonar e hepática, que evidenciaram presença de granulomas não caseosos. Também foi submetido à biópsia de linfonodo hilar, que revelou a presença de material amilóide. Os achados clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos foram compatíveis com sarcoidose e amiloidose ganglionar. A associação entre sarcoidose e amiloidose é raramente descrita.

A 27-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms, bilateral enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and enlarged liver. In the imaging studies, bilateral enlargement of the hilar nodes was observed, together with pulmonary infiltrate. The patient was submitted to lung and liver biopsies, which revealed noncaseating granulomas. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were consistent with sarcoidosis and lymph node amyloidosis. The combination of sarcoidosis and amyloidosis has rarely been reported.

Sarcoidosis brocopulmonar: breve puesta al día y descripción de 8 casos / Bronchopulmonary sarcoidosis. Brief review and description of 8 cases

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad de etiología desconocida, que afecta con mayor frecuencia a adultos jóvenes. El diagnóstico es clínico, radiológico e histopatológico y la presentación frecuente es la de síntomas constitucionales y respiratorios, acompañados de linfoadenopatías hiliares y mediastinales, con o sin compromiso del parénquima pulmonar. La confirmación es anatomopatológica con la demostración de granulomas no caseificantes en los tejidos afectados, con cultivos negativos para micobacterias y hongos. Presentamos los hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos en 8 pacientes. Cuatro eran de sexo masculino y la edad promedio fue de 44 años (28-59). Dos de los pacientes se encontraban asintomáticos al momento del diagnóstico, cinco de ellos se presentaron con hallazgos toráxicos (tos, dolor retroesternal y arritmias) y uno con síntomas extratoráxicos (artritis de ambos tobillos). Todos presentaron adenopatías mediastinales en los estudios radiológicos y tomográficos y seis de ellos se encontraban en el estadio 2. En cuanto al tratamiento, dos pacientes remitieron espontáneamente, cuatro pacientes recibieron prednisona, uno requirió prednisona y azatioprina y de un paciente no contamos con registros de tratamiento. Uno de nuestros pacientes evolucionó desfavorablemente con aparición y recidiva de lesiones de eritema nodoso severas y bilaterales que motivaron la necesidad de tratamiento permanente con esteroides e inmunosupresores. Si bien se trata de una enfermedad de baja prevalencia en nuestro país, deberíamos mantener un alto índice de sospecha ante la presentación de síntomas respiratorios con lesiones parenquimatosas y adenopatías mediastinales, con o sin manifestaciones extratorácicas.

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology affecting most frequently young adults. Diagnosis is based on clinical. Radiological and histopathological features and presentation is frequently of constitutional and respiratory symptoms, hilar and mediastinal adenopathies, with or without parenquimal involvement. Confirmation is histopathological with demonstration of non-caseificating granulomas in affected organs, with negative cultures for mycobacterium and fungi. We describe the clinical, radiological and histopatbological findings in 8 patients. Mean age was 44 years (28-59) and half the patients were male. Two patients were symptom-free at diagnosis, thoracic findings were present in five (cough, retroesternal pain and arrhytbmias) and one had extratboracic symptoms (ankle arthritis). All showed mediastinal adenopathies in radiological and tomographic images (six were in stage 2 and two in stage 1). 1/vo patients had spontaneous remission, four received oral steroids, one required oral steroids and azatbioprine and tbere was no treatment data on one patient. In one patient, recidiva of severe and bilateral erithema nodosum required long term treatment with steroids and immunosupressors. Although sarcoidosis is a low prevalent disease in our country, a high index of suspicion is advisable when facing patients with respiratory symptoms, parenquimal involvement and mediastinal adenopathies, with or without extrathoracic manifestations.

Reacción sarcoidal mediastinal en el seguimiento de un paciente con seminoma / Mediastinal sarcoidal reaction in follow up for seminoma

El cáncer de células germinales de testículo es el modelo de neoplasia curable. Las complicaciones a largo plazo son bien conocidas y el seguimiento incluye la pesquisa no sólo de la recaída, sino también de la aparición de segundos tumores y secuelas del tratamiento empleado. Un aumento de la incidencia de lesiones con granulomas tipo sarcoidosis se ha descripto en las últimas dos décadas en pacientes curados quienes en el seguimiento se presentan con nódulos pulmonares o adenopatías mediastinales.Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 28 años quien durante el seguimiento clínico por un tumor seminomatoso, muestra en la tomografía axial computada y radiografía de tórax la presencia de adenopatías en mediastino, sin evidencia de enfermedad en abdomen y pelvis, el otro testículo normal y marcadores negativos.Ante esta peculiar situación, se realiza mediastinoscopia diagnosticándose reacción sarcoidal en ganglio mediastinal. Durante el seguimiento de pacientes con tumores germinales de testículo la presencia de adenopatías mediastinales exige contar con el diagnóstico histológico y tener en cuenta a la sarcoidosis en el diagnóstico diferencial

Testicular germ cell tumors constitute a model for curable neoplasia. Long-term complications are well-known and follow-up includes not only awareness of relapse, but also of the development of secondary tumors and treatment sequelae. In the last two decades, an increase in sarcoidosis incidence has been described in cured patients, who at follow-up present lung nodules or mediastinal lymph nodes. A 28 year-old patient who, on clinical follow up of a seminomatous tumor, presented mediastinal lymph nodes on CT scan and chest x-ray, without evidence of disease in pelvis or abdomen is presented. His other testicle was normal and he had negative tumor markers. Because of this rare presentation, a mediastinoscopy was performed and sarcoidosis like reaction was diagnosed. During follow-up of patients with testicular germ cell tumors, the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes requires a histological diagnosis and sarcoidosis should be considered as differential diagnosis

FNA compared to histological studies of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions

To determine the utility of cutting needle biopsy compared with fine needle aspiration [FNA] in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. Methods and Patients: Clinicopathological study of 68 patients at Al-Assad University Hospital in Damascus. 45 patients had both biopsy and FNA. 23 had FNA alone. There were 14 having mediastinal lesions. 42 patients had carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent of the pulmonary carcinomas. Sensitivity of FNA was 90%, specificity was 92%; and accuracy was 75% for all lesions. Biopsy offered no substantial advantage over FNA in the evaluation of peripheral malignant lung lesions. This was not true for the benign or mediastinal lesions. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of FNA biopsy as the initial diagnostic procedure in all cases of suspected malignancy. The use of the cutting biopsy is recommended when the diagnosis of malignancy by FNA is uncertain, or when a more detailed characterization of the lesion is required

A case of tracheoesophageal cyst in the posterior mediastinum

We experienced a case of a tracheoesophageal cyst in the posterior mediastinum of a three-year-old girl, who complained of cough and fever. We confirmed this case by computerized tomography and pathologic examination after surgical resection. A brief review of the literature is presented.

A case of tracheoesophageal cyst in the posterior mediastinum

We experienced a case of a tracheoesophageal cyst in the posterior mediastinum of a three-year-old girl, who complained of cough and fever. We confirmed this case by computerized tomography and pathologic examination after surgical resection. A brief review of the literature is presented.

Hematoma mediastinal causante de severa compresión de la vía aérea / Mediastinal hematoma causing severe airway compression

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 43 años que ingresó al Centro Respiratorio por presentar un cuadro de asma grave, anemia severa y acidosis metabólica. Durante la ARM se detectó una masa mediastinal que comprimía la tráquea y que en la tomografía computada tenía densidad de tejidos sólidos. Previamente se había colocado un catéter central por punción de la vena yugular interna. La paciente falleció y en la autopsia se evidenció un hematoma mediastinal compresivo que se atribuyó a la punción. Se destacan el error diagnóstico cometido, por las características tomográficas del hematoma, y la génesis de una causa infrecuente de obstrucción de la vía aérea como complicación de un procedimiento cuya peligrosidad no fue adecuadamente valorada en relación a los trastornos de coagulación pre-existentes