Usefulness of Routine Bronchial Aspirate of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is commonly used for the study of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and centrally tumours but no report has discussed the contribution of routine cytological and microbiological BA during the procedure. The aim of the study was to analyse the diagnostic yield of BA during EBUS, and to determine the potential cost reduction. Methods: A prospective study of cytological and microbiological BA collected during EBUS-TBNA was conducted between January 2021 and June 2022. Demographic data, indication, previous BA bronchoscopy or EBUS diagnosis were recorded. The main variable tested was the number of patients in which the result of the BA obtained through EBUS-TBNA determined a change in the diagnosis. Results: A total of 450 (70.9% male) patients were included. BA cytology showed abnormal cells in 33 (7.3%) of patients, and only 1 case (0.2%) provided a previously unknown diagnosis. All these cases were patients with suspected malignancy. BA microbiological samples found germens in 30 (6.7%) patients but only in 5 cases (1.1%) found microbiological specimens not detected in previous bronchoscopy. None of them received antibiotics and evolved correctly. The potential total cost reduction during the study period at our centre if routine BA was deleted would be 21,937.50€ for routinely combined study. Conclusions: The low diagnostic yield of cytological and microbiological bronchial aspirate in EBUS-TBNA supports the idea of not performing routine BA. Although the potential for cost savings in caring for an individual patient is modest, many centres routinely perform BA, so the potential savings could be significant. (AU)

Usefulness of Routine Bronchial Aspirate of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration.

INTRODUCTION: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is commonly used for the study of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and centrally tumours but no report has discussed the contribution of routine cytological and microbiological BA during the procedure. The aim of the study was to analyse the diagnostic yield of BA during EBUS, and to determine the potential cost reduction. METHODS: A prospective study of cytological and microbiological BA collected during EBUS-TBNA was conducted between January 2021 and June 2022. Demographic data, indication, previous BA bronchoscopy or EBUS diagnosis were recorded. The main variable tested was the number of patients in which the result of the BA obtained through EBUS-TBNA determined a change in the diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 450 (70.9% male) patients were included. BA cytology showed abnormal cells in 33 (7.3%) of patients, and only 1 case (0.2%) provided a previously unknown diagnosis. All these cases were patients with suspected malignancy. BA microbiological samples found germens in 30 (6.7%) patients but only in 5 cases (1.1%) found microbiological specimens not detected in previous bronchoscopy. None of them received antibiotics and evolved correctly. The potential total cost reduction during the study period at our centre if routine BA was deleted would be 21,937.50€ for routinely combined study. CONCLUSIONS: The low diagnostic yield of cytological and microbiological bronchial aspirate in EBUS-TBNA supports the idea of not performing routine BA. Although the potential for cost savings in caring for an individual patient is modest, many centres routinely perform BA, so the potential savings could be significant.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Infectious Complications of EBUS-TBNA: Prospective Multicenter Study.

The aim of our study was to describe the incidence of infectious complications of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and to analyze the potential risk factors in a prospective cohort of patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter study, with all consecutive patients referred for an EBUS-TBNA with patients at risk of developing an infectious complication (considering>10 nodal samplings, known immunosuppression, bronchial colonization and cavitated or necrotic lesions) and a second group without any risk factor. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy patients were included: 245 with risk factors and 125 without risk factors (as the control group). Overall, 15 patients (4.05%) presented an acute infectious complication: fourteen in cases (5.7%) and 1 in controls (0.8%). Of these, 4 patients presented pneumonia, 1 mediastinitis, 4 obstructive pneumonitis and 6 mild complications (respiratory tract infection that resolved with antibiotic). Also 7 (1.9%) patients had self-limited fever. One-month follow-up showed 1 mediastinitis at sixteenth day post-EBUS, which required surgical treatment, and 3 pneumonias and 3 respiratory tract infections at nineteenth day (1.9%). All patients had a good evolution and there were no deaths related with infectious complication. We observed an increased risk of complication in patients with risk factors and in patients with necrosis (p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of infectious complications in a subgroup of patients with risk factors was higher than in patients without risk factors. Nevertheless, it remains low, and no fatal complication occurred, which reinforces the idea that EBUS-TBNA is a safe technique for the assessment of the mediastinum. Necrotic lesions are a risk factor of post-EBUS infection, and their puncture should be avoided.

The role of bronchoscopy in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The role of bronchoscopy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a matter of debate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational multicentre study aimed to analyse the prognostic impact of bronchoscopic findings in a consecutive cohort of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Patients were enrolled at 17 hospitals from February to June 2020. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1027 bronchoscopies were performed in 515 patients (age 61.5±11.2 years; 73% men), stratified into a clinical suspicion cohort (n=30) and a COVID-19 confirmed cohort (n=485). In the clinical suspicion cohort, the diagnostic yield was 36.7%. In the COVID-19 confirmed cohort, bronchoscopies were predominantly performed in the intensive care unit (n=961; 96.4%) and major indications were: difficult mechanical ventilation (43.7%), mucus plugs (39%) and persistence of radiological infiltrates (23.4%). 147 bronchoscopies were performed to rule out superinfection, and diagnostic yield was 42.9%. There were abnormalities in 91.6% of bronchoscopies, the most frequent being mucus secretions (82.4%), haematic secretions (17.7%), mucus plugs (17.6%), and diffuse mucosal hyperaemia (11.4%). The independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were: older age (OR 1.06; p<0.001), mucus plugs as indication for bronchoscopy (OR 1.60; p=0.041), absence of mucosal hyperaemia (OR 0.49; p=0.041) and the presence of haematic secretions (OR 1.79; p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopy may be indicated in carefully selected patients with COVID-19 to rule out superinfection and solve complications related to mechanical ventilation. The presence of haematic secretions in the distal bronchial tract may be considered a poor prognostic feature in COVID-19.

Novedades en ultrasonografía endobronquial y cáncer de pulmóni / The Latest in Endobronchial Ultrasound and Lung Cancer

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Valoración de la tolerancia y seguridad de 5 modelos de sedación durante la realización de la ecobroncoscopia / Tolerance and Safety of 5 Models of Sedation During Endobronchial Ultrasound

Introducción: La sedación durante la ecobroncoscopia es importante debido a la duración prolongada de esta exploración. Evaluamos distintos modelos de sedación y sus complicaciones. Método: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y observacional en el que recogieron distintas variables en 307 pacientes con distintos modelos de sedación: a) midazolam en bolo; b)propofol en perfusión; c) midazolam en bolo y propofol en perfusión; d) propofol en perfusión y remifentanilo en perfusión, y e) midazolam en bolo y fentanilo en bolo. Finalizada la prueba, los pacientes contestaron una encuesta de satisfacción. Resultados: Los pacientes por modelo de sedación fueron: A 24, B 37, C 107, D 62 y E 77. Las puntuaciones de las sensaciones percibidas de recuerdo, dolor, tos, disnea y exploración prolongada (0,65 ± 1,11; 0,3 ± 0,73; 0,46 ± 0,9; 0,29 ± 0,73; 0,59 ± 0,96) fueron menores frente a miedo y nerviosismo antes de la exploración (1,26 ± 1,37 y 1,5 ± 1,41). Los valores elevados de indiferencia ante la repetición (1,49 ± 1,3) y de sensación agradable de la prueba (1,23 ± 1,17), junto con cifras bajas la sensación de angustia (0,49 ± 0,85) e incomodidad de la exploración (0,62 ± 1,1), muestran que los distintos modelos de sedación fueron bien tolerados. El 46,6% de los pacientes no encontraron ningún momento malo y el 89,6% se repetiría la prueba. Los modelos E y C fueron los que menos complicaciones presentaron (12,9 y 31,7%) y, en todos los casos, se resolvieron con medidas terapéuticas sencillas. Conclusiones: Los modelos de sedación analizados fueron bien tolerados y la mayoría aceptarían la repetición de la ecobroncoscopia. Las complicaciones fueron escasas y sencillas de resolver

Introduction: Sedation during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is essential due to the long duration of this procedure. We evaluated different models of sedation and their complications. Method: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of 307 patients undergoing EBUS was conducted. Patients were sedated with: a) midazolam bolus; b) propofol infusion; c) midazolam bolus and propofol infusion; d) propofol infusion and remifentanil infusión, or e)midazolam bolus and fentanyl bolus, and clinical variables were collected. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey following the test. Results: Patients per sedation model were: A 24, B 37, C 107, D 62 and E 77. Scores for perceived sensations of recall, pain, cough, dyspnea and prolonged examination (0.65 ± 1.11; 0 3 ± 0.73, 0.46 ± 0.9, 0.29 ± 0.73, and 0.59 ± 0.96, respectively) were lower compared to fear and nervousness before the examination (1.26 ± 1.37 and 1.5 ± 1.41, respectively). High levels of indifference to repeating the procedure (1.49±1.3) and a reported pleasant feeling during the test (1.23±1.17), with low levels of anxiety (0.49 ± 0.85) and discomfort (0.62 ± 1.1), show that different models of sedation were well tolerated. Almost half the patients (46.6%) did not report any "worst momento" during the procedure, and 89.6% were willing to undergo a repeat test. The E and C models presented fewest complications (12.9 and 31.7%, respectively), and all were resolved with simple therapeutic measures. Conclusions: The models of sedation evaluated were well tolerated and most patients were willing to undergo repeat EBUS. Complications were few and easily resolved

Tolerance and Safety of 5 Models of Sedation During Endobronchial Ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION: Sedation during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is essential due to the long duration of this procedure. We evaluated different models of sedation and their complications. METHOD: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of 307 patients undergoing EBUS was conducted. Patients were sedated with: a) midazolam bolus; b) propofol infusion; c) midazolam bolus and propofol infusion; d) propofol infusion and remifentanil infusión, or e) midazolam bolus and fentanyl bolus, and clinical variables were collected. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey following the test. RESULTS: Patients per sedation model were: A 24, B 37, C 107, D 62 and E 77. Scores for perceived sensations of recall, pain, cough, dyspnea and prolonged examination (0.65±1.11; 0 3±0.73, 0.46±0.9, 0.29±0.73, and 0.59±0.96, respectively) were lower compared to fear and nervousness before the examination (1.26±1.37 and 1.5±1.41, respectively). High levels of indifference to repeating the procedure (1.49±1.3) and a reported pleasant feeling during the test (1.23±1.17), with low levels of anxiety (0.49±0.85) and discomfort (0.62±1.1), show that different models of sedation were well tolerated. Almost half the patients (46.6%) did not report any "worst moment" during the procedure, and 89.6% were willing to undergo a repeat test. The E and C models presented fewest complications (12.9 and 31.7%, respectively), and all were resolved with simple therapeutic measures. CONCLUSIONS: The models of sedation evaluated were well tolerated and most patients were willing to undergo repeat EBUS. Complications were few and easily resolved.

Experiencia inicial con elastografía en tiempo real mediante ecobroncoscopio en la evaluación de ganglios linfáticos mediastínicos / Initial Experience With Real-Time Elastography Using an Ultrasound Bronchoscope for the Evaluation of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

La elastografía en tiempo real realizada durante la ultrasonografía endoscópica digestiva es una técnica relativamente nueva que permite caracterizar la dureza de los tejidos, y ha sido utilizada con éxito como predictor de malignidad en ganglios mediastínicos. En la presente nota clínica se describe nuestra experiencia práctica en la técnica de la elastografía con ecobroncoscopio en el estudio de los ganglios linfáticos mediastínicos. Presentamos un caso realizado mediante ultrasonografía endobronquial sectorial y el primer caso publicado de elastografía por ultrasonografía endoscópica con ecobroncoscopio, en 2 pacientes con carcinoma de pulmón no microcítico. El patrón cualitativo en color del tejido se obtuvo en ambos casos y se correlacionó con la evaluación anatomopatológica. Los resultados de viabilidad iniciales son prometedores y las aplicaciones ecobroncoscópicas, como la estadificación ganglionar guiada, requieren ser evaluadas. Categorizar el riesgo de malignidad puede ser importante para ayudar a tomar decisiones en la obtención de muestras

Real-time elastography performed during endoscopic ultrasonography is a relatively new method for characterizing tissue stiffness, and has been used successfully as a predictor of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes. This case report describes our practical experience with this technique using an ultrasound bronchoscope to examine mediastinal lymph nodes. We present a case of sectorial endobronchial ultrasound and the first published case of endoscopic ultrasound elastography using ultrasound bronchoscope in two patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. Qualitative tissue color pattern was obtained in both cases and correlated with pathological evaluation. The initial feasibility results are promising and suggest that ultrasound bronchoscopy techniques, such s guided nodal staging, merit additional studies. It may be importantto categorize the risk of malignancy to facilitate sampling decisions

Initial experience with real-time elastography using an ultrasound bronchoscope for the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes.

Real-time elastography performed during endoscopic ultrasonography is a relatively new method for characterizing tissue stiffness, and has been used successfully as a predictor of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes. This case report describes our practical experience with this technique using an ultrasound bronchoscope to examine mediastinal lymph nodes. We present a case of sectorial endobronchial ultrasound and the first published case of endoscopic ultrasound elastography using ultrasound bronchoscope in two patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. Qualitative tissue color pattern was obtained in both cases and correlated with pathological evaluation. The initial feasibility results are promising and suggest that ultrasound bronchoscopy techniques, such as guided nodal staging, merit additional studies. It may be important to categorize the risk of malignancy to facilitate sampling decisions.

Punción guiada por ultrasonografía endobronquial sin aspiración: ¿y el bloque celular? / Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Needle Sampling Without Aspiration: And the Cell Block?

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Tumor, node and metastasis classification of lung cancer--M1a versus M1b--analysis of M descriptors and other prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: The current edition of the tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) classification of lung cancer (LC) divides the presence of metastasis (M1) into two categories: M1a and M1b, depending on its anatomical location. To assess this new classification, the survival and the M descriptors of LC patients with metastatic disease registered by the Bronchogenic Carcinoma Cooperative Group of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery II (GCCB-S-II), were analyzed. METHODS: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, with M1a or M1b disease, included in the GCCB-S-II, from April 2009 to December 2010, staged in accordance with the prospective staging project protocol of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), and with complete TNM staging and follow-up data, were studied. The overall survival associated with each M1 category and each M descriptor, besides other prognostic factors (sex, age, performance status [PS] and others) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: 640 NSCLC patients (195 M1a and 445 M1b) were included. M1b tumors had significantly worse survival than M1a tumors (p < 0.001). The prognostic value of M1 category was independent from other prognostic variables such as PS, weight loss, and others. The number of metastatic sites (isolated versus multiple) and the number of lesions (single versus multiple) in patients with isolated metastasis showed prognostic value, especially in those with brain metastasis. CONCLUSION: The current division of the M1 category into two subsets (M1a and M1b) is warranted by their prognostic significance. The number of metastatic sites and the number of lesions in patients with isolated metastasis should be taken into account, because they also have prognostic relevance.

La ultrasonografía endobronquial lineal como instrumento de diagnóstico inicial en el paciente con ocupación mediastínica / Linear Endobronchial Ultrasound as the Initial Diagnostic Tool in Patients With Indications of Mediastinal Disease

IntroducciónLa punción aspirativa (PA) guiada por ultrasonografía endobronquial (USEB) lineal permite el muestreo de masas y ganglios mediastínicos, y ha mostrado su utilidad en la estadificación del paciente con neoplasia broncopulmonar. El objetivo del estudio ha sido determinar su utilidad como instrumento diagnóstico en el paciente con ocupación mediastínica cuya causa permanece indeterminada después de obtener muestras con exploraciones no invasivas y broncoscopia con luz blanca.Pacientes y métodosSe incluyó en el estudio a todos los pacientes explorados por PA guiada por USEB lineal para el diagnóstico de masa y/o adenopatía/s mediastínica/s. Se consideraron diagnósticos finales aquéllos obtenidos con PA guiada por USEB lineal y los alcanzados con cualquier técnica quirúrgica realizada con posterioridad a la USEB cuando ésta no había sido diagnóstica.ResultadosSe estudiaron 128 pacientes (edad media±desviación estándar: 62,0±11,2 años) en los que se realizaron 294 PA sobre 12 masas y 282 ganglios. En las masas mediastínicas se obtuvieron muestras valorables en 11 casos (91,7%) y en los ganglios, en 233 casos (82,6%). La PA dirigida por USEB lineal fue el instrumento diagnóstico y evitó la mediastinoscopia en 115 pacientes (sensibilidad diagnóstica: 89,8%). La técnica confirmó el diagnóstico en 85 de los 94 pacientes con neoplasia (90,4%), en 8 de los 10 con tuberculosis (80,0%) y en los 5 con sarcoidosis (100%).ConclusionesLa PA guiada por USEB lineal es un instrumento de diagnóstico útil en los pacientes con afectación mediastínica cuyo diagnóstico anatomopatológico no se alcanza por medio de exploraciones no invasivas ni broncoscopia con luz blanca(AU)

Background and ObjectiveLinear endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has proven useful for sampling mediastinal masses and nodes and for staging lung cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of this diagnostic tool in patients with indications of mediastinal disease that could not be diagnosed by noninvasive methods or white light bronchoscopy.Patients and MethodsAll patients undergoing linear EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses and/or adenopathy at our endoscopy unit were included in the study. Diagnoses obtained by linear EBUS-TBNA or any surgical technique performed after a nondiagnostic EBUS-TBNA were considered as final.ResultsIn the study population of 128 patients with a mean (SD) age of 62.0 (11.2) years, a total of 294 TBNAs were performed on 12 masses and 282 nodes. Satisfactory samples were obtained in 11 cases (91.7%) from masses and in 233 cases (82.6%) from nodes. Linear EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic, obviating the need for mediastinoscopy in 115 patients (diagnostic sensitivity, 89.8%). The technique confirmed the diagnosis in 85 of the 94 patients with cancer (90.4%), in 8 of the 10 patients with tuberculosis (80.0%), and in the 5 patients with sarcoidosis.ConclusionsLinear EBUS-TBNA is a useful diagnostic tool in patients with mediastinal disease for whom a pathologic diagnosis is not achieved by noninvasive methods or white light bronchoscopy(AU)

[Linear endobronchial ultrasound as the initial diagnostic tool in patients with indications of mediastinal disease]. / La ultrasonografía endobronquial lineal como instrumento de diagnóstico inicial en el paciente con ocupación mediastínica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Linear endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has proven useful for sampling mediastinal masses and nodes and for staging lung cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of this diagnostic tool in patients with indications of mediastinal disease that could not be diagnosed by noninvasive methods or white light bronchoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing linear EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses and/or adenopathy at our endoscopy unit were included in the study. Diagnoses obtained by linear EBUS-TBNA or any surgical technique performed after a nondiagnostic EBUS-TBNA were considered as final. RESULTS: In the study population of 128 patients with a mean (SD) age of 62.0 (11.2) years, a total of 294 TBNAs were performed on 12 masses and 282 nodes. Satisfactory samples were obtained in 11 cases (91.7%) from masses and in 233 cases (82.6%) from nodes. Linear EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic, obviating the need for mediastinoscopy in 115 patients (diagnostic sensitivity, 89.8%). The technique confirmed the diagnosis in 85 of the 94 patients with cancer (90.4%), in 8 of the 10 patients with tuberculosis (80.0%), and in the 5 patients with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Linear EBUS-TBNA is a useful diagnostic tool in patients with mediastinal disease for whom a pathologic diagnosis is not achieved by noninvasive methods or white light bronchoscopy.