Clinical application of endobronchial ultrasound examination through fiberoptic bronchoscope / 中国实用内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of endobrochial ultrasound (EBUS) examination,a new ultrasound technique.Method 15 patients with space occupying lesions in lung or doubted obstructive pneumonia or atelectasis were examined by EBUS.The procedure was performed with ultrasound catheters,which were introduced into bronchi through the operating channel of fiberoptic bronchoscope and a full 360℃ cross-sectional image was obtained.Result The bronchial wall was highly echogenic and laminated.The lung parenchyma appeared echo rich and patchy.Pulmonary vessels can be identified by the echo free lumen and the pulsatile changes.Echo poor bronchial carcinomas proved in pathology destructed bronchial wall in different extent were detected in 10 patients.1 patient with nodule in right apical segment who had intact bronchial wall was with tuberculosis proved by operation.1 patient with pleural effusion and atelectasis was detected by EBUS and found no abnormal echo,showing that the reason for atelectasis was compression instead of obstruction.Among the 3 patients who were suspected to have obstructive pneumonia,in 1 case ultrasound scanning showed enlarged lymph node outside the bronchus compressing the wall caused the channel mild narrow;as to the other 2 cases,because bronchial wall was complete and no tumor like echo were found,the obstructive factor was excluded.The ultrasound examination had no particular risk and caused little discomfort.Conclusion Endobronchial ultrasound scan can clearly demonstrate the adjacent extraluminal lesion or structure within the brochial wall itself,which is safe and effective.