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Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (radial EBUS) is widely used to diagnose pulmonary lesions; however, the diagnostic value of radial EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) varies, and its complications (especially the risk of bleeding) are not properly understood. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance and rate of complication of this procedure, and investigated the risk factors associated with the procedure-related bleeding events. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included consecutive patients who underwent radial EBUS-guided TBB. Radial EBUS was performed under moderate sedation in inpatients or outpatients. The severity of bleeding was graded using the standardized definitions of bleeding. Results: Of 133 patients (median age, 69 years; men 57.1%) included, 41 were outpatients (30.8%). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for malignancy were 76.1% (89/117), 71.1% (69/97), and 100% (20/20), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy ranged from 66.9% to 79.0%, depending on the classification of undiagnosed cases as either false negatives or true negatives. Twenty-seven patients (20.3%) developed complications (pneumothorax, 3; pneumonia, 5; complicated pleural effusion, 2; bleeding event grade 2 or higher, 21). Of the 41 outpatients, two developed complications (pneumothorax without intervention, 1; grade 2 bleeding event, 1). Of the 21 patients (15.8%) with procedure-related bleeding events, 18 had grade 2, and three had grade 3 bleeding complications. In multivariate analysis, a large size of ⩾30 mm (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 5.09; p = 0.03) and central lesion (adjusted OR, 3.67; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the risk of grade 2 or higher bleeding events. Conclusion: Our results suggest that radial EBUS-guided TBB is an accurate and safe method for diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Clinically significant procedure-related bleeding was rare. The central location and larger size (⩾30 mm) of pulmonary lesions were risk factors for grade 2 or higher bleeding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric lung transplantation represents a treatment option for children with advanced lung disease or pulmonary vascular disorders who are deemed an appropriate candidate. Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy is an important and evolving field that is highly relevant in the pediatric lung transplant population. It is thus important to advance our knowledge to better understand how care for children after lung transplant can be maximally optimized using pediatric bronchoscopy. Our goals are to continually improve procedural skills when performing bronchoscopy and to decrease the complication rate while acquiring adequate samples for diagnostic evaluation. Attainment of these goals is critical since allograft assessment by bronchoscopic biopsy is required for histological diagnosis of acute cellular rejection and is an important contributor to establishing chronic lung allograft dysfunction, a common complication after lung transplant. Flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy plays a key role in lung transplant graft assessment. In this article, we discuss the application of bronchoscopy in pediatric lung transplant evaluation including historical approaches, our experience, and future directions not only in bronchoscopy but also in the evolving pediatric lung transplantation field. Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy has become a vital modality for diagnosing lung transplant complications in children as well as assessing therapeutic responses. Herein, we review the value of flexible bronchoscopy in the management of children after lung transplant and discuss the application of novel techniques to improve care for this complex pediatric patient population and we provide a brief update about new diagnostic techniques applied in the growing lung transplantation field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitary lung lesions are uncommon radiological findings in cytomegalovirus pneumonia, and tissue biopsy is rarely performed for diagnosis. A 67‐year‐old man presented with a wet cough. Extensive white moss in the oral cavity was found on physical examination, and chest computed tomography revealed an approximately 4 cm cavitary lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung. Blood tests showed a critically low CD4+ T lymphocyte count and positivity for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibodies. A transbronchial biopsy of the cavitary lung lesion was performed, and inclusion bodies in the nuclei of enlarged alveolar epithelial cells were seen in the histopathological findings. Immunohistochemistry staining for cytomegalovirus was positive, and cytomegalovirus pneumonia was diagnosed. Ganciclovir treatment was initiated, and the symptoms and imaging findings resolved. Cytomegalovirus pneumonia can present as cavitary lung lesions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and a transbronchial biopsy is essentially useful for a definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, the increasing number of incidentally detected peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) within and outside lung cancer screening trials is a diagnostic challenge. This fact encourages further improvement of diagnostic procedures to increase the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy, which has been shown to have a low complication rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new ultrathin 1.1 cryoprobe that can be placed through an ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) using fluoroscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) navigation for assessing PPLs. Methods: Thirty-five patients with PPL less than 4 cm in diameter were prospectively enrolled to receive transbronchial cryobiopsies (TBCBs) using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe. Navigation to the PPL was accomplished with the UTB. Under rEBUS and fluoroscopy guidance up to 4 cryobiopsies were obtained. The sample sizes of the biopsies were compared to a historic collective derived from a 1.9-mm cryoprobe and standard forceps. The feasibility and safety of the procedure, the cumulative and overall diagnostic yield, and the cryobiopsy sizes were evaluated. Results: After detection with the rEBUS, TBCB was collected from 35 PPLs, establishing a diagnosis in 25 cases, corresponding to an overall diagnostic yield of 71.4%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield for PPL <20 mm or ≥20 mm. All cryobiopsies were representative with a mean tissue area of 11.9 ± 4.3 mm2, which was significantly larger compared to the historic collective (p = 0.003). Six mild and four moderate bleeding events and 1 case of pneumothorax were observed. Conclusions: Using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe combined with an UTB for rEBUS-guided TBCB of PPL is feasible and safe. This diagnostic approach improves bronchoscopic techniques for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions and may contribute to improve diagnosis of lung cancer even in small PPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) can improve the adequacy of biopsy specimens and diagnostic yield of lung cancer. However, the lack of cytopathologists has restricted the wide use of ROSE. Objective: To develop a ROSE artificial intelligence (AI) system using deep learning techniques to differentiate malignant from benign lesions based on ROSE cytological images, and evaluate the clinical performance of the ROSE AI system. Method: 6357 ROSE cytological images from 721 patients who underwent transbronchial biopsy were collected from January to July 2023 at the Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University. A ROSE AI system, composed of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), was developed to identify whether there were malignant cells in the ROSE cytological images. Internal testing, external testing, and human-machine competition were used to evaluate the performance of the system. Results: The ROSE AI system identified images containing lung malignant cells with the accuracy of 92.97% and 90.26% on the internal testing dataset and external testing dataset respectively, and its performance was comparable to that of the experienced cytopathologist. The ROSE AI system also showed promising performance in diagnosing lung cancer based on ROSE cytological images, with accuracy of 89.61% and 87.59%, and sensitivity of 90.57% and 94.90% on the internal testing dataset and external testing dataset respectively. More specifically, the agreement between the ROSE AI system and the experienced cytopathologist in diagnosing common types of lung cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung cancer, demonstrated almost perfect consistency in both the internal testing dataset (α=0:930) and the external testing dataset (α=0:932). Conclusions: The ROSE AI system demonstrated feasibility and robustness in identifying specimen adequacy, showing potential enhancement in the diagnostic yield of FB. Nevertheless, additional enhancements, incorporating a more diverse range of training data and leveraging advanced AI models with increased capabilities, along with rigorous validation through extensive multicenter randomized control assays, are crucial to guarantee the seamless and effective integration of this technology into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transbronchial biopsy is a safe manner with fewer complications than percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy; however, the current diagnostic yield is still necessitating further improvement. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of using virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) for transbronchial biopsy and to investigate the factors that affected the diagnostic sensitivity. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 255 patients who underwent VBN-CBCT-guided transbronchial biopsy at our two centers from May 2021 to April 2022. A total of 228 patients with final diagnoses were studied. Patient characteristics including lesion size, lesion location, presence of bronchus sign, lesion type and imaging tool used were collected and analyzed. Diagnostic yield was reported overall and in groups using different imaging tools. Results: The median size of lesion was 21 mm (range of 15.5-29 mm) with 46.1% less than 2 cm in diameter. Bronchus sign was present in 87.7% of the patients. The overall diagnostic yield was 82.1%, and sensitivity for malignancy was 66.3%. Patients with lesion > 2 cm or with bronchus sign were shown to have a significantly higher diagnostic yield. Four patients had bleeding and no pneumothorax occurred. Conclusion: Guided bronchoscopy with VBN and CBCT was an effective diagnostic method and was associated with a high diagnostic yield in a safe manner. In addition, the multivariant analysis suggested that lesion size and presence of bronchus sign could be a predictive factor for successful bronchoscopic diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advances in bronchoscopy have impacted the practice patterns in the sampling of thoracic lymph nodes and lung lesions. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the trends in utilization of mediastinoscopy, transthoracic needle aspiration (TTNA), and bronchoscopic transbronchial sampling. Methods: We conducted an analysis of patient claims for sampling of thoracic lymph nodes and lung lesions in the Medicare population and a sample of the commercial population between 2016 and 2020. We used Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify mediastinoscopy, TTNA, and bronchoscopic transbronchial sampling. Post-procedural pneumothorax rates were assessed by procedure type including subset analyses for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results: Between 2016 and 2020, utilization of mediastinoscopy has decreased in both the Medicare and commercial populations (−47.3% and −65.4%, respectively), while linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has increased only in the Medicare population (+28.2%). Percutaneous lung biopsy claims dropped by −17.0% in the Medicare and −41.22% in the commercial population. The use of bronchoscopic TBNA and forceps biopsy declined in both populations, but the reliance on a combination of guided technology (radial EBUS-guided and navigation) grew in the Medicare and commercial populations (+76.3% and +25%). Rates of post-procedural pneumothorax were significantly higher following percutaneous biopsy compared to bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy. Conclusions: Linear EBUS-guided sampling has surpassed mediastinoscopy as the technique for sampling thoracic lymph nodes. Transbronchial lung sampling is increasingly being performed with guidance technology. This trend is aligned with favorable rates of post-procedure pneumothorax for transbronchial biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary minute meningothelial-like nodules (MMNs) are common incidental findings in surgical specimens, consisting of tiny proliferation (usually no larger than 5–6 mm) of bland-looking meningothelial cells showing a perivenular and interstitial distribution, sharing morphologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical profiles with meningiomas. The identification of multiple bilateral MMNs leading to an interstitial lung disease characterized by diffuse and micronodular/miliariform patterns radiologically allows the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis (DPM). Nevertheless, the lung is the most common site of metastatic primary intracranial meningioma, and differential diagnosis with DPM may be impossible without clinic–radiologic integration. Herein, we report four cases (three females; mean age, 57.5 years) fitting the criteria of DPM, all incidentally discovered and histologically evidenced on transbronchial biopsy (2) and surgical resection (2). All cases showed immunohistochemical expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), progesterone receptor, and CD56. Notably, three of these patients had a proven or radiologically suspected intracranial meningioma; in two cases, it was discovered before, and in one case, after the diagnosis of DPM. An extensive literature review (44 patients with DPM) revealed similar cases with imaging studies excluding intracranial meningioma in only 9% (4 of 44 cases studied). The diagnosis of DPM requires close correlation with the clinic–radiologic data since a subset of cases coexist with or follow a previously diagnosed intracranial meningioma and, thus, may represent incidental and indolent metastatic deposits of meningioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) is a commonly performed procedure to obtain parenchymal lung tissue during bronchoscopy. Pneumothorax is among the most common serious complications of TBB. The objective of this study was to assess whether location of TBB correlated with development of post-procedural pneumothorax. We also sought to identify additional risk factors associated with pneumothorax development. This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. All TBB performed between 2010 and 2020 underwent subsequent chart review. The primary outcome was radiologist reported pneumothorax on post-procedure chest x-ray. Multivariable logistic regression model was created with included variables chosen a priori based on clinical significance. Results: There were a total of 222 TBB performed that met inclusion criteria. Radiographic evidence of pneumothorax was reported in 38 patients (15.4%). Ten patients (4.1%) required a chest tube. In the multivariable analysis, risk of pneumothorax was significantly higher for biopsies obtained from the left upper lobe (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3–9.1). There was an increased risk of pneumothorax following TBB when obtained from the left upper lobe. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk and should consider alternative locations in patients with diffuse lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Target localization in pulmonary interventions (e.g. transbronchial biopsy of a lung nodule) is challenged by deformable motion and may benefit from fluoroscopic overlay of the target to provide accurate guidance. We present and evaluate a 3D–2D image registration method for fluoroscopic overlay in the presence of tissue deformation using a multi-resolution/multi-scale (MRMS) framework with an objective function that drives registration primarily by soft-tissue image gradients. Methods. The MRMS method registers 3D cone-beam CT to 2D fluoroscopy without gating of respiratory phase by coarse-to-fine resampling and global-to-local rescaling about target regions-of-interest. A variation of the gradient orientation ( GO) similarity metric (denoted G O ′ ) was developed to downweight bone gradients and drive registration via soft-tissue gradients. Performance was evaluated in terms of projection distance error at isocenter (PDEiso). Phantom studies determined nominal algorithm parameters and capture range. Preclinical studies used a freshly deceased, ventilated porcine specimen to evaluate performance in the presence of real tissue deformation and a broad range of 3D–2D image mismatch. Results. Nominal algorithm parameters were identified that provided robust performance over a broad range of motion (0–20 mm), including an adaptive parameter selection technique to accommodate unknown mismatch in respiratory phase. The G O ′ metric yielded median PDEiso = 1.2 mm, compared to 6.2 mm for conventional GO. Preclinical studies with real lung deformation demonstrated median PDEiso = 1.3 mm with MRMS + G O ′ registration, compared to 2.2 mm with a conventional transform. Runtime was 26 s and can be reduced to 2.5 s given a prior registration within ∼5 mm as initialization. Conclusions. MRMS registration via soft-tissue gradients achieved accurate fluoroscopic overlay in the presence of deformable lung motion. By driving registration via soft-tissue image gradients, the method avoided false local minima presented by bones and was robust to a wide range of motion magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rejection (CR) is the main culprit for reduced survival and quality of life in patients undergoing lung transplantation (Ltx). High-throughput approaches have been used to unveil the molecular pathways of CR, mainly in the blood and/or in bronchoalveolar lavage. We hypothesized that a distinct molecular signature characterizes the biopsies of recipients with clinically confirmed histological signs of CR. Eighteen cystic fibrosis patients were included in the study and RNA sequencing was performed in 35 scheduled transbronchial biopsies (TBBs): 5 with acute cellular rejection, 9 with CR, and 13 without any sign of post-LTx complication at the time of biopsy; 8 donor lung samples were used as controls. Three networks with 33, 26, and 36 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in TBBs with CR. Among these, seven genes were common to the identified pathways and possibly linked to CR and five of them (LCN2, CCL11, CX3CL1, CXCL12, MUC4) were confirmed by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was significant for LCN2 and MUC4. This study identified a typical gene expression pattern in TBBs with histological signs of CR and the LCN2 gene appeared to play a central role. Thus, it could be crucial in CR pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) with endobronchial ultrasonography and a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) is an effective examination tool for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Factors related to making the diagnosis are still not fully understood. Methods: A total of 367 patients who underwent EBUS-GS and were diagnosed with lung cancer in Saga University Hospital were investigated retrospectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between 244 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer and 123 patients who were not diagnosed by TBB with EBUS-GS but were diagnosed by other examinations. Results: Size of target lesion, rate of patients with target lesion size ≥20 mm, presence of the bronchus sign, and detection by EBUS imaging were significantly associated with making the diagnosis (all p < 0.01). In patients whose lesion was detected by EBUS imaging, patients with positive findings within the lesion were significantly more often diagnosed by TBB with EBUS-GS than those with positive findings adjacent to the lesion (p < 0.01). The odds ratio (OR) of patients whose lesion was detected by EBUS imaging (OR [95% confidence interval] 14.5 [8.0--26.4]) tended to be higher compared to the ORs of size of lesion ≥20 mm (3.9 [2.2--6.8]) and the bronchus sign (7.5 [4.6--12.2]). Conclusion: Targeted lesion diameter ≥20 mm, bronchus sign, and detection by EBUS imaging, especially within the lesion, are important factors for the diagnosis of lung cancer by TBB with EBUS-GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchoscopic lung biopsy is typically performed using transbronchial forceps. However, this method is limited by small sample size and presence of crush artifact. Cryobiopsy offers the potential to overcome these limitations with larger artifact-free samples but has not been widely adopted due to concerns over increased rates of bleeding and pneumothorax. A new, smaller 1.1-mm cryoprobe has been developed that operates in a similar fashion to forceps, though the safety profile of this cryoprobe has not yet been prospectively studied. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of transbronchial biopsy using a novel 1.1-mm cryoprobe. Methods: This prospective, single-arm study enrolled patients referred for transbronchial biopsy. All procedures were performed using the 1.1-mm cryoprobe with oversheath. The primary outcome was the composite of significant complications related to the cryobiopsy procedure (bleeding Grade ≥3, pneumothorax Grade ≥2, and respiratory failure). Bleeding and pneumothorax were graded according to previously published scales. Results: Fifty participants from two academic medical centers underwent transbronchial cryobiopsy. Indications for biopsy included evaluation of lung transplant allograft (50%), diffuse lung disease (44%), and pulmonary parenchymal lesion (6%). There were two pneumothoraces (4%), neither of which required aspiration or chest tube placement. There were no Grade 3 or 4 bleeding events. Mild bleeding (Grade ≤2) was observed in 25 cases (50%). No complications occurred that met the a priori primary outcome of bleeding Grade ≥3, pneumothorax Grade ≥2, and respiratory failure. Conclusions: Transbronchial cryobiopsy using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe is feasible with an acceptable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryobiopsy is an established technique that yields larger and higher-quality samples than does a forceps biopsy. However, it remains underutilised in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), mainly because of difficulties in handling conventional cryoprobes. A recently introduced single-use cryoprobe with a smaller diameter and more flexibility than conventional ones may improve its diagnostic ability for PPLs. We conducted this prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of transbronchial cryobiopsy in the diagnoses of PPLs, using a new 1.7-mm cryoprobe.Methods: The study included patients with PPLs less than 30 mm in diameter scheduled to undergo bronchoscopy. All the procedures were performed using a combination of virtual bronchoscopic navigation, radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) and X-ray fluoroscopy, and all the samples were collected using the cryoprobe alone. Thereafter, we assessed the diagnostic outcomes and safety profiles.Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled and underwent cryobiopsy. The median lesion size was 20.8 mm (range, 8.2-29.6 mm), and the negative bronchus sign was seen in 34% of lesions. The diagnostic yield was 94% (95% confidence interval, 83.5-98.8%). A positive bronchus sign had a significantly higher diagnostic yield than did a negative bronchus sign (100% vs. 82.4%; P = 0.035). The yield was achieved regardless of other variables, including lesion size, location, and R-EBUS findings. The major complications were mild and moderate bleeding in 28% and 62% of patients, respectively. Pneumothorax was identified in one patient.Conclusion: Transbronchial cryobiopsy using the new 1.7-mm cryoprobe is a feasible procedure that has the potential to increase the diagnostic accuracy for PPLs.Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCT1032200065. Registered July 8 2020, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1032200065. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been implemented in clinical oncology to analyze multiple genes and to guide targeted therapy. Although the pathological diagnosis and biomarker tests for patients with advanced lung cancer have mostly been obtained with small biopsy samples, especially with bronchoscopic approaches, the performance for NGS with respect to the different sizes of biopsy forceps remains little known. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with non‐small cell lung cancer, whose FFPE samples were obtained by endobronchial biopsy/transbronchial biopsy and were submitted for the Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT). We compared the analytical performance for ODxTT with respect to the size of biopsy forceps. Results: A total of 103 samples were identified. The success rate of the ODxTT for the group with all samples obtained with small forceps biopsies (70%) was lower than that of the group with some or all samples obtained with standard forceps biopsies (83%), although without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.20). With regard to the reason for unsuccessful analysis, the proportion of the samples which did not pass the nucleic acid concentration threshold in the former group (15%) was higher compared with that of the latter group (4%) (p = 0.08). The proportion of tissue size 4 mm2 or larger in the former group (70%) was lower than that in the latter group (93%) (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The analysis of ODxTT for specimens biopsied using only small forceps is prone to be unsuccessful due to an insufficient amount of nucleic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma using bronchoscopy is difficult, and surgical resection is often performed for definitive diagnosis and curative therapy. We report a case of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma, successfully diagnosed using repeated transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB). A 69‐year‐old‐woman was found to have an oval mass in the left hilar region extending into the left main bronchus on computed tomography (CT). All transbronchial biopsy specimens were necrotic, but repeated TBCB removed the necrotic tissue from the tumour and finally led to the diagnosis of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma. Proton therapy was administered, which caused shrinkage of the tumour. Thus, TBCB is useful for definitive diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma without surgical biopsy. Repeated TBCB can reduce tumour volume, eliminate atelectasis, and reduce the extent of radiotherapy exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to validate the advantage of new engineering method to maneuver multi-section robotic bronchoscope with first person view control in transbronchial biopsy. Six physician operators were recruited and tasked to operate a manual and a robotic bronchoscope to the peripheral area placed in patient-derived lung phantoms. The metrics collected were the furthest generation count of the airway the bronchoscope reached, force incurred to the phantoms, and NASA-Task Load Index. The furthest generation count of the airway the physicians reached using the manual and the robotic bronchoscopes were $6.6 \pm 1.2^{th}$ and $6.7 \pm 0.8^{th}$. Robotic bronchoscopes successfully reached the 5th generation count into the peripheral area of the airway, while the manual bronchoscope typically failed earlier in the 3 rd generation. More force was incurred to the airway when the manual bronchoscope was used ($0.24 \pm 0.20$ [N]) than the robotic bronchoscope was applied ($0.18 \pm 0.22$ [N], $p< 0.05$). The manual bronchoscope imposed more physical demand than the robotic bronchoscope by NASA-TLX score ($55 \pm 24$ vs $19 \pm 16$ , $p< 0.05$). These results indicate that a robotic bronchoscope facilitates the advancement of the bronchoscope to the peripheral area with less physical demand to physician operators. The metrics collected in this study would expect to be used as a benchmark for the future development of robotic bronchoscopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening complication after transbronchial biopsy (TBB). Reports on massive hemoptysis occurring several days after TBB are scarce. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man presented with massive hemoptysis and was admitted to hospital as an emergency on the eighth day after TBB. On the 12th day after TBB, computed tomography showed complete atelectasis of the right middle and lower lobes. The patient underwent emergent right upper lobectomy. The right upper lobe bronchus was separated with a scalpel, the hematoma was pulled out with forceps, and the bronchus subsequently sutured shut. The patient was discharged from the hospital uneventfully. Conclusions: We experienced a case of massive hemoptysis on the eighth day after TBB, which required emergency surgery due to persistent bleeding into the airway and airway obstruction during follow-up. Postoperative pneumonia and atelectasis could be prevented by manual removal of the residual hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pandemic of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a major public health emergency that has spread in the fastest speed, and caused the most extensive infection world widely. Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) and computed tomography guided percutaneous needle biopsy (CTPNB) is the most common and significant method for the diagnosis of lung cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the indications of TBB and CTPNB must be managed strictly. Therefore, it is extremely indispensable to perform meticulous and individualized management for lung cancer patients to protect the patients from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The accuracy of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was reported to be approximately 90% for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). When ROSE during EBUS-GS for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer is carried out and does not include malignant cells in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, the best technique for overcoming the lower diagnostic yield remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS in such a probe position. Moreover, when the results of ROSE were consistently negative, we evaluated the effectiveness of conventional transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in addition to EBUS-GS alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-GS combined with ROSE for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer (≤30 mm). We classified the results of ROSE into two groups based on the presence of malignant cells: the ROSE positive group (included malignant cells) and the ROSE negative group (did not include malignant cells). The significant predictors of positive ROSE results during EBUS-GS were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: We identified 67 lesions (43 lesions in the ROSE positive group and 24 lesions in the ROSE negative group, respectively). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the significant factor affecting positive ROSE results was lesion size (>15 mm) (OR = 9.901). The diagnostic yield of additional conventional TBB to EBUS-GS was significantly higher than that of EBUS-GS alone (75.0% vs 33.3%, P =.041). Conclusion: The positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were significantly influenced by lesion size (>15 mm). When the results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were consistently negative in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, additional conventional TBB was effective to improve the diagnostic yield compared with EBUS-GS alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from clinical, radiologic, gas exchange, lung mechanics, and fibre-optic bronchoscopy-guided transbronchial biopsies in a case of acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19). This report highlights the pulmonary, immunological, and inflammatory changes found during acute diffuse alveolar damage and the later organizing phase. An early diffuse alveolar damage pattern with predominant epithelial involvement with active recruitment of T cells and monocytes was observed followed by a late organizing pattern with pneumocyte hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, prominent endotheliitis, and secondary germinal centers. The patient's deterioration paralleling the late immuno-pathological findings based the decision to administer intravenous corticosteroids, resulting in clinical, gasometric, and radiologic improvement. We believe that real-time clinicopathological correlation, along with the description of the immunological processes at play, will contribute to the full clinical picture of Covid-19 and might lead to a more rational approach in the precise timing of anti-inflammatory, anti-cytokine, or steroid therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) using radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) remains challenging without navigation systems. Cone-beam computed tomography-derived augmented fluoroscopy (CBCT-AF) represents a recently developed technique, and its clinical utility remains to be investigated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using a combination of CBCT-AF and radial EBUS. Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with PPLs who underwent radial EBUS-guided TBB, with or without AF, between October 2018 and July 2019. Following propensity score 1:1 matching, we recorded the procedure-related data and measured their efficacy and safety. Results: While 72 patients received EBUS-plus-AF, 235 patients received EBUS only. We included 53 paired patients following propensity score matching. The median size of lesions was 2.8 and 2.9 cm in the EBUS-plus-AF group and EBUS-only group, respectively. Diagnostic yield was higher in the former group (75.5 vs. 52.8%; p = 0.015). The diagnostic yield for the EBUS-plus-AF group was significantly higher for lesions ≤30 mm (73.5 vs. 36.1%; p = 0.002). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the complication rates (3.8 vs. 5.7%; p = 1.000). Twenty-four nodules (45.3%) were invisible by fluoroscopy in the EBUS-plus-AF group. All of them were identifiable on CBCT images and successfully annotated for AF. The mean radiation dose of total procedure, CBCT, and fluoroscopy was 19.59, 16.4, and 3.17 Gy cm2, respectively. Conclusions: TBB using a combination of CBCT-AF and EBUS resulted in a satisfactory diagnostic yield and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumothorax is one complication of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBB). We sought to clarify the risk factors for pneumothorax after EBUS-GS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 916 patients who underwent EBUS-GS-TBB at Fujita Health University Hospital. We evaluated the following risk factors for pneumothorax after EBUS-GS-TBB: patient characteristics (sex, age, and pulmonary comorbidities); lesion data (location, size, existence of ground-glass opacities [GGOs], pleural involvement, computed tomography [CT] bronchus sign, visibility on fluoroscopy, and EBUS findings); final diagnosis; years of bronchoscopist experience; and guide sheath size. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: Among the 916 patients, 30 (3.28%) presented with pneumothorax. With a univariate analysis, factors that independently predisposed to pneumothorax included lesions containing GGOs, lesions in sagittal lung segments on fluoroscopy, lesions that were not visible on fluoroscopy, and infectious lesions. A univariate analysis also showed that lesions in the right upper lobe or left upper division, as well as malignant lesions, were less likely to lead to pneumothorax. Age, underlying pulmonary disease, CT bronchus sign, EBUS findings, bronchoscopist experience, and guide sheath size did not influence the incidence of pneumothorax. A multivariate analysis revealed that only lesions containing GGOs (odds ratio [OR] 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13-19.6, P = 0.001) and lesions in lung segments with a sagittal orientation on fluoroscopy (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.09-5.58, P = 0.029) were significant risk factors for EBUS-GS-TBB-related pneumothorax.Conclusions: EBUS-GS-TBB of lesions containing GGOs or lesions located in sagittal lung segments on fluoroscopy correlate with a higher pneumothorax risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic yields of CT‐guided and CBCT‐guided transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary nodules were compared by propensity score‐matched analysis. Overall diagnostic yields were 47.9% for CT‐guided biopsy and 72.9% for CBCT‐guided biopsy. CBCT‐guided biopsy improved the diagnostic yield. Background and objective: CBCT‐guided TBB using a UTB under VBN is a useful method for the diagnosis of peripheral small pulmonary lesions. CBCT‐guided TBB using UTB under VBN has been used as an alternative to CT‐guided TBB. However, the advantage of CBCT‐guided TBB using UTB under VBN over CT‐guided TBB is still unknown. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic yield of CT‐guided TBB and CBCT‐guided TBB using a propensity score‐matched analysis. Methods: Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤30 mm were included. Lesions whose bronchus could not be determined by CT were excluded. A UTB and biopsy forceps were advanced to the target bronchus under VBN, 2D‐fluoroscopy and CT or CBCT. The CT‐guided and CBCT‐guided groups were matched for their propensity scores based on patient characteristics. Results: We retrospectively reviewed 93 patients in the CT‐guided group and 79 patients in the CBCT‐guided group for this study. Furthermore, 48 distinct examination pairs were generated by propensity score matching. In the overall diagnostic yield, the CBCT‐guided group showed better results (72.9%) than did the CT‐guided group (47.9%) (P = 0.012). The median examination time lasted for 43 (IQR: 37–51) min in the CBCT‐guided group and 50 (IQR: 43–62) min in the CT‐guided group. The examination time in the CBCT‐guided group was significantly shorter than that of the CT‐guided group (P = 0.001). Conclusion: CBCT‐guided TBB had a better diagnostic yield and shorter examination time than did CT‐guided TBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rassegna di Patologia dell'Apparato Respiratorio is the property of AIPO - Associazione Italiana Pneumologi Ospedalieri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Intubation with either an endotracheal tube or a rigid bronchoscope is generally preferred to provide airway protection as well as to manage unpredictable complications during transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). The laryngeal mask airway has been described as a safe and convenient tool for airway control during bronchoscopy. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the safety and outcome of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as a conduit for performing TBLC by flexible video bronchoscopy (FB). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the database of the patients who underwent TBLC between November 2015 and September 2019. The procedure was performed using FB through LMA under general anesthesia. Prophylactic occlusion balloon was routinely used starting January 2017 onwards. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) guidance was used for TBLC in the localized lung lesions when deemed necessary. Multidisciplinary consensus diagnostic yield was determined and periprocedural complications were recorded. Results: A total of 326 patients were analysed. The overall diagnostic yield was 81.60% (266/326) which included a positive yield of 82.98% (161/194) in patients with diffuse lung disease and 79.54% (105/132) in patients with localized disease. Serious bleeding complication occurred in 3 (0.92%) cases. Pneumothorax was encountered in 8 (2.45%) cases. A total of 9 (2.76%) cases had at least 1 major complication. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the use of LMA during TBLC by flexible bronchoscopy allows for a convenient port of entry, adequate airway support and effective endoscopic management of intrabronchial haemorrhage especially with the use of occlusion balloon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transbronchial diagnosis of unexposed lung tumours is challenging in clinical practice. Although modified transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is used for this purpose, the diagnostic yield is unsatisfactory. In such cases, conventional endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) is also ineffective. We found TBB was feasible by placing a guide sheath with a thin transbronchial needle into the tumours. We report two cases of unexposed tumours diagnosed successfully with this technique. Case 1 presents a typical carcinoid in the peripheral lung. Case 2 presents a squamous cell carcinoma at the third bifurcation of the right lung. TBB samples obtained this way were larger than TBNA samples. Moreover, multiple TBBs were possible once the guide sheath was inserted intratumourally. In the modern era of precision medicine, larger amounts of tissues are required for multiple downstream analyses. This novel technique will make a significant contribution towards diagnosing unexposed lung tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients treated for non-squamous (non-Sq) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often require repeat biopsies to determine the optimal subsequent treatment. However, the differences between rebiopsy and initial biopsy in terms of their diagnostic yields and their ability to test the molecular profiles using bronchoscopy with radial endobronchial ultrasound guidance in patients with advanced NSCLC remain unclear. Hence, we aimed to compare the diagnostic yields and ability for molecular analyses of rebiopsies with those of initial biopsies.Methods: We investigated 301 patients with advanced non-Sq NSCLC who underwent radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) between August 2014 and July 2017. Patients were divided into the rebiopsy and initial biopsy groups: the latter referred to the biopsy that determined the definitive diagnosis. The diagnostic yields and ability for molecular analyses were compared between the two groups, and the factors affecting the TBB diagnostic yield were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The diagnostic yields of the rebiopsy and initial biopsy groups were comparable (86.8 and 90.8%, respectively; p = 0.287). Furthermore, 93.0 and 94.0% of the patients in the rebiopsy and initial biopsy groups, respectively, had adequate specimens for gene profiling and mutational analysis (p = 0.765). The factors that increased the diagnostic yield were a positive bronchus sign (p < 0.001) and tumour location within the internal two-thirds of the lungs (p = 0.026).Conclusions: The PPL diagnostic yield of the rebiopsy group was as high as that of the initial biopsy group. Hence, TBB for PPLs is feasible for patients requiring rebiopsy as well as for those with initial diagnoses. Adequate, high-quality biopsy specimens can be obtained by transbronchial rebiopsy for molecular testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious complications after endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBB) are serious in that they may delay or change scheduled subsequent therapy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for infection after EBUS-GS-TBB.Research Question: What are the risk factors for infection after EBUS-GS-TBB?Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,045 consecutive patients who had undergone EBUS-GS-TBB for peripheral lung lesions between January 2013 and December 2017 at Fujita Health University Hospital. We evaluated the following risk factors for infectious complications after EBUS-GS-TBB: relevant patient characteristics (age and comorbidities), lesion size, CT scan features of target lesion (intratumoral low-density areas [LDAs] and cavitation), stenosis of responsible bronchus observed by bronchoscopy, and laboratory data before EBUS-GS-TBB (WBC count and C-reactive protein concentration).Results: Forty-seven of the study patients developed infectious complications (24 with pneumonia, 14 with intratumoral infection, three with lung abscess, three with pleuritis, and three with empyema), among whom the complication caused a delay in cancer treatment in 13 patients, cancellation of cancer treatment in seven patients, and death in three patients. Multivariate analysis showed that cavitation (P = .007), intratumoral LDAs (P < .001), and stenosis of responsible bronchus observed by bronchoscopy (P < .001) were significantly associated with infectious complications after EBUS-GS-TBB. Prophylactic antibiotics had been administered to 13 patients in the infection group. Propensity matched analysis could not show significant benefit of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing post-EBUS-GS-TBB infections.Interpretation: Cavitation, LDAs for CT scan features of target lesions, and stenosis of responsible bronchus observed by bronchoscopy are risk factors of post-EBUS-GS-TBB infection. In the cohort, prophylactic antibiotics failed to prevent infectious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To calculate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage smear in sputum negative patients. Study Design: Crosssectional validation study. Setting: Department of histopathology, Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad and Department of Pulmonology and Microbiology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: From May 2016 to May 2017. Materials & Methods: It comprised 96 patients who underwent bronchoscopy. Transbronchial biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage smear preparation and bronchoalveolar lavage culture was performed on specimens of all patients. Results: Out of 96 patients 22 (22.91%) patients were actually having tuberculosis whereas 74 (77%) had only clinical and radiological suspicion of tuberculosis. The mean age of patients was 43 years with a standard deviation of ±19.1 .The age range was 12-80 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and true positives of transbronchial biopsy were 68.1%, 77%, 46.8%, 89% and15.62% while the values for bronchoalveolar lavage were 50%, 97.29%, 84.6%, 86.7% and 11.45% respectively. Thus, the diagnostic accuracy calculated for transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage was 75% and 13.54% respectively. Conclusions: Bronchoscopy should be done in all sputum negative tuberculosis patients having strong clinical and radiological suspicion to obtain transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage for timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease transmission as well as to avoid empirical treatment and its side effects in patients having no tuberculosis. The diagnostic accuracy of transbronchial biopsy is almost 5 times more compared to bronchoalveolar lavage smear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: One of the methods used for the diagnosis of childhood respiratory diseases is flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy (FFB). This diagnostic method allows examination of the nose, pharynx, larynx, and tracheobronchial tree. In this study, we present 2 years of FFB experience and highlight its diagnostic advantages in pediatric medicine. Material and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 213 FFB procedures that were performed between March 2017 and April 2019. Age, sex, FFB indication, bacterial growth in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, the presence of pathological bronchoscopy findings and complications after bronchoscopy were assessed. Results: Of the 213 patients included in the study, 116 (54%) were female and 97 (46%) were male. The mean age was 4.7 ± 6.32 months. The most common indications for bronchoscopy were abnormal radiological findings (30.5%), stridor (13.6%), and chronic cough (11.3%). In 152 patients (71%), diagnostic and therapeutic findings were obtained after bronchoscopy. Transbronchial biopsy was performed in eight patients for whom the etiology could not be determined; a diagnosis was obtained in five of these patients. Bacterial growth in BAL was detected in 68 patients (32%). Temporary complications developed in 17 patients (7.9%) with the most common complication being coughing during the procedure in 8 patients (3.8%). Conclusion: FFB is an important method that allows visualization of the upper and lower airways. The widespread use of pediatric FFB will enable early and non-invasive diagnosis of many respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of guidance assistance during transbronchial biopsy (TBB) to achieve an appropriate pathway to small and peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) using a combination of fluoroscopy and specialized ray-summation (Ray-sumTBB) images, which were processed from preprocedural lung computed tomography (CT) images. To improve the visibility of the correct pathway to the PPLs, three-dimensional spatial resolution enhancement and CT number conversion processes were applied to the original CT images. The Ray-sumTBB images reconstructed from the processed CT images were used as additional guides. We compared the rates of successful tumor localization and biopsy (arrival rate) between the trial (with Ray-sumTBB) and control (without Ray-sumTBB) groups. The fluoroscopy and examination times were also compared. The arrival rate of the trial group (73.1%) was significantly better than that of the control group (42.3%) (p = 0.048). The fluoroscopy and examination times did not differ significantly between the trial and control groups. No complications were identified in the trial group. Our results suggest that Ray-sumTBB improves the diagnostic accuracy of TBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Forceps biopsy (FB) is still the most popular procedure for the bronchoscopic sampling of lung tissue. However, it has limitations like inadequate sample size and crush artifacts. Cryobiopsy (CB) has been introduced to obtain bronchoscopic biopsies with improved diagnostic yield compared to FB. Limitations of CB are the need to retract the cryoprobe en bloc with bronchoscope because samples are larger than the working channel and the variations of the freezing power of the reusable CB (rCB). Therefore, 3 new disposable cryoprobes (dCB) have been developed with different outer diameters: 1.1 mm (CB11-S) that can be retracted through the working channel of the bronchoscope, 1.7 mm (CB17) and 2.4 mm (CB24n), respectively. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the new cryoprobes with regard to feasibility, specimen area, specimen quality and complications. Methods: We compared biopsy samples of the new probes with those obtained by FB and by rCB in an in vivo (porcine) model. A flexible bronchoscope was used to perform biopsy at 4 different locations at the upper and lower lobes of the right and left lung, respectively. The biopsies were taken under fluoroscopic control. The biopsy tool and activation times were allocated randomly. Altogether 204 biopsy procedures were performed. Results: The sample quality of the dCB was superior to that of FB (all p < 0.05) and not significantly different to the rCB sample quality. Mean specimen sample area of all CB was significantly larger compared to FB (p < 0.05). The sample area of the small cryoprobe (CB11-S) was significantly smaller compared to the other CB probes (p < 0.05). No severe bleedings occurred. Pneumothoraces were detected in 3 of the 7 pigs. Conclusion: We conclude that CB with the new single-use instruments are feasible and represent a viable option to improve the diagnostic accuracy of histopathological evaluation compared to FB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flexible bronchoscopy enables visualization of the respiratory airway mucosa from the oropharynx to third generation branching of the tracheobronchial tree. Bronchoscopic diagnoses vary from one locality to the other in accordance to the locality specific risk factors for lung diseases. This study aimed at describing diagnoses of all specimen of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy at Muhimbili National Hospital from January 2013 to November 2017.Methods: A retrospective hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted among 451 patients. Data was collected from archives and included both demographic and clinical variables. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings.Results: There was a 3 fold increase in the number of patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy from 57 cases in 2013 to 180 cases in 2017. About 39% (174/451) of patients underwent lung biopsies while 64.5% (291/451) underwent bronchioalveolar lavage, bronchial washings or brush cytology, alone or in combination with biopsy. Generally, 64.4% (112/174) of all lung biopsies were malignant. Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis seen in 33.9% (59/174). Of 76 cytological samples which were sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity, 11/76 (11.8%) were culture positive. A total of 6 (10.7%) out of 56 samples which were sent for GeneXpert MTB/RIF tested positive for M.tuberculosis.Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma was the most common diagnosis. Bacterial and mycobacterial infections were among the most reported findings in cytological samples. Suspicious tuberculosis lesions during bronchoscopy made it possible to diagnose tuberculosis which was hard to diagnose before patients were sent for bronchoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transbronchial biopsy is a safe diagnostic approach for patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions; however, the diagnostic yield is low. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy using the combination of an ultrathin bronchoscope, virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions, no >30 mm, with the responsible bronchus, were prospectively included. An ultrathin bronchoscope and biopsy forceps were advanced to the target bronchus under VBN, 2D-fluoroscopy, and CBCT. We categorized the CBCT findings before biopsy into 3 types according to positions of the target lesion and forceps (CBCT target-forceps sign). In type A, the forceps reached the inside of the target lesion. In type C, the forceps could not reach the lesion. When the CBCT findings could not be categorized into either type A or C, the sign was categorized as type B. Results: Although the target lesions were invisible by conventional C-arm fluoroscopy in 29 patients, CBCT visualized all 40 lesions. The overall diagnostic yield was 90.0%, and diagnostic yields for malignant and benign lesions were 92.0 and 86.7%, respectively. Diagnostic yields for CBCT target-forceps sign types A, B, and C were 100, 75.0, and 0%, respectively. Four undiagnosed patients proceeded to other diagnostic procedures based on the CBCT target-forceps sign (type B: n = 2, type C: n = 2) and were correctly diagnosed without delay. Conclusions: Transbronchial biopsy using an ultrathin bronchoscope guided by CBCT and VBN showed a very high yield in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally with lung adenocarcinoma as the most common type of lung cancer. With new classification of lung cancers in 2011, it has become pertinent that adequate tissue is obtained for the diagnosis and subtyping of lung adenocarcinoma particularly for prognostication. Transbronchial cryobiopsy is a minimally invasive procedure which helps obtain adequate tissue and avoid surgical lung biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 49-year-old woman with an abnormal shadow on her chest X-ray visited our hospital. Chest computed tomography revealed a 13-mm diameter nodule in S9 on the right and a 47-mm diameter mass in segment (S) 1 + 2 on the left. She underwent transbronchial biopsy, which revealed that both tumours had the same histology of papillary adenocarcinoma. The indications of radical surgery differ between metastatic and multiple primary cancers; however, the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation screenings turned out to be discordant, with exon 19 deletion in the right and exon 21 L858R mutation in the left tumour. This is the first case report of a preoperative diagnosis of multiple primary adenocarcinomas eligible for radical surgery. Thorough assessment is recommended in cases wherein the differential diagnosis is considered to be a factor for surgical indication. Genetic screening provides additional diagnostic information despite the presence of tumours manifesting the same histological type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Preoperative diagnostic interventions such as transbronchial biopsy and/or computed tomography-guided biopsy inevitably disrupt the lung structures and may disseminate tumour cells into the airway, vessels, or pleural cavity. Therefore, these procedures may affect the postoperative outcomes. Thus, we aimed to compare the survival outcomes in patients diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy vs computed tomography-guided biopsy vs lung resection. Methods: In a single-institution retrospective analysis, data from consecutive patients with cTanyN0M0 lung cancer, who underwent surgery between January 2006 and December 2012, were extracted by chart review. The overall and recurrence-free survivals of patients diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy, computed tomography-guided biopsy, and lung resection were compared using the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. A stepwise backward elimination method, with a probability level of 0.15, was used to select the most powerful sets of outcome predictors. Results: Transbronchial biopsy and/or computed tomography-guided biopsy were performed for larger and more advanced tumours, than lung resection (intra- or postoperative-diagnosis group). At crude analysis, transbronchial biopsy group and computed tomography-guided biopsy group showed higher probability of pleural dissemination, and worse prognosis than the lung resection group. At multivariate analysis, the diagnostic methods were not identified as independent risk factors of pleural dissemination, overall survival, or recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: Preoperative diagnostic interventions did not affect the relapse risk and prognosis, in this study cohort. Thus, preoperative diagnostic intervention is recommended if deemed necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBBX) is a common respiratory diagnostic procedure performed to investigate several lung diseases. There are different types of forceps used to perform this procedure. The alligator and cupped (oval) forceps are most commonly used ones. To date, there are few studies that have compared the efficacy of these two types of forceps. This study compares the two types of forceps relating to the rate of complications and diagnostic value.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 40 patients who underwent TBBX using the alligator forceps were compared to a previous group of 40 patients who underwent the same procedure using the cupped forceps. The two groups were compared with respect to the rate of complications (bleeding and pneumothorax), diagnostic value and size of biopsies.Results: The rate of complications was higher in patients who underwent TBBX using alligator forceps, in which seven patients (17.5%) had significant bleeding in the group that used alligator forceps versus three patients (7.5%) in cupped forceps group. Pneumothorax developed in three patients, all of whom were in the alligator forceps group. While there was no significant difference in the adequacy and size of the samples, the diagnostic yield was higher in the cupped forceps group.Conclusions: The results of the study showed that using cupped forceps in performing TBBX had fewer complications (pneumothorax and bleeding) and a higher diagnostic yield in comparison with alligator forceps, but the difference did not reach a statistical significant value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing and transbronchial biopsy are of fundamental importance in the diagnosis of pathologies affecting the lungs of immunosuppressed patients, especially those infected with HIV. This was a descriptive and retrospective study, in which the results of bronchoalveolar lavages, bronchial brushings and transbronchial biopsies of HIV-positive patients attended at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro from 1999 to 2015 were reviewed to determine the most frequent findings in these patients, to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these procedures and to correlate bronchoscopy results with clinical and radiological findings. Serological tests for HIV were confirmed and cases with negative or unverified serology were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for correlation with clinical and radiological findings. A total of 1,423 patients with a mean age of 50 years were initially selected; 727 cases had no serology for HIV; 696 had serology for HIV and 64 were positive. Of these, 47 were men, aged 24 to 84 years, and 17 women, aged 31 to 69 years. Biopsies and cytological tests were positive in 20 (31.25%) of the 64 patients and the most frequent diagnosis was pneumocystosis, found in 8 cases (12.5%). Of the 20 bronchofibroscopy-positive patients, only 2 did not show agreement between histopathological and clinical-radiological diagnoses. The analysis of the cytological tests and biopsy specimens obtained by bronchofibroscopy seems to be valuable for the etiological diagnosis of pulmonary infections in HIV- positive patients; however, negative results do not always exclude the diagnosis. In these cases, clinical symptoms and imaging findings may help to guide the best therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy is an essential tool and skill required by any clinician caring for patients postlung transplantation. Making a confident diagnosis is crucial in initiating different treatment strategies which may be in turn hazardous to the patient in light of an inaccurate diagnosis. Having more information available for evaluation optimizes the chances of tailoring appropriate therapeutic options in this complex patient population. Performing a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy indeed provides a wealth of information via microbiological, cytological, and histological samples that assist us to differentiate infection from rejection, or to confirm the presence of both. This review aims to discuss the utility of bronchoscopy postlung transplantation in the diagnosis of rejection, infection, and airway complications, as well as looking into the ongoing controversy regarding monitoring practices worldwide and safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Internal Medicine / Medicină Internă is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions is generally performed under X-ray fluoroscopy. Virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) is a method in which virtual images of the bronchial route to the lesion are produced based on CT images obtained before VBN, and the bronchoscope is guided using these virtual images, improving the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions. VBN has the possibility of eliminating the need for X-ray fluoroscopy in the bronchoscopic diagnosis of peripheral lesions. To determine whether VBN can be a substitute for X-ray fluoroscopy, a randomized multicenter trial (non-inferiority trial) was performed in VBN and X-ray fluoroscopy (XRF) -assisted groups.Methods: The non-inferiority margin in the VBN-assisted group compared with the XRF-assisted group was set at 15%. The subjects consisted of 140 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions with a mean diameter > 3 cm. In the VBN-assisted group, the bronchoscope was guided to the lesion using a VBN system without X-ray fluoroscopy. In the XRF-assisted group, the same bronchoscope was guided to the lesion under X-ray fluoroscopy. Subsequently, in both groups, the lesion was visualized using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS/GS), and biopsy was performed. In this serial procedure, X-ray fluoroscopy was not used in the VBNA group.Results: The subjects of analysis consisted of 129 patients. The diagnostic yield was 76.9% (50/65) in the VBN-assisted group and 85.9% (55/64) in the XRF-assisted group. The difference in the diagnostic yield between the two groups was -9.0% (95% confidence interval: -22.3% ~ 4.3%). The non-inferiority of the VBN-assisted group could not be confirmed. The rate of visualizing lesions by EBUS was 95.4% (62/65) in the VBN-assisted group and 96.9% (62/64) in the XRF-assisted group, being high in both groups.Conclusions: On EBUS/GS, a bronchoscope and biopsy instruments may be guided to the lesions using VBN without X-ray fluoroscopy, but X-ray fluoroscopy is necessary to improve the accuracy of sample collection from lesions. During transbronchial biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions, VBN cannot be a substitute for X-ray fluoroscopy.Trial Registration: UMIN-CTR (UMIN000001710); registered 16 February 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical guidelines specify that diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) requires identification of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. While UIP can be identified by high resolution CT of the chest, the results are often inconclusive, making surgical lung biopsy necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis (Raghu et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 183(6):788-824, 2011). The Envisia genomic classifier differentiates UIP from non-UIP pathology in transbronchial biopsies (TBB), potentially allowing patients to avoid an invasive procedure (Brown et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 195:A6792, 2017). To ensure patient safety and efficacy, a laboratory developed test (LDT) must meet strict regulatory requirements for accuracy, reproducibility and robustness. The analytical characteristics of the Envisia test are assessed and reported here.Methods: The Envisia test utilizes total RNA extracted from TBB samples to perform Next Generation RNA Sequencing. The gene count data from 190 genes are then input to the Envisia genomic classifier, a machine learning algorithm, to output either a UIP or non-UIP classification result. We characterized the stability of RNA in TBBs during collection and shipment, and evaluated input RNA mass and proportions on the limit of detection of UIP. We evaluated potentially interfering substances such as blood and genomic DNA. Intra-run, inter-run, and inter-laboratory reproducibility of test results were also characterized.Results: RNA content within TBBs preserved in RNAprotect is stable for up to 14 days with no detectable change in RNA quality. The Envisia test is tolerant to variation in RNA input (5 to 30 ng), with no impact on classifier results. The Envisia test can tolerate dilution of non-UIP and UIP classification signals at the RNA level by up to 60% and 20%, respectively. Analytical specificity studies utilizing UIP and non-UIP samples mixed with genomic DNA (up to 30% relative input) demonstrated no impact to classifier results. The Envisia test tolerates up to 22% of blood contamination, well beyond the level observed in TBBs. The test is reproducible from RNA extraction through to Envisia test result (standard deviation of 0.20 for Envisia classification scores on > 7-unit scale).Conclusions: The Envisia test demonstrates the robust analytical performance required of an LDT. Envisia can be used to inform the diagnoses of patients with suspected IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Some patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) undergo bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBB) as part of their diagnostic evaluation. It is unclear what the incidence and risk factors for pneumothorax (PTX) following TBB are in this patient population. Methods: Ninety-seven subjects with pulmonary fibrosis who underwent a research bronchoscopy with TBB as part of the multicenter correlating outcomes with biochemical markers to estimate time-progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (COMET) trial were retrospectively reviewed. We compared subjects who developed a PTX during research bronchoscopy with TBB versus those who did not. Results: Seven patients (7.2%) experienced a PTX during research bronchoscopy with TBB. Subjects who experienced PTX during TBB had significantly lower DL percent predicted (29 ± 8 vs. 45 ± 15, P = 0.006) and had lower resting room air saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO) on 6-min walk testing (91 ± 10 vs. 95 ± 3, P = 0.02). No differences between groups were found with respect to age, gender, race, BMI, HRCT characteristics, or the number of transbronchial biopsies performed. Conclusion: The incidence of PTX following research bronchoscopy with TBB in patients with pulmonary fibrosis was found to be 7.2% in this study. Patients who developed a pneumothorax had greater impairments in gas exchange at baseline evidenced by a lower DL % predicted and a lower resting room air SPO compared with subjects without PTX as a complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Computed tomography ( CT) may be useful for increasing the diagnostic yield of transbronchial lung biopsy ( TBLB). However, only a few studies with small sample sizes have reported the diagnostic utility of CT-guided TBLB and the factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided TBLB are not well known. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CT-guided TBLB and associated factors. Methods CT-guided TBLB was performed in 59 patients. Both conventional fluoroscopy and CT were used in all patients for TBLB. The biopsy forceps were advanced toward the lesion under conventional fluoroscopic guidance. CT was used to check whether the forceps were in the correct position. Results The average diameter of the lesions was 3.1 ± 1.0 cm. The biopsy forceps correctly reached the lesion in 43 patients by real-time CT. A diagnosis was made in 42 patients, and the overall diagnostic yield was 71.2%. The sensitivity for malignancy was 85.7%. In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with diagnostic yield was forceps position assessed by CT scan (adjusted odds ratio 53.31; 95% confidence interval 5.31, 535.27; P = 0.001). Conclusion CT-guided TBLB is a useful diagnostic tool for pulmonary nodules or masses. The correct positioning of biopsy forceps using CT is valuable for successful CT-guided TBLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) is an old diagnostic method applied via fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The diagnostic value and complication rate of the procedure were found to vary in previous studies. In present study, the diagnostic value of TBB was analysed. Methods: All medical files of 308 patients who underwent TBB between May 2010-May 2015 in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. According to the final diagnoses, the diagnostic value and complication rates of TBB, the contribution of the additional samples of the same bronchoscopic session to the diagnoses, and the requirement of any additional invasive procedure were investigated. Results: Of all the patients, 63% were female and the mean age was 51 (17-85). Bronchoalveolar lavage was taken in 257 patients. Ten percent of the procedures could not reach lung parenchyma. TBB was diagnostic in 105 (34%) patients. Fifty (16%) patients were diagnosed via other samples of the same session, 15 (5%) resolved spontaneously, 28 (9%) were diagnosed via other clinical findings, 41 (14%) did not accept further invasive method or were lost-to follow-up. Sixty-nine (22%) underwent an additional invasive procedure. The most frequent final diagnosis was sarcoidosis and the diagnostic value of TBB was 49%. Diagnostic rate of TBB was lower in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and malignancy whereas higher in non-fibrotic ILD. No mortality was seen related to TBB, pneumothorax was seen in 6%; non-massive bleeding in 3%, respiratory failure in 0.3%. Conclusion: Transbronchial biopsy is a procedure having a higher diagnostic value in certain diseases and has an acceptable morbidity. When combined with other bronchoscopic samples, the need for further invasive methods decreases significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transbronchial lung biopsy using cryoadhesion is a diagnostic technique gaining in popularity. Several studies have been performed on its diagnostic yield and safety profile. However, definitive conclusions are limited due to the heterogeneity of results. The most common complications described in the current literature are pneumothorax and hemorrhage. This case describes a 60-year-old female who developed a cavitary lung lesion shortly after undergoing transbronchial lung cryobiopsy, highlighting the need for further research on the rarer complications that may be associated with this promising procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) with transbronchial biopsy (TBB) is complicated by a pneumothorax in 1-4% of cases. Performance of routine post-TBB chest radiography (CXR) results in an extremely low diagnostic yield but nevertheless is the common clinical practice prevailing today. It has previously been suggested that routine post-TBB CXR could be avoided in asymptomatic patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility and safety of this approach. Methods: The study group included 201 consecutive patients who underwent FOB with TBB at our institution between January 2009 and September 2014. All subjects completed a preprocedural, a 2-hour postprocedural, and a 24- to 48- hour postprocedural symptom questionnaire (chest pain, dyspnea, and cough). Post-TBB CXR was ordered by the treating physician only if indicated. All cases of pneumothorax were documented. Additionally, the following information was recorded: sex, age, immune status, indication for FOB, total number of biopsies done, lobe sampled, and pulse oxygen saturation. Results: Sixteen CXRs were ordered by the treating physician due to suspected pneumothorax (8%). Early-onset pneumothorax (i.e. within 2 h of TBB) was diagnosed radiologically in 6 patients (3%). Two late-onset pneumothoraxes (1%) were diagnosed more than 24 h after TBB. No pneumothoraxes of clinical significance were diagnosed among asymptomatic patients without significant oxygen desaturation events. Conclusions: Among asymptomatic patients without significant desaturation events, pneumothorax is rare and usually of negligible clinical significance. Therefore, performance of routine CXR after TBB is not necessary and can be safely avoided in this category of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchoscopy with transbronchial and endobronchial biopsy and transbronchial needle aspiration is an important diagnostic tool in the pulmonologist's armamentarium. Safety in patients with pulmonary hypertension is controversial and many bronchoscopists consider this as a contraindication for the procedure. Objectives: To evaluate safety of bronchoscopy in patients with echocardiographic pulmonary hypertension and to compare with patients without it. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy, endobronchial biopsy and/or endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Patients were divided into two groups based on echocardiographic results: control group with systolic pulmonary artery pressure <36 and a group with elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (eSPAP) ≥ 36. Results: One-hundred and ninety patients met the study criteria. Patients in the control group were younger with a lower incidence of chronic kidney disease. There was no difference in prevalence of congestive heart failure, obstructive airway disease, malignancy, liver disease, coagulopathy, use of antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant drugs. Incidence of minor bleeding due to bronchoscopic biopsies was 4.8% in both groups (p = 1.00). Incidence of major bleeding was similar in the groups (one patient in each group). In the control group, one patient had pneumothorax and another required prolonged mechanical ventilation (>4 h). In the eSPAP group, two patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation. There was no procedure-related mortality or sedation complications in the cohort. Conclusion: Our study provides additional support that in patients with echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension, transbronchial and endobronchial biopsies and endobronchial ultrasound- guided transbronchial needle aspiration are safe procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]