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Background:Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBCB) plays an increasing role in the evaluation of diffuse parenchymal lung disease with acceptable diagnostic yield and safety profile compared with that of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy on most reports. However, published outcomes with regard to safety and complication rates vary. We aim to determine the safety profile of TBCB when performed using a standardized protocol consistent with recently published expert guidelines.Materials and Methods:We reviewed prospectively maintained databases from 5 Australian tertiary referral centers. The procedures were performed in accordance with a recent expert statement recommending standardization of TBCB procedures, in particular with fluoroscopy, a secured airway, and prophylactic bronchial blockers. Periprocedural complications were assessed along with clinical outcomes. Result(s):A total of 121 patients underwent TBCB between August 2013 and August 2017 following a standardized protocol using general anesthesia. Of them, 84 patients (66.7%) were discharged on the day of the procedure. Pneumothorax occurred in 18 patients (14.9%), 13 (10.7%) of whom required chest tube drainage. Moderate bleeding occurred in 15 patients (13.2%) and severe bleeding in 1 (0.83%). Histopathologic diagnosis was made in 80 patients (66.1%). Conclusion(s):Pooled outcomes from Australian tertiary centers indicate that TBCB is safe when performed in a protocolized fashion. Active measures to anticipate and manage bleeding and to direct biopsy position result in low rates of major complications.Copyright © 2020 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-LBL/ T ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy arising from malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors with poor prognosis in adult patients. Outcomes are particularly dismal in the relapsed/refractory setting, and therapeutic options are limited in this context. Genomic profiling has shown frequent aberrations in the JAK-STAT pathway, including recurrent mutations in JAK3 (15%-20% of T-ALL cases), suggesting that JAK kinase inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach. Activating JAK3 mutations are capable of transforming cytokine-dependent progenitor cells in vitro and causing T-ALL-like disease when expressed in hematopoietic progenitors in vivo. We describe a case of relapsed T-ALL in an adult patient, with two JAK3 activating mutations identified by whole-exome sequencing (WES), leading to hypothesis-based treatment with the JAK1 and JAK3 inhibitor, tofacitinib, following failure of salvage chemotherapy reinduction. Despite the molecularly targeted rationale, tofacitinib did not induce an objective clinical response. Our report suggests that the presence of activating JAK3 mutations does not necessarily confer sensitivity to pharmacological JAK3 inhibition.Copyright © 2020 Wong et al.

Background:Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBCB) plays an increasing role in the evaluation of diffuse parenchymal lung disease with acceptable diagnostic yield and safety profile compared with that of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy on most reports. However, published outcomes with regard to safety and complication rates vary. We aim to determine the safety profile of TBCB when performed using a standardized protocol consistent with recently published expert guidelines.Materials and Methods:We reviewed prospectively maintained databases from 5 Australian tertiary referral centers. The procedures were performed in accordance with a recent expert statement recommending standardization of TBCB procedures, in particular with fluoroscopy, a secured airway, and prophylactic bronchial blockers. Periprocedural complications were assessed along with clinical outcomes. Result(s):A total of 121 patients underwent TBCB between August 2013 and August 2017 following a standardized protocol using general anesthesia. Of them, 84 patients (66.7%) were discharged on the day of the procedure. Pneumothorax occurred in 18 patients (14.9%), 13 (10.7%) of whom required chest tube drainage. Moderate bleeding occurred in 15 patients (13.2%) and severe bleeding in 1 (0.83%). Histopathologic diagnosis was made in 80 patients (66.1%). Conclusion(s):Pooled outcomes from Australian tertiary centers indicate that TBCB is safe when performed in a protocolized fashion. Active measures to anticipate and manage bleeding and to direct biopsy position result in low rates of major complications.Copyright © 2020 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-LBL/ T ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy arising from malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors with poor prognosis in adult patients. Outcomes are particularly dismal in the relapsed/refractory setting, and therapeutic options are limited in this context. Genomic profiling has shown frequent aberrations in the JAK-STAT pathway, including recurrent mutations in JAK3 (15%-20% of T-ALL cases), suggesting that JAK kinase inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach. Activating JAK3 mutations are capable of transforming cytokine-dependent progenitor cells in vitro and causing T-ALL-like disease when expressed in hematopoietic progenitors in vivo. We describe a case of relapsed T-ALL in an adult patient, with two JAK3 activating mutations identified by whole-exome sequencing (WES), leading to hypothesis-based treatment with the JAK1 and JAK3 inhibitor, tofacitinib, following failure of salvage chemotherapy reinduction. Despite the molecularly targeted rationale, tofacitinib did not induce an objective clinical response. Our report suggests that the presence of activating JAK3 mutations does not necessarily confer sensitivity to pharmacological JAK3 inhibition.Copyright © 2020 Wong et al.

Antibody-mediated rejection, whereby transplant recipient B cells and/or plasma cells produce alloreactive anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, negatively influences transplant outcomes and is a major contributor to graft loss. An early humoral immune response is suggested by the production of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) that can be measured using solid phase assays. We report the early posttransplant coexistence of a shared anti-HLA antibody profile in 5 solid organ transplant recipients who received organs from the same donor. Retrospective analysis of the donor's serum confirmed the presence of the same anti-HLA profile, suggesting the transfer of donor-derived anti-HLA antibodies, or the cells that produce them, to multiple solid organ transplant recipients. The time frame and extent of transfer suggest a novel variant of the passenger lymphocyte syndrome. These findings have important implications for the consideration of all posttransplant antibody measurements, particularly the interpretation of non-DSAs in the sera of transplant recipients.Copyright © 2019 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons

Antibody-mediated rejection, whereby transplant recipient B cells and/or plasma cells produce alloreactive anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, negatively influences transplant outcomes and is a major contributor to graft loss. An early humoral immune response is suggested by the production of anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) that can be measured using solid phase assays. We report the early posttransplant coexistence of a shared anti-HLA antibody profile in 5 solid organ transplant recipients who received organs from the same donor. Retrospective analysis of the donor's serum confirmed the presence of the same anti-HLA profile, suggesting the transfer of donor-derived anti-HLA antibodies, or the cells that produce them, to multiple solid organ transplant recipients. The time frame and extent of transfer suggest a novel variant of the passenger lymphocyte syndrome. These findings have important implications for the consideration of all posttransplant antibody measurements, particularly the interpretation of non-DSAs in the sera of transplant recipients.Copyright © 2019 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons

Background: Bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy is increasingly used for the histological assessment of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Diagnostic performance may be improved by more accurate targeting of biopsy to radiologic abnormalities, and complication rates may be reduced by avoiding biopsy of pleura or larger vessels. Objective(s): To report the preliminary experience of using CT-fluoroscopic guidance for accurate targeting of bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy. Method(s): Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy was performed in a hybrid CT theatre. 3D CT images were acquired following positioning of the cryoprobe in a distal airway segment. Where cryoprobe position was observed to be too close to the chest wall/diaphragm pleura, or not within the region of interest within the lung parenchyma, re-positioning of probe was undertaken and repeat 3D images were acquired to confirm positioning prior to cryobiopsy. Result(s): CT-fluoroscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy was successfully performed in 4 patients: 3 patients with interstitial lung infiltrates, and one with an enlarging left upper lobe mass. Images were reviewed following each acquisition to accurately assess the probe position within the lung parenchyma, and relative to other thoracic structures. Intra-procedural imaging was of sufficient quality to allow the accurate positioning of the cryoprobe tip with respect to both the parenchymal region of interest and pleural surfaces. No complications were experienced, and all procedures yielded diagnostic specimens. Conclusion(s): Our preliminary experience confirms the feasibility of performing transbronchial cryobiopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Accurate targeting of transbronchial cryobiopsy may be achieved using CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Positioning of the probe tip, both with respect to parenchymal region of interest and to pleural surfaces, can be established with high accuracy.Copyright © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Background: Bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy is increasingly used for the histological assessment of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Diagnostic performance may be improved by more accurate targeting of biopsy to radiologic abnormalities, and complication rates may be reduced by avoiding biopsy of pleura or larger vessels. Objective(s): To report the preliminary experience of using CT-fluoroscopic guidance for accurate targeting of bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy. Method(s): Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy was performed in a hybrid CT theatre. 3D CT images were acquired following positioning of the cryoprobe in a distal airway segment. Where cryoprobe position was observed to be too close to the chest wall/diaphragm pleura, or not within the region of interest within the lung parenchyma, re-positioning of probe was undertaken and repeat 3D images were acquired to confirm positioning prior to cryobiopsy. Result(s): CT-fluoroscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy was successfully performed in 4 patients: 3 patients with interstitial lung infiltrates, and one with an enlarging left upper lobe mass. Images were reviewed following each acquisition to accurately assess the probe position within the lung parenchyma, and relative to other thoracic structures. Intra-procedural imaging was of sufficient quality to allow the accurate positioning of the cryoprobe tip with respect to both the parenchymal region of interest and pleural surfaces. No complications were experienced, and all procedures yielded diagnostic specimens. Conclusion(s): Our preliminary experience confirms the feasibility of performing transbronchial cryobiopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Accurate targeting of transbronchial cryobiopsy may be achieved using CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Positioning of the probe tip, both with respect to parenchymal region of interest and to pleural surfaces, can be established with high accuracy.Copyright © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Transbronchial biopsy is a useful tool in the diagnosis of a heterogeneous group of lung diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of pulmonary processes more frequent in the group of HIV / AIDS patient sin controlled Autonomous Institute of the Andes University Hospital during the period February to September2009. We performed an observational, analytical and descriptive epidemiological approach, clinical and pathological in a group of 39 patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Of these only 36 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Blood analyzes were made, immunological profile, imaging studies, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing and transbronchial biopsy. The histological sections showed inflammatory response at different stages of evolution, diffuse alveolar damage and intra-alveolar edema. Diagnosis was made from a group of opportunistic diseases such as pneumocystosis, Histoplasmosis, Candida, and injury probably due to Herpes virus and Cytomegalovirus. It emphasizes the participation of more than a germ. In addition there was vasculitis, thrombi, areas of ischemic necrosis, interstitial fibrosis and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. One of the patients showed undifferentiated epithelial malignancy neoplasm. The use of this technique allowed us to evaluate the presence of opportunistic infections and unusual neoplasms and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. Its use is justified, before the need for an etiologic diagnosis and establish the indicated therapy., La biopsia transbronquial es una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades pulmonares. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la etiología de los procesos pulmonares más frecuentes en el grupo de pacientes VIH/SIDA controlados en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes durante el periodo febrero a septiembre del 2009. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y descriptivo con enfoque epidemiológico, clínico y anatomopatológico en un grupo de 39 pacientes portadores de virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. De estos solamente 36 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión para esta investigación. Se hicieron análisis sanguíneo, perfil inmunológico, estudios imagenológicos, lavado bronco-alveolar, cepillado bronquial y biopsia transbronquial. Los cortes histológicos mostraron respuesta inflamatoria en diferentes fases de evolución, daño alveolar difuso y edema intraalveolar. Se realizó el diagnóstico de un grupo de enfermedades oportunistas tales como: neumocistosis, Histoplasmosis, Candidiasis y lesiones probablemente debidas a virus Herpes y Citomegalovirus. Se destaca la participación de más de un germen. Además hubo vasculitis, trombos, áreas de infarto, fibrosis intersticial y hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión Pulmonar. Uno de los pacientes presento neoplasia maligna epitelial indiferenciada. El empleo de esta técnica permitió evaluar la presencia de infecciones oportunistas y neoplasias infrecuentes, así como los hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión pulmonar. Se avala su utilización ante la necesidad de realizar un diagnóstico etiológico de certeza y establecer así la terapéutica adecuada.

Transbronchial biopsy is a useful tool in the diagnosis of a heterogeneous group of lung diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of pulmonary processes more frequent in the group of HIV / AIDS patient sin controlled Autonomous Institute of the Andes University Hospital during the period February to September2009. We performed an observational, analytical and descriptive epidemiological approach, clinical and pathological in a group of 39 patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Of these only 36 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Blood analyzes were made, immunological profile, imaging studies, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing and transbronchial biopsy. The histological sections showed inflammatory response at different stages of evolution, diffuse alveolar damage and intra-alveolar edema. Diagnosis was made from a group of opportunistic diseases such as pneumocystosis, Histoplasmosis, Candida, and injury probably due to Herpes virus and Cytomegalovirus. It emphasizes the participation of more than a germ. In addition there was vasculitis, thrombi, areas of ischemic necrosis, interstitial fibrosis and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. One of the patients showed undifferentiated epithelial malignancy neoplasm. The use of this technique allowed us to evaluate the presence of opportunistic infections and unusual neoplasms and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. Its use is justified, before the need for an etiologic diagnosis and establish the indicated therapy., La biopsia transbronquial es una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades pulmonares. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la etiología de los procesos pulmonares más frecuentes en el grupo de pacientes VIH/SIDA controlados en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes durante el periodo febrero a septiembre del 2009. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y descriptivo con enfoque epidemiológico, clínico y anatomopatológico en un grupo de 39 pacientes portadores de virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. De estos solamente 36 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión para esta investigación. Se hicieron análisis sanguíneo, perfil inmunológico, estudios imagenológicos, lavado bronco-alveolar, cepillado bronquial y biopsia transbronquial. Los cortes histológicos mostraron respuesta inflamatoria en diferentes fases de evolución, daño alveolar difuso y edema intraalveolar. Se realizó el diagnóstico de un grupo de enfermedades oportunistas tales como: neumocistosis, Histoplasmosis, Candidiasis y lesiones probablemente debidas a virus Herpes y Citomegalovirus. Se destaca la participación de más de un germen. Además hubo vasculitis, trombos, áreas de infarto, fibrosis intersticial y hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión Pulmonar. Uno de los pacientes presento neoplasia maligna epitelial indiferenciada. El empleo de esta técnica permitió evaluar la presencia de infecciones oportunistas y neoplasias infrecuentes, así como los hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión pulmonar. Se avala su utilización ante la necesidad de realizar un diagnóstico etiológico de certeza y establecer así la terapéutica adecuada.

Transbronchial biopsy is a useful tool in the diagnosis of a heterogeneous group of lung diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of pulmonary processes more frequent in the group of HIV / AIDS patient sin controlled Autonomous Institute of the Andes University Hospital during the period February to September2009. We performed an observational, analytical and descriptive epidemiological approach, clinical and pathological in a group of 39 patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Of these only 36 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Blood analyzes were made, immunological profile, imaging studies, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing and transbronchial biopsy. The histological sections showed inflammatory response at different stages of evolution, diffuse alveolar damage and intra-alveolar edema. Diagnosis was made from a group of opportunistic diseases such as pneumocystosis, Histoplasmosis, Candida, and injury probably due to Herpes virus and Cytomegalovirus. It emphasizes the participation of more than a germ. In addition there was vasculitis, thrombi, areas of ischemic necrosis, interstitial fibrosis and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. One of the patients showed undifferentiated epithelial malignancy neoplasm. The use of this technique allowed us to evaluate the presence of opportunistic infections and unusual neoplasms and findings suggestive of pulmonary hypertension. Its use is justified, before the need for an etiologic diagnosis and establish the indicated therapy., La biopsia transbronquial es una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades pulmonares. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la etiología de los procesos pulmonares más frecuentes en el grupo de pacientes VIH/SIDA controlados en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes durante el periodo febrero a septiembre del 2009. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y descriptivo con enfoque epidemiológico, clínico y anatomopatológico en un grupo de 39 pacientes portadores de virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. De estos solamente 36 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión para esta investigación. Se hicieron análisis sanguíneo, perfil inmunológico, estudios imagenológicos, lavado bronco-alveolar, cepillado bronquial y biopsia transbronquial. Los cortes histológicos mostraron respuesta inflamatoria en diferentes fases de evolución, daño alveolar difuso y edema intraalveolar. Se realizó el diagnóstico de un grupo de enfermedades oportunistas tales como: neumocistosis, Histoplasmosis, Candidiasis y lesiones probablemente debidas a virus Herpes y Citomegalovirus. Se destaca la participación de más de un germen. Además hubo vasculitis, trombos, áreas de infarto, fibrosis intersticial y hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión Pulmonar. Uno de los pacientes presento neoplasia maligna epitelial indiferenciada. El empleo de esta técnica permitió evaluar la presencia de infecciones oportunistas y neoplasias infrecuentes, así como los hallazgos sugestivos de Hipertensión pulmonar. Se avala su utilización ante la necesidad de realizar un diagnóstico etiológico de certeza y establecer así la terapéutica adecuada.

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models generated from surgical specimens are gaining popularity as preclinical models of cancer. However, establishment of PDX lines from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients is difficult due to very limited amount of available biopsy material. We asked whether SCLC cells obtained from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) could generate PDX lines that maintained the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the primary tumor. Following successful EBUS-TBNA sampling for diagnostic purposes, we obtained an extra sample for cytologic analysis and implantation into the flanks of immunodeficient mice. Animals were monitored for engraftment for up to 6 months. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis, and targeted next-generation resequencing, were then performed in both the primary sample and the derivative PDX line. A total of 12 patients were enrolled in the study. EBUS-TBNA aspirates yielded large numbers of viable tumor cells sufficient to inject between 18,750 and 1,487,000 cells per flank, and to yield microgram quantities of high-quality DNA. Of these, samples from 10 patients generated xenografts (engraftment rate 83%) with a mean latency of 104 days (range 63-188). All but one maintained a typical SCLC phenotype that closely matched the original sample. Identical mutations that are characteristic of SCLC were identified in both the primary sample and xenograft line. EBUS-TBNA has the potential to be a powerful tool in the development of new targeting strategies for SCLC patients by providing large numbers of viable tumor cells suitable for both xenografting and complex genomic analysis.Copyright © 2014 Leong et al.

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models generated from surgical specimens are gaining popularity as preclinical models of cancer. However, establishment of PDX lines from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients is difficult due to very limited amount of available biopsy material. We asked whether SCLC cells obtained from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) could generate PDX lines that maintained the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the primary tumor. Following successful EBUS-TBNA sampling for diagnostic purposes, we obtained an extra sample for cytologic analysis and implantation into the flanks of immunodeficient mice. Animals were monitored for engraftment for up to 6 months. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis, and targeted next-generation resequencing, were then performed in both the primary sample and the derivative PDX line. A total of 12 patients were enrolled in the study. EBUS-TBNA aspirates yielded large numbers of viable tumor cells sufficient to inject between 18,750 and 1,487,000 cells per flank, and to yield microgram quantities of high-quality DNA. Of these, samples from 10 patients generated xenografts (engraftment rate 83%) with a mean latency of 104 days (range 63-188). All but one maintained a typical SCLC phenotype that closely matched the original sample. Identical mutations that are characteristic of SCLC were identified in both the primary sample and xenograft line. EBUS-TBNA has the potential to be a powerful tool in the development of new targeting strategies for SCLC patients by providing large numbers of viable tumor cells suitable for both xenografting and complex genomic analysis.Copyright © 2014 Leong et al.

Objective The advantage of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) with a guide sheath (GS) over TBB without EBUS guidance was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at Nagasaki University Hospital, Japan. Data were collected from all cases of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) undergoing either EBUS-GS-guided TBB or TBB without EBUS guidance in our department from December 2003 through November 2009. The diagnostic yield in each group was compared, after adjustment for other factors. Results In total 110 PPLs were investigated in 102 patients: 65 (59.1%) were examined with EBUS-GS-guided TBB (EBUS-GS group) and 45 (40.9%) were TBB without EBUS guidance (non-EBUS group). Both procedures were performed under x-ray fluoroscopy. Basic characteristics were similar between the two groups. Of all EBUS examined lesions, 53 (81.5%) were visualized by EBUS. The diagnostic yields in EBUS-GS group and non-EBUS group were 64.6% and 46.7%, respectively (p=0.08). Adjusting for size and location of lesions, the yield of EBUS-GS guidance was 1.46 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.05) times higher than without EBUS guidance. When the lesion was visualized by EBUS, the diagnostic yield ratio was further increased to 1.63 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.27). Conclusion EBUS-GS-guided TBB demonstrates a higher diagnostic yield than TBB without EBUS guidance., Internal Medicine, 51(5), pp.455-460; 2012

Background: Acute pulmonary allograft rejection (AR) is the most important risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which is associated with reduced quality of life and decreased survival after lung transplantation (LTx). Trough (C0) cyclosporine (CyA) levels have a poor correlation with area-under-the-curve (AUC) measurements of cyclosporine exposure compared with 2-hour post-dose (C2) levels, but there are no published guidelines for C2 levels after LTx. Hence, we assessed the utility of C2 target levels to prevent AR. Method(s): Fifty consecutive de novo LTx patients (bilateral, 44; single, 3; heart-lung, 3; cystic fibrosis, 20; non-cystic fibrosis, 30) managed with CyA were assigned target C2 levels as follows: >800 mug/liter within 48 hours; >1,200 mug/liter from Week 1 to Month 1; >1,000 mug/liter in Month 2; >800 mug/liter in Month 3; >700 in mug/liter in Months 3 to 6; and >600 mug/liter thereafter. Surveillance transbronchial biopsies (TBBxs) were performed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed and results compared with our historic controls managed by C0 monitoring. Result(s): Fifteen of 50 (30%) LTx recipients developed AR on 23 of 171 TBBxs (Grade A2:A3 = 21:2) during follow-up (mean +/- SD) of 1,185 +/- 426 days (range, 16 to 1,790 days). Eighteen of 23 AR episodes occurred after sub-target C2 levels. The 30-day, 1-, 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 98%, 94%, 82% and 77%, respectively. Thirteen of 48 (27%) evaluable LTx recipients developed BOS with 1-, 3- and 5-year freedom-from-BOS rates of 96%, 79% and 59%, respectively. Only 1 patient developed severe renal dysfunction. Conclusion(s): Achieving and maintaining target C2 levels after LTx is associated with reduced rates of AR and BOS, preservation of renal function, and excellent short-term survival rates when compared with historic controls. J Heart Lung Transplant. © 2006 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

To evaluate the combination of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) and positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) for the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) <= 30 mm in mean diameter. A total of 74 PPLs (69.2%) were diagnosed by TBB using EBUS-GS with X-ray fluoroscopy. Diagnostic yield by FDG-PET was 78.5% for the 107 PPLs examined. Diagnostic yield with the combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET (90.7%) was significantly higher compared with that for each procedure alone. A significant increment in diagnostic yield with this combination was seen for PPLs >20 mm and ≤30 mm and for malignant lesions. Combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET is useful for the diagnosis of small PPLs.

To evaluate the combination of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) and positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) for the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) <= 30 mm in mean diameter. A total of 74 PPLs (69.2%) were diagnosed by TBB using EBUS-GS with X-ray fluoroscopy. Diagnostic yield by FDG-PET was 78.5% for the 107 PPLs examined. Diagnostic yield with the combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET (90.7%) was significantly higher compared with that for each procedure alone. A significant increment in diagnostic yield with this combination was seen for PPLs >20 mm and ≤30 mm and for malignant lesions. Combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET is useful for the diagnosis of small PPLs.

To evaluate the combination of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) and positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) for the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) <= 30 mm in mean diameter. A total of 74 PPLs (69.2%) were diagnosed by TBB using EBUS-GS with X-ray fluoroscopy. Diagnostic yield by FDG-PET was 78.5% for the 107 PPLs examined. Diagnostic yield with the combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET (90.7%) was significantly higher compared with that for each procedure alone. A significant increment in diagnostic yield with this combination was seen for PPLs >20 mm and ≤30 mm and for malignant lesions. Combination of TBB using EBUS-GS and FDG-PET is useful for the diagnosis of small PPLs.

Flexible bronchoscopy is a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure with a low incidence of complications (0.08–6.8%). Bleeding after transbronchial biopsy is a rare complication (0-2.8% of the cases), usually resulting in minor bleeding that resolves with loc