虚拟导航技术引导经支气管肺活检对肺外周结节的诊断价值

目的探讨虚拟导航引导经支气管肺活检对外周型肺孤立性小结节的诊断价值。 方法回顾性分析2016年1月至12月于成都医学院第一附属医院呼吸内科通过不同方法经支气管肺组织活检的96例外周型肺孤立性小结节患者的临床资料,根据活检方法的不同分为传统活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组,比较3组间的诊断率及虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组和虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组的操作时间。 结果传统活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组的病灶大小分别为(21±7)mm、(22±8)mm、(19±8)mm。3组比较差异无统计学意义(F＝0.48,P＝0.54)。传统活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组、虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组的诊断率分别为43.3%(13/30)、66.7%(23/35)和77.4%(24/31),传统活检钳肺活检组明显低于其他2个组(χ²＝7.801,P＝0.020),而虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组与虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组比较差异无统计学意义(χ²＝1.099,P＝0.295),且虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组与虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组在肺各个叶以及病灶良恶性间诊断率差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。虚拟导航引导活检钳肺活检组与虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检组的操作时间分别为(436±201)s和(363±185)s,两组差异有统计学意义(t＝1.56,P＝0.038)。 结论虚拟导航技术引导经支气管肺活检术可以提高外周型肺孤立性小结节的诊断率,并且虚拟导航引导冷冻肺活检可以明显减少操作时间。     

肺小结节活检方式的研究进展

肺部小结节的良恶性判断以病理活检为准,临床上对肺部小结节的活检方式研究层出不穷。笔者将近年来涌现的肺部小结节活检方式,包括CT、超声等引导下经皮肺穿刺活检术、虚拟导航联合径向超声气管镜穿刺活检术、穿刺标本快速现场评价经支气管肺冷冻活检术及经胸腔镜肺活检术等作一综述,旨在寻找肺小结节活检的适合手段。     

Feasibility of a prototype carbon nanotube enabled stationary digital chest tomosynthesis system for identification of pulmonary nodules by pulmonologists

BackgroundScreen detected and incidental pulmonary nodules are increasingly common. Current guidelines recommend tissue sampling of solid nodules >8 mm. Bronchoscopic biopsy poses the lowest risk but is paired with the lowest diagnostic yield when compared to CT-guided biopsy or surgery. A need exists for a safe, mobile, low radiation dose, intra-procedural method to localize biopsy instruments within target nodules. This retrospective cross sectional reader feasibility study evaluates the ability of clinicians to identify pulmonary nodules using a prototype carbon nanotube radiation enabled stationary digital chest tomosynthesis system.MethodsPatients with pulmonary nodules on prior CT imaging were recruited and consented for imaging with stationary digital chest tomosynthesis. Five pulmonologists of varying training levels participated as readers. Following review of patient CT and a thoracic radiologist’s interpretation of nodule size and location the readers were tasked with interpreting the corresponding tomosynthesis scan to identify the same nodule found on CT.ResultsFifty-five patients were scanned with stationary digital chest tomosynthesis. The median nodule size was 6 mm (IQR =4–13 mm). Twenty nodules (37%) were greater than 8 mm. The radiation entrance dose for s-DCT was 0.6 mGy. A significant difference in identification of nodules using s-DCT was seen for nodules <8 vs. ≥8 mm in size (57.7% vs. 90.9%, CI: −0.375, −0.024; P<0.001). Inter-reader agreement was fair, and better for nodules ≥8 mm [0.278 (SE =0.043)].ConclusionsWith system and carbon nanotube array optimization, we hypothesize the detection rate for nodules will improve. Additional study is needed to evaluate its use in target and tool co-localization and target biopsy.     

Transbronchial needle aspiration of peripheral pulmonary nodules

To determine the role of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions, TBNA was performed in 20 patients who had unexplained nodules (15) or masses (five) and no endobronchial abnormality. The TBNA cytopathology was positive for malignancy in 11 patients, and provided the only diagnostic specimen in seven. The TBNA yield was significantly higher than that of forceps biopsy or bronchial brushing, either alone or in combination (p less than 0.05). The procedure was complicated by pneumothorax in one patient. Transbronchial needle aspiration is diagnostically useful and safe for evaluation of the peripheral pulmonary nodule.     

Pulmonary histoplasmosis exhibiting solitary pulmonary nodule resected by thoracoscopic surgery: a case report and review of the Japanese literature]

We reported a case of pulmonary histoplasmosis showing solitary nodular shadow. A 43-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray films during a routine checkup. He had traveled to Honduras for 7 days. Chest computed tomographic (CT) scans showed a 13 x 12 mm nodular shadow with unclear margin in the left upper lobe (S3). Both transbronchial lung biopsy and CT guided transcutaneous needle biopsy failed to yield a definitive diagnosis. Thoracoscopic resection of the nodule was performed due to suspicion of lung cancer. Pathologically, the nodule displayed central caseous necrosis with many round yeast-like fungi. The fungi measured 3 to 4 microns in diameter and were well-stained by Grocott stain. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for anti-Histoplasma capsulatum antibody, resulting in the final diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed. Histoplasmosis is a rare disease in Japan. However, it is important to keep imported infectious diseases in mind when examining and treating patients who have a history of travel abroad.     

Endobronchial ultrasonography with distance for peripheral pulmonary lesions

BACKGROUND: We assessed the effectiveness of applying the distance from the orifice of the bronchus to visualized peripheral pulmonary lesion (PPL) under endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) to transbronchial biopsy (TBB), as an alternative to EBUS with a guide sheath (GS) and fluoroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2004 to July 2005, a total of 158 consecutive patients with solitary PPLs, which were not visualized under flexible video bronchoscopy, were received EBUS for advanced localization subsequently. One hundred and thirteen of 158 patients with solitary PPLs which were visualized on EBUS image were included in this prospective study and randomly divided into two groups for TBB using different methods. In group EBUS-D (57 patients) the distance from the bronchial orifice to pulmonary lesion was measured, then the biopsy forceps were advanced to this measured distance and biopsy followed. In group EBUS (56 patients) the biopsy forceps were advanced regardless of distance. The diagnostic yields were then compared. RESULTS: TBBs in group EBUS-D patients had a significantly higher diagnostic yield (45/57, 78.9%) than group EBUS patients (32/56, 57.1%) [P=0.013]. Size and location of lesion, duration of EBUS, diagnosis of malignancy, and whether the probe was located within the lesion on EBUS image did not differ between these two groups. Mild bleeding occurred in three patients in group EBUS-D and two in group EBUS. One group EBUS patient had a self-limited pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring and applying the distance between the orifice of bronchus and the lesion could increase the diagnostic yield of EBUS-guided TBBs for PPLs.     

多层螺旋CT动态增强扫描在孤立性肺结节中的应用价值

目的对多层螺旋CT动态增强扫描在孤立性肺结节中的应用价值进行探讨。方法选取就诊于我院的单发孤立性肺结节患者60例,均给予多层螺旋CT动态扫描,对动态扫描增强后CT值改变情况、多层螺旋CT动态扫描与病理学诊断孤立性肺结节的结果进行比较。结果恶性结节增强扫描后其CT值增高明显,显著高于良性结节,其差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);选择增强扫描后CT值改变≥20HU诊断为恶性结节,<20HU诊断为良性结节,对CT增强扫描和病理学诊断在孤立性结节的诊断结果进行比较,未见明显统计学差异(χ2=1.40,P>0.05)。结论多层螺旋CT增强扫描对良恶性结节的诊断具有较高的应用价值。     

A case of lung adenocarcinoma presenting a solitary, predominantly solid pulmonary nodule that showed slow growth over 7 years]

A small, solitary, predominantly solid pulmonary nodule (7 x 6 mm) was found in a 63-year-old woman during a CT screening for lung cancer. After 7 years, another chest CT examination revealed that the lesion had grown to a size of 15 x 10 mm. The patient then underwent surgery to remove the nodule, because primary lung cancer was strongly suspected. The resected specimen proved to be a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of type D according to the criteria of Noguchi et al. The tumor doubling time (TDT) in this case was estimated to be 661 days, which was longer than in other reported cases of Noguchi type D adenocarcinoma. High-resolution CT (HRCT) of the nodule revealed a predominantly solid lesion with a polygonal shape. No further changes were observed in a one-year follow-up CT, suggesting a benign tumor. We therefore suggest that the follow-up of small, solitary pulmonary nodules is of diagnostic value.     

Pulmonary amyloidoma. Histologic proof yielded by transthoracic coaxial fine needle biopsy.

Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis was diagnosed by percutaneous transthoracic fine needle biopsy specimen in an 88-year-old woman. Congo red staining should be performed whenever band-like hyalinized material is obtained on aspiration of a solitary nodule. Dense calcifications can occur in pulmonary amyloidomas. In selected cases, fine needle biopsy appears to be preferable to transbronchial forceps biopsy since the risk of a possibly life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage may be lower.     

Combination of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration with standard bronchoscopic techniques for the diagnosis of stage I and stage II pulmonary sarcoidosis

Background and objective: Standard bronchoscopic techniques (transbronchial lung biopsy and endobronchial biopsy) provide a diagnosis in 70% of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Previous data suggest that endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) has a high sensitivity in patients with sarcoidosis. The feasibility and utility of combining EBUS‐TBNA with standard bronchoscopic techniques is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of combined EBUS‐TBNA and standard bronchoscopic techniques in patients with suspected sarcoidosis and enlarged mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy. Methods: Forty consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis and enlarged mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes (radiographical stage I and stage II) underwent EBUS‐TBNA followed by transbronchial biopsies and endobronchial biopsies under conscious sedation. Results: Thirty‐nine out of 40 patients successfully underwent combined EBUS‐TBNA and standard bronchoscopy. Twenty‐seven patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis, eight had tuberculosis, two had reactive lymphadenopathy, two had lymphoma and one had metastatic adenocarcinoma. In patients with sarcoidosis, the sensitivity of EBUS‐TBNA for detection of non‐caseating granulomas was 85%, compared with a sensitivity of 35% for standard bronchoscopic techniques (P < 0.001). The diagnostic yield of combined EBUS‐TBNA and bronchoscopy was 93% (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Combination of EBUS‐TBNA with standard bronchoscopic techniques is safe and feasible, and optimizes the diagnostic yield in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and enlarged intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.     

Computed tomography-guided hookwire localization of small pulmonary nodules for thoracoscopic biopsy]

We performed thoracoscopic biopsies of small pulmonary nodules in 13 patients by placing hookwires adjacent to the target nodules under computed tomographic (CT) guidance. Biopsies were successfully performed in 10 of the 13 patients. Placement of individual hookwires for this purpose took from 20 to 50 minutes (30 minutes on average). Excisional biopsies of individual nodules required 20 to 60 minutes (37 minutes on average). Although pneumothorax developed in one patient, treatment was not considered necessary. This biopsy technique was unsuccessful in 3 cases, in 2 of which the hookwire became dislodged, and in 1 of which the target nodule was not contained in the resected specimen. These experiences seemed to underscore the importance of placing CT-guided hookwires more deeply into lung tissue near the target nodules. The technique appears to be useful for thoracoscopic biopsies of peripheral pulmonary nodules that otherwise would be difficult to identify by endoscopic probing forceps.     

Usefulness of various diagnostic techniques during fiberoptic bronchoscopy for endoscopically visible lung cancer: should cytologic examinations be performed routinely?

BACKGROUND: The question of which combination of procedures gives the best diagnostic yield following fiberoptic bronchoscopy is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of various diagnostic techniques following fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of endoscopically visible lung cancer. METHODS: The study included 98 patients found to have endobronchially visible tumor during routine daily bronchoscopy. Endobronchial lesions were classified as mass, submucosal lesion and infiltration. Washings, brushings and forceps biopsies were obtained in all subjects. Transbronchial needle aspirations were performed in 67 of 76 cases with mass or submucosal lesions. RESULTS: Bronchoscopy was diagnostic for cancer in 88 (89.8%) of the 98 patients. Forceps biopsy specimens gave positive result in 82.7% of cases, transbronchial needle aspirates in 68.6%, brushings in 68.4%, and washings in 31.6%. Combination of forceps biopsy and brushing cytology yielded a positive result for lung cancer in 87 patients. The addition of brushings increased the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy from 82.7% to 88.8% (p < 0.05). Collection of washing specimens in addition to forceps biopsy did not increase the yield of forceps biopsy. Transbronchial needle aspiration gave an additional yield of 1%. CONCLUSIONS: Routine cytological examination of bronchial washings does not increase the yield of forceps biopsy specimens. Transbronchial needle aspiration may give an additional positive yield to forceps biopsy. We conclude that a combination of forceps biopsy and brushing is the best strategy in the diagnosis of bronchoscopically visible lung cancer.     

Deaths and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy: a survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in 2010

Background and objective: In order to survey the current status of the use and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy conducted a nationwide postal questionnaire survey. Methods: The survey was mailed to all 538 facilities certified by the society. The subjects were patients who underwent respiratory endoscopy in 2010. The numbers of procedures, and associated complications and deaths were investigated according to lesion and procedure using a specific inventory. Results: The inventory was completed by 483 facilities (89.8%). The total number of diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy procedures performed was 103 978, and four patients died (0.004%). The complication rate according to lesion ranged from 0.51% to 2.06%, with the highest rate being observed in patients with diffuse lesions. The complication rate according to procedure ranged from 0.17% to 1.93%, with the highest rate being observed in patients who underwent forceps biopsy. The complication rate after forceps biopsy of solitary peripheral pulmonary lesions was 1.79% (haemorrhage: 0.73%, pneumothorax: 0.63%), and that after endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node lesions was 0.46%. Therapeutic bronchoscopy was performed in 3020 patients; one patient (0.03%) died due to haemorrhage induced by insertion of an expandable metallic stent. The complication rate according to procedure was highest for foreign body removal (2.2%). Medical pleuroscopy was performed in 1563 patients. The highest complication rate was for biopsy without electrocautery (1.86%). A total of 228 facilities (47.2%) experienced breakage of bronchoscopes and/or devices. Conclusions: Respiratory endoscopy was performed safely, but education regarding complications caused by new techniques is necessary.     

The Clinical and Radiologic Features of Nodular Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Nodular sarcoidosis is an uncommon presentation of sarcoidosis. Our objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of a large cohort of patients with nodular sarcoidosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients with nodular sarcoidosis diagnosed at an urban teaching hospital over a 10-year period. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with nodular sarcoidosis were identified. All patients were African-American. The mean age was 35 and the female-to-male ratio was 5:1. Twenty-six patients were current or former smokers. All patients had chest CT scan and/or chest radiograph evidence of pulmonary masses. Twenty-seven patients had multiple pulmonary masses/nodules and six had solitary pulmonary nodules/masses. The upper lobes were involved in 27 patients. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural-based masses were present in 30 and 20 patients, respectively. Extrapulmonary manifestations were present in 14 patients. All patients had tissue diagnosis of noncaseating granulomas with negative culture. Twenty-two patients underwent bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies, which were diagnostic in 19. Follow-up data were available on 27 patients: complete or nearly complete resolution of the pulmonary masses--either spontaneously or with systemic treatment--was documented for 19 patients, no change in the radiologic findings for 7 patients, and progression to pulmonary fibrosis for 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Nodular sarcoidosis is a rare presentation of pulmonary sarcoidosis. It usually presents with multiple pulmonary masses that tend to be peripheral and are associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies has high diagnostic yield. Despite its ominous presentation, nodular sarcoidosis has favorable prognosis.     

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in fluoroscopically invisible solitary pulmonary nodules: a prospective trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Transbronchial biopsy (TBBX) for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is usually performed under fluoroscopic guidance, but the diagnostic yield depends on lesion size and varies widely. Nodules < 3 cm frequently cannot be visualized fluoroscopically. An alternative guidance technique, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), also allows visualization of pulmonary nodules. This study assessed the diagnostic yield of EBUS-guided TBBX in fluoroscopically invisible SPNs. DESIGN: The study was a prospective trial using a crossover design. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with SPNs and indications for bronchoscopy were included in the study. An EBUS-guided examination was performed in patients with fluoroscopically invisible nodules. The EBUS probe was introduced through a guide catheter into the presumed segment. If a typical ultrasonic picture of solid tissue could be seen, the probe was removed and the catheter left in place. The biopsy forceps were introduced and specimens taken. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients with SPNs were examined. Of those, 54 patients presented with SPNs that could not be visualized with fluoroscopy. The mean diameter of the nodules was 2.2 cm. In 48 patients (89%), the lesion was localized with EBUS, and in 38 patients (70%) the biopsy established the diagnosis. The 16 patients with undiagnosed SPNs were referred for surgical biopsy; 10 of those lesions were malignant and 6 were benign. The diagnosis in nine patients (17%) saved the patients from having to undergo a surgical procedure. The only complication was a pneumothorax in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-guided TBBX is a safe and very effective method for SPNs that cannot be visualized by fluoroscopy. The procedure may increase the yield of endoscopic biopsy in patients with these nodules and avert the need for surgical procedures.     

99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT显像联合3D打印模板引导下经皮肺穿刺对孤立性肺结节诊断意义

目的分析^99mTc-3PRGD₂ SPECT/CT显像联合3D打印模板引导下经皮肺穿刺对孤立肺结节(SPN)的诊断意义。 方法收集2015年1月至2019年12月在内蒙古医科大学附属医院呼吸科就诊79例SPN患者，男51例，女28例。年龄43~81岁，平均年龄(62.39±8.99)岁。分析^99mTc-3PRGD₂ SPECT/CT显像对SPN的诊断价值及联合3D打印模板经皮肺穿刺术后并发症的相关因素。 结果79例患者均顺利完成SPECT/CT显像及穿刺活检操作。SPN直径为8~30 mm，平均直径为(20.18±5.66)mm。42例SPN(直径≤20 mm)患者采用1根定位针，37例SPN(20 mm<直径≤30 mm)患者未采用定位针；同轴套管活检针穿刺1次52例，穿刺2次21例，穿刺3次6例。所有患者应用同轴套管针进行2次活检。病理学诊断有3例患者因取材不满意而无阳性结果，穿刺活检取材成功率96.2%(76/79)，^99mTc-3PRGD₂ SPECT/CT显像良性49例，恶性30例。穿刺病理结果良性56例，恶性23例。穿刺并发症：针道出血、气胸或"针道出血+气胸"发生率与性别、结节直径、结节深度、肺气肿及穿刺次数有关，差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论^99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT显像联合3D打印模板引导下经皮肺穿刺对孤立性肺结节诊断将精准功能影像应用到穿刺中，具有良好的临床应用前景。     

CT-guided transbronchial diagnosis using ultrathin bronchoscope for small peripheral pulmonary lesions]

We performed computed tomography (CT)-guided transbronchial diagnosis on 23 patients, using an ultrathin bronchoscope (external diameter, 2.8 mm) for small peripheral pulmonary lesions (< or = 2 cm). The mean size of the lesions was 1.4 x 1.1 cm. After examination using a conventional bronchoscope (external diameter, 6.3 mm), an ultrathin bronchoscope and a biopsy apparatus were advanced to the lesion under CT and X-ray fluoroscopic guidance. The location of the biopsy apparatus at each lesion was confirmed by thin-section CT, and a biopsy was performed. The ultrathin bronchoscope reached the 5th-11th bronchus (mean, 7.1 +/- 1.5th), at a point 3.6 +/- 0.9 bronchi peripheral to the site reached using a conventional bronchoscope. In 20 of the 23 patients, the biopsy apparatus could be guided to the lesion. The diagnosis rate, by disease, was 81.8% (9/11) for lung cancer, 66.7% (2/3) for metastatic lung cancer, and 77.8% (7/9) for inflammation; the overall rate being 78.3% (18/23). CT-guided transbronchial diagnosis using an ultrathin bronchoscope is useful for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions because the bronchoscope can be readily inserted into peripheral areas and guided to lesions, and the site of sample collection can be accurately determined.     

A randomized trial of CT fluoroscopic-guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy in patients with suspected lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Prior case series have shown promising diagnostic sensitivity for CT scan-guided bronchoscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial comparing CT scan-guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. All procedures were performed using a protocolized number of passes for forceps, transbronchial needles, and brushes. Cytologists and pathologists were blinded as to bronchoscopy type. Patients with negative results underwent open surgical biopsy (for nodules or lymph nodes) or were observed for >/= 2 years if they had a nodule < 1 cm in size. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled into the study (CT scan-guided bronchoscopy, 26 patients; conventional bronchoscopy, 24 patients). Two patients, one from each arm, dropped out of the study. Ultimately, 36 patients were proven to have cancer, and 27 of these patients (75%) had their diagnosis made by bronchoscopy. The sensitivity for malignancy of CT scan-guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for peripheral lesions was similar (71% vs 76%, respectively; p = 1.0). The sensitivity for malignancy of CT guided bronchoscopy vs conventional bronchoscopy for mediastinal lymph nodes was higher (100% vs 67%, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.26). On a per-lymph-node basis, there was a trend toward higher diagnostic accuracy with CT scan guidance (p = 0.09). The diagnostic yield was higher in larger lesions (p = 0.004) and when CT scanning confirmed target entry (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: We failed to demonstrate a significant difference between CT scan-guided bronchoscopy and conventional bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. Further study of improved steering methods combined with CT scan guidance for the diagnosis of lung cancer in peripheral lesions is warranted.     

Electromagnetic navigation diagnostic bronchoscopy for small peripheral lung lesions.

The present study prospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield and safety of electromagnetic navigation-guided bronchoscopy biopsy, for small peripheral lung lesions in patients where standard techniques were nondiagnostic. The study was conducted in a tertiary medical centre on 40 consecutive patients considered unsuitable for straightforward surgery or computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy, due to comorbidities. The lung lesion diameter was mean+/-sem 23.5+/-1.5 mm and the depth from the visceral-costal pleura was 14.9+/-2 mm. Navigation was facilitated by an electromagnetic tracking system which could detect a position sensor incorporated into a flexible catheter advanced through a bronchoscope. Information obtained during bronchoscopy was superimposed on previously acquired CT data. Divergence between CT data and data obtained during bronchoscopy was calculated by the system's software as a measure of navigational accuracy. All but one of the target lesions was reached and the overall diagnostic yield was 62.5% (25-40). Diagnostic yield was significantly affected by CT-to-body divergence; yield was 77.2% when estimated divergence was 相似文献   

Six cases of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis]

Six patients with asymptomatic primary pulmonary Cryptococcosis are reported. In all of the patients, the disease was detected by annual chest X-ray during mass screening for lung cancer or during follow-up for pulmonary tuberculosis or gastric cancer. The chest X-ray findings consisted of a solitary pulmonary nodule in 4 patients and multiple pulmonary nodules in 2. Only one patient who could not be histologically diagnosed by bronchofiberscopy underwent surgical resection. However, the other 5 patients were histologically diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy with bronchofiberscopy. They were treated with oral antifungal agents, namely flucytosine (5-FC) and/or fluconazole, with marked improvement of chest X-ray findings. These results indicate that transbronchial biopsy with bronchofiberscopy and oral administration of antifungal agents instead of initial surgical resection are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis.