Endoscopic approach to pulmonary diseases: Transbronchial needle aspiration

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a bronchoscopic technique to obtain cytologic and histologic specimen from deep site of bronchial wall. We investigated the utility and safety of TBNA in 200 patients who had mass lesions in the lung or in the mediastinum. 101 patients had submucosal or peribronchial malignant lesions (central malignancy) and TBNA was the only diagnostic method in 28 patients (28%). 39 patients had peripheral malignant lesions (peripheral malignancy) and TBNA was the only diagnostic method in 12 patients (31%). The other 60 patients had benign lesions and TBNA was diagnostic in only 5 patients (8%); bronchogenic cyst in 2, tuberculous lymph adenitis in 1, parathyroid adenoma in 1 and lung abscess in 1. In central malignancy, the yield of TBNA as exclusive means of diagnosis was higher for mediastinal tumor than for lung cancer. In peripheral malignancy it was higher for metastatic lung tumor than for primary lung tumor. In order to stage patients of lung cancer, we sampled 39 lymph nodes and 21 of them were proved to be positive. TBNA was thought to be of greatest value in the diagnosis of peritracheal mediastinal tumor and peribronchial metastatic lung tumor and in the staging of lung cancer. We used 19-gauge transbronchial histology needle in 8 patients and 2 cases were diagnostic. Low diagnostic yields were probably due to the lack of our experience and it was expected that training on this technique would increase diagnostic utility of the histology needle. No significant complications occurred and all patients tolerated TBNA well.     

多种活检在周围型肺癌诊断中的应用

目的研究CT引导下经皮肺活检（CT-PLB）与经支气管镜肺活检（TBLB）或经支气管针吸活检（TBNA）在周围型肺癌诊断中的应用。方法对143例周围型肺癌患者的诊断方法进行分析,其中137例通过单用或联合采用CT-PLB、TBLB、TBNA等检查手段取得病理学诊断,6例为术后病理学诊断。结果 CT-PLB确诊率为85.4%,TBLB确诊率为68.4%,TBNA确诊率为80%,联合应用总确诊率为95.8%。结论对于肺周围型病变,根据病灶大小、位置、与胸壁距离、有否纵隔淋巴结转移等具体情况选择合适的活检方式可取得病理学诊断,多种方法联合应用可提高检出率。     

经支气管镜针吸活检术在肺部及纵隔疾病中的应用价值

目的探讨经支气管镜针吸活检术(TBNA)在肺部及纵隔疾病中的临床应用价值。方法对42例肺部及纵隔病变进行针吸活检,观察阳性率。结果 42例均针吸或活检成功,确诊率76.2%,无严重并发症。结论 TBNA对肺部及纵隔疾病诊断率高,并发症少。     

The value of transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a bronchoscopic sampling technique used for the diagnostic workup of mediastinal lymph nodes, but the value of its routine use in evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions is not yet firmly established. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of routine diagnostic bronchoscopies. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-two consecutive patients (126 with malignant and 46 with nonmalignant disease) who underwent bronchoscopy for a peripheral pulmonary lesion. RESULTS: In 87 patients (51%), a final diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy; diagnoses included 81 malignant lesions (69 lung cancer and 12 pulmonary metastases) and 6 benign lesions (all tuberculosis). TBNA was used in 152 of the 172 patients (89%). Other endoscopic techniques included bronchial washing (100%), bronchial brushing (45%), and transbronchial biopsy (TBB) (27%). Concerning the different bronchoscopic sampling techniques, TBNA showed a positive result in 35% of cases, in comparison to 17% for TBB, 22% for bronchial washing, and 30% for bronchial brushing. While TBNA was diagnostic in 27.5% of the malignant lesions < 3 cm in diameter, the success rate in lesions > 3 cm was 65.5% (p = 0.03). Endoscopy-related complications included pneumothorax (n = 1), self-limiting bleeding (n = 12), prolonged coughing (n = 2), and vasovagal reactions (n = 2). None of these complications required further treatment. CONCLUSION: TBNA is an effective bronchoscopic sampling technique in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. In our study, the use of TBNA increased the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy from 35 to 51% without additional risk. The use of TBNA in the clinical routine should be encouraged.     

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the early diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has evolved as a useful technique to establish diagnosis in patients suspected of having bronchogenic carcinoma. METHODS: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) was done in twenty-five patients with either proved or suspected bronchogenic carcinoma using a flexible bronchoscope. Results of 19 patients who had pulmonary malignancy were analysed. RESULTS: In the 12 patients with endobronchially visible abnormality, TBNA could correctly identify eleven patients with carcinoma and one patient, who was a treated case, with no evidence of residual disease. In the seven patients with bronchoscopically invisible extrabronchial disease, TBNA could identify four patients with malignancy and also characterize true negative disease in a treated case with subcarinal lymph node. TBNA could define the correct cytology in all the patients with visible tumours and in 59% of patients with bronchoscopically invisible tumours. The procedure was diagnostic in 84% of the cases. Mediastinal lymph node sampling in nine patients by TBNA, with the help of contrast enhanced CT scans, was positive in five patients and negative in the other four patients thus helping in nodal staging. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sample size of the study was small, the procedure was found to be very useful for the early diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. It was safe, well tolerated and no untoward complications were observed.     

经支气管镜针吸活检术诊断周围型肺癌及纵隔淋巴结肿大

目的评价经支气管镜针吸活检术在诊断周围型肺癌及纵隔淋巴结肿大中的作用。方法对39例周围型肺癌和24例经胸部CT检查提示有纵隔淋巴结肿大的患者进行针吸活检术,并常规活检和刷检,评价其有效性和安全性。结果常规活检和刷检确诊16例,其诊断阳性率25．40％,针吸术确诊50例,诊断阳性率为79．37％;两种方法联合确诊52例,诊断阳性率为82．54％。所有患者均未出现严重并发症,22例患者穿刺部位有少量出血。结论经支气管镜针吸活检术用于诊断周围型肺癌和纵隔淋巴结肿大具有有效、安全和简便等优点。     

Transbronchial needle aspiration. An underused diagnostic technique

Despite its proven usefulness, TBNA is not widely used. An American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) survey showed that only 11.8% of pulmonologists use TBNA. Most pulmonologists in the 1980s were not formally trained in TBNA. This lack of training has unfortunately translated to minimal emphasis on TBNA in current training programs in a large number of institutions. Technical problems with the procedure (faulty site selection, incomplete needle penetration, catheter kinking that prevents adequate suction, etc.), the confusing array of needles, low diagnostic yields, unproven concerns regarding the safety of the procedure, inadequate cytopathology support, and bronchoscopic damage have all perpetuated the image of limited usefulness for this procedure. Limitations to the practice of TBNA are: Lack of training during fellowship Technical inadequacies Lack of cytopathologists trained in TBNA interpretation Fear of bronchoscope damage Safety issues Failure to reproduce published successes Reservations regarding usefulness of TBNA results Hands-on experience with TBNA, developing familiarity and expertise with only a few needles, and paying careful attention to anatomy, procedure techniques, and specimen acquisition may all help to increase yield. The following lists how better results can be obtained with TBNA: Preprocedure Review TBNA instruction tapes Attend hands-on courses Practice with lung models Review patient's CAT scans Familiarize with one-two cytology and histology needle Obtain a trained assistant Procedural Identify target site Needle to airway angle at least greater than 45 degrees Insert entire length of the needle Use scope channel to support the catheter Release suction before withdrawing needle (for staging) Specimen acquisition Avoid delay in preparing slides Adequate sampling (at least two) Use smear method for cytology specimen Analyze all samples flush solutions cell block Postprocedure Find an experienced cytopathologist Review your procedure (by watching video) Review pathology slides Acquisition of skills with cytology needles should precede the use of the histology needle. Increasing education and experience can also increase diagnostic yields. Transbronchial needle aspiration has been proven to be accurate in staging lung cancers, identifying inoperable carcinomas, and diagnosing a variety of lung diseases. Few complications have been encountered and the technique is less invasive and less costly than surgical procedures. Drawing on evidence from published literature, we suggest the following guidelines for TBNA: All patients presenting with mediastinal or hilar adenopathy or both, should have 22-ga and/or 19-ga TBNA as the initial procedure. These procedures would help diagnose malignant and nonmalignant diseases, and stage lung cancers. All patients with evidence of submucosal and peribronchial disease should have 22-ga needle cytology sampling. In patients with visible endobronchial disease, 22-ga TBNA should be optional. In the presence of a necrotic or a hemorrhagic tumor, or in a patient with a bleeding diathesis, TBNA would be helpful. In all patients with Type III and IV peripheral nodules, TBNA should be the initial diagnostic procedure. There remains no doubt about the diagnostic usefulness of TBNA. Guidelines must be developed to ensure that pulmonary fellows are adequately trained in this procedure. Regional workshops with hands-on experience targeted to practicing pulmonologists organized by the ACCP would help popularize the procedure. Initial low yields should not discourage pulmonologists from using the procedure. Collaboration between thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and pulmonary physicians is essential to set up TBNA programs within institutions. With time, as more and more pulmonologists attain expertise in TBNA, the full potential of this nonsurgical, cost-effective, and safe procedure will be realized.     

Performance characteristics and predictors of yield from transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions

Background and objective: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is useful for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). However, TBNA is largely underused and the variables that may be related to its diagnostic usefulness have not been specifically studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance characteristics and predictors of yield from TBNA of PPL, and to compare the performance characteristics of different bronchoscopic sampling methods. Methods: Consecutive patients with PPL were prospectively enrolled, and during the same examination, TBNA, transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and bronchial washing (BW) were performed. Results: Two hundred and eighteen PPL in 218 patients were sampled. TBNA was more sensitive (65%) than either TBLB (45%, P < 0.001) or BW (22%, P < 0.001). TBNA was the only diagnostic procedure in 42/196 patients (21%) with malignant lesions, and was more likely to be the only diagnostic procedure for lesions lacking (23/85 patients, 27%) than for lesions with the bronchus sign (19/111 patients, 17%). In multivariate analysis, a lesion size >2 cm, malignancy and location in the middle lobe were independent predictors of a positive TBNA result. Conclusions: TBNA is the single best contributor to the success of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of PPLs, and should be routinely used especially in the presence of lesions lacking the bronchus sign. Lesion size of > 2 cm, location in the middle lobe, and malignant nature are strong predictors of a positive TBNA result.     

Transbronchial needle aspiration in routine fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in a clinical routine setting of a teaching hospital for the diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma in comparison to the results of controlled clinical studies. We reviewed our results with Wang retractable needle catheters during a 9-month period. The needle catheters were used in 72 patients. 43 patients had a final diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma. Classical bronchial washes, brushings and forceps biopsies led to the diagnosis in 28 patients (65%). The addition of TBNA increased the diagnostic yield by 14% (6 patients) to 79% overall. In 32 patients staging of mediastinal lymph nodes was attempted. Positive TBNA proved inoperability in 9 patients. In 7 patients TBNA was used to investigate peripheral masses. Two patients had a malignant tumor, of which one was diagnosed by TBNA. Overall, TBNA revealed important information with clinical consequences in 16 of 72 patients (22%). There were no complications. We conclude that TBNA significantly increases the diagnostic yield of fiberoptic bronchoscopy and carries only a minimal risk. Our results, obtained in the clinical routine setting of a teaching hospital, are comparable to the reported results of controlled studies.     

Needle brush in the diagnosis of lung mass or nodule through flexible bronchoscopy

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), in comparison with cytology brush and forceps biopsy, in the diagnosis of a pulmonary mass or coin lesions has been studied by Shure and Wang in the past. Both studies concluded that TBNA markedly increased the diagnostic yield. A new instrument, a "needle brush" (Mill Rose Lab), has been developed and compared with the following three instruments: a regular cytology brush was used first, followed by needle brush, TBNA, and forceps biopsy under fluoroscopy. Twenty-four patients were studied. A specific diagnosis was made in 16 patients (15 malignancies; one granuloma); in three patients, results were suspicious for malignancy, three patients had negative results, and in two patients the study was not complete. "Needle brush" biopsy was positive in 11 patients (exclusively in four); TBNA was positive in eight (exclusively in two). Regular brush biopsy was positive in seven (exclusively in none). Forceps biopsy was positive in four (exclusively in one; granuloma). We conclude that the needle brush and TBNA have a higher diagnostic yield in malignant lung masses or nodules. The use of regular brush and forceps biopsy did not increase the diagnostic yield in malignancy. Forceps biopsy might be more useful in benign diseases.     

Transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) was performed as a diagnostic procedure in 91 consecutive patients ultimately proven to have bronchogenic carcinoma. Results of TBNA were compared, in the same patients, to the diagnostic yield of cytologic examination of sputum, endobronchial brushings and washings, and endobronchial/transbronchial biopsy. The diagnostic yield for sputum was 13 percent (10 of 75); brushings, 40 percent (34 of 84); washings, 29 percent (26 of 89); biopsy, 56 percent (42 of 75); and TBNA, 45 percent (41 of 91). Aspirates were positive in 35 percent of patients with adenocarcinoma, 41 percent with squamous cell carcinoma, 52 percent with large cell undifferentiated carcinoma, and 55 percent of patients with small cell carcinoma. Carinal aspirates were positive in 54 percent (6 of 11); paratracheal aspirates, 57 percent (13 of 23); parabronchial aspirates, 39 percent (11 of 28); endobronchial, 78 percent (7 of 9), and peripheral mass or solitary pulmonary nodule, 40 percent (17 of 42). The overall diagnostic yield for brushings, washings, and biopsy was 64 percent. The addition of TBNA increased the yield to 71 percent. Bronchogenic carcinoma was diagnosed solely by TBNA in six patients, all with extrabronchial or extratracheal lesions. We conclude that TBNA increases the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy, particularly in patients with extratracheal and extrabronchial lesions. An equally important observation is that TBNA fails to contribute significantly to the diagnosis of cancer in patients with lesions readily accessible by conventional bronchoscopic techniques. Exceptions to this observation include occasional patients with necrotic endobronchial tumors, submucosal lesions, and rarely patients with peripheral lung nodules or masses.     

First endoscopic procedure for diagnosis and staging of mediastinal lymphadenopathy

AIM: To compare a first diagnostic procedure of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) with selection of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or TBNA for mediastinal lymphadenopathy. METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy on computed tomography (CT), who required cytopathological diagnosis, were recruited. The first 34 underwent a sequential approach in which TBNA was performed first, followed by EUSFNA if TBNA was unrevealing. The next 34 underwent a selective approach where either TBNA or EUS-FNA was selected as the first procedure based on the CT findings. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of TBNA as the first diagnostic procedure in the sequential approach was 62%. In the selective approach, the diagnostic yield of the first procedure was 71%. There was no significant difference in the overall diagnostic yield, but there were significantly fewer combined procedures with the selective approach.CONCLUSION: Selecting either EUS-FNA or TBNA as the first diagnostic procedure achieved a comparable diagnostic yield with significantly fewer procedures than performing TBNA first in all patients.     

Transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to determine effects of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. METHODS: Records of 55 patients who underwent TBNA in our Chest Department from February 2002 to December 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Out of 55 patients who had undergone TBNA, 30 were diagnosed to have lung cancer after complete work up. Transbronchial needle aspiration was positive for malignant cells in 12 out of 20 lung cancer patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy on computed tomographic scan (CT scan) of the thorax. Mediastinoscopy was positive for malignancy in three cases and the remaining five had bulky lymph node enlargement which was considered malignant, given the histologic diagnosis established by other methods. Transbronchial needle aspiration was also positive for two other patients who had lymph nodes less than 1 cm size. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of TBNA in the diagnosis of lung cancer patients were 58%, 100%, 100%, 37% and 66%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that TBNA is an efficient procedure in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The diagnostic yield is increased when there is lymph node enlargement on CT scan of the thorax and reduces the need for mediastinoscopy.     

Advances in lung cancer diagnosis and staging: endobronchial ultrasound

Background:  Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is an accurate and relatively less invasive procedure for the diagnosis of lung lesions and mediastinal lymph node staging for lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility and safety of this new EBUS service established in our hospital.
Methods:  Consecutive patients who underwent EBUS–transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS–TBLB) for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions or for transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal lymph node enlargement were included in this audit. Demographic and clinical data were obtained prospectively. Diagnostic yield from the results of EBUS was compared to other clinical information obtained.
Results:  Thirty-eight patients underwent EBUS over a 10-month period. The yield from EBUS–TBLB was 62%. The average size of the lung lesions biopsied was 3.5 cm and 62% were located in the upper lobes. Malignancy was diagnosed in 14 cases and a benign aetiology in four. The yield from EBUS–TBNA was 88% and the average size of the lymph nodes was 2.3 cm. The lymph nodes were all located in the subcarinal station except for two that were in the lower paratracheal station. Malignancy was diagnosed in 10 cases on TBNA and 4 cases had benign pathology. There was one complication seen (small pneumothorax).
Conclusion:  EBUS is safe and an effective method for both, diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and staging for lung cancer.     

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.     

Análisis coste-efectivo de la punción aspiración transbronquial de lesiones pulmonares sin afectación endobronquial

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of pulmonary lesions without endobronchial affectation in combination with transbronchial biopsy (TBB) has been shown to increase diagnostic performance. The objective of this present study was to analyze whether the combination of TBNA with conventional TBB is a cost-effective approach.     

常规经支气管镜针吸活检与超声引导下经支气管镜针吸活检对纵隔病变诊断的比较

目的 比较常规经支气管镜针吸活检(TBNA)和超声引导下经支气管镜肺活检(EBUS-TBNA)在同等条件下对纵隔病变的诊断的准确率及并发症的发生率等.方法 收集2008年10月至2009年10月广东省顺德第一人民医院呼吸科因胸部CT提示纵隔病变进行活检的患者95例,其中男65例,女30例,年龄13～85岁,平均(56±16)岁.所有患者于局部麻醉下行支气管镜,对172组纵隔病变先进行常规TBNA,后进行EBUS-TBNA,比较两者穿刺活检的阳性率、组织标本获取率及血管损伤率.结果 95例中确诊为恶性病变者71例,其中常规TBNA确诊65例,诊断阳性率为92%;EBUS-TBNA确诊68例,诊断阳性率为96%.172组病灶中,常规TBNA穿刺阳性结果为108组,总阳性率为63%(108/172),而EBUS-TBNA阳性结果为112组,总阳性率为65%(112/172).常规TBNA和EBUS-TBNA对纵隔良、恶性病变的诊断无明显差异,但EBUS-TBNA获取组织标本的成功率(39/95)高于常规TBNA(22/95).常规TBNA误伤血管7例,略高于EBUS-TBNA(3例).但差异无统计学意义.结论 在熟练掌握操作技术和方法后,两种方法均可获得满意的穿刺结果,操作者可选择性应用两种方法,做到优势互补.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the diagnostical yields and complication of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration ( TBNA ) and endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration ( EBUS-TBNA ) for the mediastium lesions under the same condition. Method Ninty-five patients with mediastinal lesions on chest CT were included. Bronchoscopy was performed under the local anesthesia, TBNA, EBUS-TBNA performed sequentially as a single combined procedure. Results Of the71 patients comfirmed to be malignant, the positive rate of TBNA was 92% ( 65/71 ), and 96% ( 68/71 )by EBUS-TBNA. There was no difference in malignant and benign lesions between conventional TBNA and EBUS-TBNA, but the success rate for obtaining adequate samples was higher by EBUS-TBNA ( 39/95 ) as compared to TBNA( 22/95 ). Accidental injury of the blood vessels occurred in 7 cases by TBNA as compared to 3 cases by EBUS-TBNA, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion Satisfactory diagnostic yields can be obtained by either conventional TBNA or EBUS-TBNA in skilled hands.     

Conventional vs. endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathies

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is superior to conventional TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathies in routine clinical practice. Consecutive patients, who were referred for TBNA, were randomized to conventional TBNA and EBUS-guided TBNA groups. Patients were also grouped according to the anatomic location of the pathologic lymph nodes to evaluate if there was a difference in the diagnostic yield with respect to lymph node station. Patients with subcarinal lymph nodes were designated as group A and patients with lymph nodes at station 2 (upper paratracheal), 3 (prevascular and retrotracheal), and 4 (lower paratracheal) were designated as group B. A 21-G aspiration needle was used during the procedure. Sixty patients with a mean age of 56.15 ± 15.32 years were included in the study. Thirty patients each underwent EBUS-TBNA and conventional TBNA. The overall diagnostic yield of conventional TBNA was 33.3% (10/30), while EBUS-TBNA had a yield of 66.7% (20/30; p= 0.010). In patients with subcarinal lymph nodes, the yield of conventional TBNA was 33.3% (4/12) compared to 62.5% (5/8) in the EBUS-guided group (p= 0.362). In patients with mediastinal lymph nodes other than subcarinal lymph nodes, EBUS-TBNA had a significantly higher yield compared to conventional TBNA [33.3% (6/18) vs. 68.2% (15/22) for conventional and EBUS-TBNA groups, respectively; p= 0.028]. In conclusion, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was superior to the yield of conventional TBNA at stations other than subcarinal region. We suggest that EBUS is a useful tool to guide TBNA in the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes.     

经支气管针吸活检在纵隔及肺门淋巴结结核诊断中的作用

目的 探讨经支气管针吸活检术（TBNA）在纵隔及肺门淋巴结结核诊断中的作用和临床意义。方法 在常规气管镜检查过程中，对CT检查提示纵隔及肺门淋巴结肿大、肺部及气道腔内无异常表现的24例患者予以TBNA术，在用细胞学穿刺针活检的基础上，选择性地应用组织学穿刺活检针，对所获标本进行细胞学、组织学切片及涂片找抗酸杆菌等检查。结果 24例患者中，18例获得明确的组织学诊断，5例涂片中找到抗酸杆菌，所有患者均无明显的并发症。结论 TBNA操作方便、安全，有较高的诊断率，可作为诊断纵隔及肺门淋巴结结核的首选方法和技术。     

经支气管镜针吸活检术对纵隔及肺部疾病的诊断意义

目的探讨经支气管镜针吸活检术对纵隔淋巴结肿大及支气管腔外肺肿瘤诊断中的作用。方法对胸部CT检查发现的24例单纯纵隔淋巴结肿大、18例肺部病变合并纵隔淋巴结肿大及37例新生物生长在管腔外的患者进行经支气管镜针吸活检术和常规检查（病变处活检、刷检）,观察其诊断阳性率结果常规检查确诊21例,诊断阳性率为26.58%,针吸术确诊68例,诊断阳性率为86.08%;两种方法联合确诊70例,诊断阳性率为88.61%。其不良反应较少,43.0%的患者穿刺部位有少量出血。结论认为针吸术用于诊断以上纵隔及肺部疾病具有创伤小、阳性率高等优点。