Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples yield adequate DNA for next-generation sequencing:A cohort analysis

BACKGROUND Genetic tests are increasingly performed for the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer.For genotyping aimed samples current guidelines recommend using core specimens,although based on moderate quality evidence.However,in clinical practice among the endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) guided tissue acquisition methods,fine needle aspiration(FNA) is the most widely performed.AIM To assess the adequacy for next generation sequencing(NGS) of the DNA yielded from EUS-FNA pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC) samples.METHODS Between November 2018 and December 2021,105 patients with PDAC confirmed by EUS-FNA were included in the study at our tertiary gastroenterology center.Either 22 gauge(G) or 19G FNA needles were used.One pass was dedicated to DNA extraction.DNA concentration and purity(A260/280,A260/230) were assessed by spectrophotometry.We assessed the differences in DNA parameters according to needle size and tumor characteristics(size,location) and the adequacy of the extracted DNA for NGS(defined as A260/280 ≥ 1.7,and DNA yield:≥ 10 ng for amplicon based NGS,≥ 50 ng for whole exome sequencing [WES],≥ 100 ng for whole genome sequencing [WGS]) by analysis of variance and ttest respectively.Moreover,we compared DNA purity parameters across the different DNA yield categories.RESULTS Our cohort included 49% male patients,aged 67.02 ± 8.38 years.The 22G needle was used in 71%of the cases.The DNA parameters across our samples varied as follows:DNA yield:1289 ng(inter quartile range:534.75-3101),A260/280 = 1.85(1.79-1.86),A260/230 = 2.2(1.72-2.36).DNA yield was > 10 ng in all samples and > 100 ng in 93% of them(one sample < 50 ng).There were no significant differences in the concentration and A260/280 between samples by needle size.Needle size was the only independent predictor of A260/230 which was higher in the 22G samples(P =0.038).NGS adequacy rate was 90% for 19G samples regardless of NGS type,and for 22G samples it reached 89% for WGS adequacy and 91% for WES and amplicon based NGS.Samples with DNA yield > 100 ng had significantly higher A260/280(1.89 ± 0.32 vs 1.34 ± 0.42,P = 0.013).Tumor characteristics were not corelated with the DNA parameters.CONCLUSION EUS-FNA PDAC samples yield DNA adequate for subsequent NGS.DNA amount was similar between 22G and 19G FNA needles.DNA purity parameters may vary indirectly with needle size.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle aspiration specimens for molecular diagnosis of non-small-cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration(EBUS-TBNA)are highly sensitive for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.In recent years,targeted therapy has shown great significance in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC).Using these minimally invasive techniques to obtain specimens for molecular testing will provide patients with a more convenient diagnostic approach.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of tissue samples obtained using EUSFNA and EBUS-TBNA for molecular diagnosis of NSCLC.METHODS A total of 83 patients with NSCLC underwent molecular testing using tissues obtained from EUS-FNA or EBUS-TBNA at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to June 2019.All enrolled patients underwent chest computed tomography or positron emission tomography/computed tomography prior to puncture.We detected abnormal expression of EGFR,KRAS,MET,HER2,ROS1 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein.Two patients failed to complete molecular testing due to insufficient tumor tissue.The clinical features,puncture records,molecular testing results and targeted treatment in the remaining 81 patients were summarized.RESULTS In a total of 99 tissue samples obtained from 83 patients,molecular testing was successfully completed in 93 samples with a sample adequacy ratio of 93.9%(93/99).Biopsy samples from two patients failed to provide test results due to insufficient tumor tissue.In the remaining 81 patients,62 cases(76.5%)were found to have adenocarcinoma,11 cases(13.6%)had squamous cell carcinoma,3 cases(3.7%)had adenosquamous carcinoma and 5 cases(6.2%)had NSCLC-not otherwise specified.The results of molecular testing showed EGFR mutations in 21 cases(25.9%),KRAS mutations in 9 cases(11.1%),ROS-1 rearrangement in 1 case(1.2%)and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive in 5 cases(6.2%).Twentyfour patients with positive results received targeted therapy.The total effectiveness rate of targeted therapy was 66.7%(16/24),and the disease control rate was 83.3%(20/24).CONCLUSION Tissue samples obtained by EUS-FNA or EBUS-TBNA are feasible for the molecular diagnosis of NSCLC and can provide reliable evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Large leiomyoma of lower esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography–fine needle aspiration:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign esophageal tumors are rare accounting for<1%of esophageal tumors;two-thirds of which are leiomyomas.Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor derived from mesenchymal tissue that is completely muscularly differentiated.Most esophageal leiomyomas are<5 cm.Esophageal leiomyomas>5 cm are rare.We describe a case of a large esophageal leiomyoma involving the cardia and diaphragm.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman presented to the doctor because of a choking sensation after eating.Physical examination showed no positive signs.Gastroscopy indicated an uplifted change in the cardia.Enhanced computed tomography revealed spaceoccupying lesions in the lower part of the esophagus and cardia,which were likely to be malignant.Positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed increased metabolism of soft tissue masses in the lower esophagus and near the cardia.Malignant lesions were considered,and mesenchymal tumors were not excluded.Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to examine a hypoechoic mass in the lower esophagus,which was unclear from the esophageal wall.Clinical evaluation suggested diagnosis of esophageal and cardiac stromal tumors.Finally,histological specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasonography–fine needle aspiration suggested leiomyoma.The patient underwent laparoscopic local resection of the tumor.The postoperative pathological diagnosis was leiomyoma.CONCLUSION Endoscopic ultrasonography-fine needle aspiration is necessary for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal leiomyomas.It provides a strong basis for diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors of unknown nature and origin.

Testicular fine needle aspiration as a diagnostic tool in nonobstructive azoospermia

Aim： To report the fine needle aspiration cytology （FNAC） of the testes used as a diagnostic tool in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Methods： One hundred and twenty-five non-obstructive azoospermic male candidates to intracytoplasmic sperm injetion （ICSI） were analysed for follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, testosterone and inhibin B plasma levels. They were classified into three groups on the basis of FNAC： 1） Sertoli cell-only syndrome （SCOS） （70）; 2） severe hypospermatogenesis （42）; and 3） maturation arrest （13）, Then, all men underwent testicular sperm extraction （TESE） for sperm recovery for ICSI. Results： Mature spermatozoa were detected by FNAC in 24 of 42 men with severe hypospermatogenesis and nine of 13 men with maturation arrest; while they were retrieved by TESE in 29 of 70 men with SCOS, 35 of 42 men with severe hypospermatogenesis （including the 24 by FNAC） and 10 of 13 men with maturation arrest （including the nine by FNAC）. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAC were 44.6 % and 100 %, respectively. There was no difference on testicular volume and hormonal parameters in men with and without sperm retrieved. Conclusion： These findings suggest that FNAC may be a simple and valid diagnostic parameter in non-obstructive azoospermic men and it may represent a valid positive prognostic parameter for sperm recovery at TESE, （Asian J Androl 2005 Sep; 7： 289-294）

Pancreatic paraganglioma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pancreatic paragangliomas(PPGL)are rare benign neuroendocrine neoplasms but malignancy can occur.PPGL are often misdiagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor or pancreatic adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY We reviewed 47 case reports of PPGL published in PubMed to date.Fifteen patients(15/47)with PPGL underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA).Only six(6/15)were correctly diagnosed as PPGL.All patients with PPGL underwent surgical resection except three(one patient surgery was aborted because of hypertensive crisis,two patients had metastasis or involvement of major vessels).Our patient remained on close surveillance as she was asymptomatic.CONCLUSION Accurate preoperative diagnosis of PPGL can be safely achieved by EUS-FNA with immunohistochemistry.Multidisciplinary team approach should be considered to bring the optimal results in the management of PPGL.

Comparison of cytological and histological preparations in the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies using endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration

BACKGROUND:Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) has become a crucial diagnostic technique for pancreatic malignancies.The specimen obtained by EUS-FNA can be prepared for either cytological or histological examinations.This study was to compare diagnostic performance of cytological and histological preparations using EUSFNA in the same lesions when pancreatic malignancies were suspected.METHODS:One hundred and eighteen patients who underwent EUS-FNA for suspected pancreatic malignancies were consecutively enrolled.All procedures were conducted by a single echoendoscopist under the same conditions.Four adequate preparations were obtained by 22-gauge needles with 20 to-and-fro movements for each pass.The 4 preparations included 2 cytological and 2 histological specimens.The pathologic reviews of all specimens were conducted independently by a single experienced cytopathologist.Sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the 2 preparations were compared.RESULTS:The enrolled patients consisted of 62 males(52.5%),with the mean age of 64.6±10.5 years.Surgery was performed in 23(19.5%) patients.One hundred and sixteen(98.3%) lesions were classified as malignant,while 2(1.7%) were benign.Sensitivity of cytology and histology were 87.9% and 81.9%,respectively,with no significant difference(P=0.190).Accuracy was also not significantly different.Cytological preparation was more sensitive when the size of lesion was <3 cm(86.7% vs 68.9%,P=0.033).CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggested that the diagnostic performances of cytological and histological preparations are not significantly different for the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies.However,cytological preparation might be more sensitive for pancreatic lesions <3 cm.

Diagnostic value of liquid-based cytology and smear cytology in pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Smear cytology(SC)using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)is the established and traditional choice for diagnosing pancreatic lesions.Liquid-based cytology(LBC)is a novel alternative cytological method,however,the comparative diagnostic efficacy of LBC remains inconclusive.AIM To examine the diagnostic efficacy of LBC and SC for pancreatic specimens obtained through EUS-FNA via a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,and Web of Science.The numbers of true positives,false positives,true negatives,and false negatives for each cytological test(LBC and CS)were extracted from the included studies.The pooled sensitivity and specificity and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were calculated,and the AUC was compared by Tukey's multiple comparisons test.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies II tool.RESULTS A total of 1656 patients in eight studies were included.The pooled sensitivity and specificity and the AUC for LBC were 0.76(95%CI:0.72-0.79),1.00(95%CI:0.98-1.00),and 0.9174,respectively,for diagnosing pancreatic lesions.The pooled estimates for SC were as follows:Sensitivity,0.68(95%CI:0.64-0.71);specificity,0.99(95%CI:0.96-100.00);and AUC,0.9714.Similarly,the corresponding values for LBC combined with SC were 0.87(95%CI:0.84-0.90),0.99(95%CI:0.96-1.00),and 0.9894.Tukey’s multiple comparisons test was used to compare the sensitivities and AUCs of the three diagnostic methods;statistically significant differences were found between the three methods,and LBC combined with SC was superior to both LBC(P<0.05)and SC(P<0.05).The pooled sensitivity and AUC did not change significantly in the sensitivity analysis.CONCLUSION LBC may be sensitive than SC in the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic lesions,however,the superior diagnostic performance of their combination emphasizes their integrated usage in the clinical evaluation of pancreatic lesions.

Peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer caused by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)is a biopsy technique widely used to diagnose pancreatic tumors because of its high sensitivity and specificity.Although needle-tract seeding caused by EUS-FNA has been recently reported,dissemination of pancreatic cancer cells is generally considered to be a rare complication that does not affect patient prognosis.However,the frequency of dissemination and needle-tract seeding appears to have been underestimated.We present a case of peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer due to preoperative EUS-FNA.CASE SUMMARY An 81-year-old man was referred to the Department of Surgery of our hospital in Japan owing to the detection of a pancreatic mass on computed tomography during medical screening.Trans-gastric EUS-FNA revealed that the mass was an adenocarcinoma;hence laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed.No intraoperative peritoneal dissemination and liver metastasis were visually detected,and pelvic lavage cytology was negative for carcinoma cells.The postoperative surgical specimen was negative for carcinoma cells at the dissected margin and the cut end margin;however,pathological findings revealed adenocarcinoma cells on the peritoneal surface proximal to the needle puncture site,and the cells were suspected to be disseminated via EUSFNA.Hence,the patient received adjuvant therapy with S-1(tegafur,gimeracil,and oteracil potassium);however,computed tomography performed 5 mo after surgery revealed liver metastasis and cancerous peritonitis.The patient received palliative therapy and died 8 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION The indications of EUS-FNA should be carefully considered to avoid iatrogenic dissemination,especially for cancers in the pancreatic body or tail.

Can the wet suction technique change the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis type 1? A prospective single-arm study

BACKGROUND Other than surgery,endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUSFNA)is the only procedure for histologically diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP).However,adequate specimens are difficult to obtain.Recently,more adequate specimens were reported to be obtained with EUS-FNA with a wet suction technique(WEST)than with conventional EUS-FNA.AIM To histologically diagnose AIP by EUS-FNA with a WEST.METHODS Eleven patients with possible type 1 AIP between February 2016 and August 2018 underwent EUS-FNA with a WEST(WEST group),with four punctures by 19 or 22 G needles.As a historical control,23 type 1 AIP patients who underwent no fewer than four punctures with 19 or 22 G needles were enrolled(DRY group).Patient characteristics and histological findings were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Three histopathological factors according to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria were significantly greater in the WEST group than the DRY group[lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate without granulocytic infiltration:9(81.8%)vs 6(26.1%),P=0.003,storiform fibrosis:5(45.5%)vs 1(4.3%),P=0.008,abundant(>10 cells/HPF)IgG4-positive cells:7(63.6%)vs 5(21.7%),P=0.026].Level 1 or level 2 histopathological findings were observed more often in the WEST group than in the DRY group[8(72.7%)vs 3(13.0%),P=0.001].CONCLUSION EUS-FNA with a WEST was more successful than standard EUS-FNA in histologically diagnosing AIP.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration vs fine needle biopsy for pancreatic masses,subepithelial lesions,and lymph nodes

Endoscopic ultrasound tissue acquisition,in the form of both fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)and fine needle biopsy(EUS-FNB),is utilized for pancreatic mass lesions,subepithelial lesions,and lymph node biopsy.Both procedures are safe and yield high diagnostic value.Despite its high diagnostic yield,EUS-FNA has potential limitations associated with cytological aspirations,including inability to determine histologic architecture,and a small quantitative sample for further immunohistochemical staining.EUS-FNB,with its larger core biopsy needle,was designed to overcome these potential limitations.However,it remains unclear which technique should be used and for which lesions.Comparative trials are plagued by heterogeneity at every stage of comparison;including variable needles used,and different definitions of endpoints,which therefore limit generalizability.Thus,we present a review of prospective trials,systematic reviews,and meta-analyses on studies examining EUS-FNA vs EUSFNB.Prospective comparative trials of EUS-FNA vs EUS-FNB primarily focus on pancreatic mass lesions,and yield conflicting results in terms of demonstrating the superiority of one method.However,consistent among trials is the potential for diagnosis with fewer passes,and a larger quantity of sample achieved for next generation sequencing.With regard to subepithelial lesions and lymph node biopsy,fewer prospective trials exist,and larger prospective studies are necessary.Based on the available literature,we would recommend EUS-FNB for peri-hepatic lymph nodes.

Testicular fine needle aspiration for sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of obtaining mature spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) in men diagnosed non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods: TEFNA was performed in 121 patients with a mean of 15 punctures and aspirations from each testis with a #23 butterfly needle connected to a 20 mL syringe with an aspiration handle. Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent 176 TEFNA cycles. Testicular sperm were recovered in 56.3 % (99/176) cycles from 57 % (69/121) of patients. The sperm recovery rate was 46.7 % (21/45) in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, 45.7 % (16/35) in patients with maturation arrest, 96.1 % (25/26) in patients with hypospermatogenesis and 63.6 % (7/11) in patients of non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome as judged by testicular histology. No sperm were found in 3 cases with post-irradiation fibrosis and one, after resection and chemotherapy of unilateral testicular cancer. In 87 cycles of ICSI using the husbands' sperm, 591 mature oocytes were injected, 218 (36.9 %) were normally fertilized and 202 embryos developed; 178 were transferred in 62 cycles resulting in 26 pregnancies (41.9 %) with 44 gestational sacs (implantation rate: 24.7 %). Conclusion: TEFNA was an efficient, easy to learn, safe and well tolerated treatment in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Severe mediastinitis and pericarditis after endobronchial ultrasoundguided transbronchial needle aspiration:A case report

BACKGROUND Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration(EBUS-TBNA)is a safe and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for mediastinal and hilum evaluation.However,infectious complications may occur after EBUS-TBNA.Among these,mediastinitis and pericarditis are rare.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to paratracheal lymph node enlargement on chest computed tomography(CT).EBUS-TBNA was performed on the lymph node lesions,and prophylactic oral antibiotics were administered.Seven days after EBUS-TBNA,the patient visited the emergency room with a high fever and chest pain.Laboratory test results revealed leukocytosis with a left shift and elevated C-reactive protein level(25.7 mg/dL).Chest CT revealed the formation of a mediastinal abscess in the right paratracheal lymph node and pericardial and bilateral pleural effusions.The patient received intravenous antibiotic treatment,cardiac drainage through pericardiocentesis,and surgical management.The patient recovered favorably and was discharged 31 d after the operation.CONCLUSION Mediastinitis and pericarditis after EBUS-TBNA are rare but should be considered even after the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration vs fine needle biopsy in solid lesions:A multi-center analysis

BACKGROUND While endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration(FNA)is considered a preferred technique for tissue sampling for solid lesions,fine needle biopsy(FNB)has recently been developed.AIM To compare the accuracy of FNB vs FNA in determining the diagnosis of solid lesions.METHODS A retrospective,multi-center study of EUS-guided tissue sampling using FNA vs FNB needles.Measured outcomes included diagnostic test characteristics(i.e.,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy),use of rapid on-site evaluation(ROSE),and adverse events.Subgroup analyses were performed by type of lesion and diagnostic yield with or without ROSE.A multivariable logistic regression was also performed.RESULTS A total of 1168 patients with solid lesions(n=468 FNA;n=700 FNB)underwent EUS-guided sampling.Mean age was 65.02±12.13 years.Overall,sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were superior for FNB vs FNA(84.70%vs 74.53%;99.29%vs 96.62%;and 87.62%vs 81.55%,respectively;P<0.001).On subgroup analyses,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of FNB alone were similar to FNA+ROSE[(81.66%vs 86.45%;P=0.142),(100%vs 100%;P=1.00)and(88.40%vs 85.43%;P=0.320].There were no difference in diagnostic yield of FNB alone vs FNB+ROSE(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed no significant predictor for better accuracy.On subgroup analyses,FNB was superior to FNA for non-pancreatic lesions;however,there was no difference between the techniques among pancreatic lesions.One adverse event was reported in each group.CONCLUSION FNB is superior to FNA with equivalent diagnostic test characteristics compared to FNA+ROSE in the diagnosis of non-pancreatic solid lesions.Our results suggest that EUS-FNB may eliminate the need of ROSE and should be employed as a first-line method in the diagnosis of solid lesions.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in intrathoracic lymphadenopathy with extrathoracic malignancy

BACKGROUND Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration(EBUS-TBNA)for the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymph is poorly studied in patients with extrathoracic malignancies.AIM To evaluate the value of EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes in patients with extrathoracic malignancies.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients with extrathoracic malignancies who were referred to Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2013 to December 2018 for EBUS-TBNA due to intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.The specimens were defined as positive for malignancy,negative for non-malignancy(tuberculosis,sarcoidosis,etc.),and without a definitive diagnosis.Sensitivity,negative predictive value(NPV)for malignancy,and overall accuracy were calculated.Complications were recorded.RESULTS A total of 80 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA and had a final diagnosis,among which 50(62.5%)were diagnosed with extrathoracic malignancy with intrathoracic lymph nodes metastasis,14(17.5%)were diagnosed with primary lung cancer with nodal involvement,and 16(20.0%)exhibited benign behavior including tuberculosis,sarcoidosis and reactive lymphadenitis or who had benign follow-up.The diagnostic sensitivity,NPV,and accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for intrathoracic lymphadenopathy in patients with extrathoracic malignancy were 93.8%(n=60/64),80.0%(n=16/20),and 95.0%(n=76/80),respectively.In the multivariate analysis,longer short axis of the lymph node(OR:1.200,95%CI:1.024-1.407;P=0.024)and synchronous lung lesion(OR:19.449,95%CI:1.875-201.753;P=0.013)were independently associated with malignant intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.No characteristics of the lymph nodes and EBUS-TBNA were associated with the location of malignant intrathoracic lymphadenopathy,and no major complication was observed.CONCLUSION EBUS-TBNA is a simple and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy with extrathoracic malignancy.

The Value of Clinical Breast Examination, Imaging, and Fine Needle Aspiration and the Challenge of Diagnosing Breast Cancer in a Low Resource Setting: A Hospital-Based Analytical Study in Yaounde

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, as well as in Cameroon, where it represents about 20.1% of all cancers recorded in 2020. The number of pathologists in the country is as few as seven for a population of about 26 million. The diagnostic performances of diagnostic modalities other than histology—clinical breast examination (CBE), imaging and fine needle aspiration and cytology (FNA)—in our context are not known. Study Objectives: Our objectives were to estimate the proportions of cases managed with mammography, breast ultrasound and FNA and to estimate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of CBE, mammography, breast ultrasound and FNA;using histology as reference. Study Methodology: The study was cross-sectional and analytical, and was carried out at the Yaoundé General Hospital. It lasted twelve months, April 2015 through March 2016 and covered the period January 2010 to February 2016. Using histology as reference, we calculated measures of diagnostic accuracy for all four modalities using the statistical methods of Galen and Gambino. Results: We recruited 107 cases, 105 females (98.1%) and 02 males. We had 112 breast lumps, 106 malignant (94.6%) and 6 benign. The mean lump size was 61.1 mm. The most frequently used diagnostic tool after CBE was FNA (49.1%), while the diagnostic accuracies were 76.8%, 79.1%, 82.9%, and 82.0% for CBE, breast US, mammography and FNA. Conclusion: The four baseline diagnostic modalities for breast cancer are used sub-optimally and FNA appears to be the most commonly used in our setting after CBE. We recommend that FNA should be considered for diagnosis as appropriate but a negative result should not stop the quest for histological elimination of presence of malignancy.

The clinical application of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for staging of lung cancer

Objective To determine the value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for staging of lung cancer. Methods The study was retrospective,a total of 52 patients underwent EBUSTBNA for known or suspected lung cancer. All patients were detected enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes on CT scan (≥ 1. 0 cm) . Results Of the 52 patients,41 patients were found with N2 or N3 disease

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration： unraveling myths of mass in the chest

Lung cancer is one of the most common neoplasms worldwide and a major cause of cancer death.Rapid diagnosis and accurate staging for patients with suspected lung cancer are essential to appropriate treatment.However,many of submucosal or parabronchial intrapulmonary lesions are invisible by bronchoscopy despite their adjacency

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of undiagnosed mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Background Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration （EBUS-TBNA） can sample the enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes which are unreachable by conventional bronchoscopy.It is a relatively simple and safe method to see beyond the bronchial tree.We describe and discuss its initial application and our experience.Methods From July 2009 to December 2009, 52 patients with undiagnosed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were accessed with EBUS-TBNA in the People＇s Liberation Army General Hospital.Conventional bronchoscopy was performed before EBUS-TBNA, and patients with endobronchial lesions were excluded from this study.Smears fixed in 95% alcohol and histological specimens fixed in formalin were sent to Department of Pathology.Results EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 33 （63%） patients, with diagnosis of lung cancer in 23 patients （14 patients of small cell lung cancer, eight patients with adenocarcinoma, and one patient of squamous carcinoma）.Four patients, who had negative EBUS-TBNA results, were later diagnosed with malignancy at thoracotomy.One patient with negative EBUS-TBNA results died of cancer cachexia.The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of neoplastic disease were 85%, 100%, 100%, and 50% respectively.Among the 16sarcoidosis patients, who were diagnosed by a combination of the clinical and radiological information as well as pathological results obtained by EBUS-TBNA, nine of them had granulomas and benign lymphoid cells detected by EBUS-TBNA.The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis were 56%, 100%, 100%, and 13%, respectively.Five patients with no definite diagnosis from EBUS-TNBA examination are under close follow-up.Conclusions EBUS-TBNA can provide a safe and effective method to sample mediastinal leisions suspected of malignancy.It also adds pathological information needed to make the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Application of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions

Background Mediastinal lesions are often difficult to diagnose in clinical practice because of the unique anatomical position of the mediastinum, which makes performance of biopsy difficult. The value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of lung cancer and mediastinal lymph node staging has been widely accepted. However, few studies have been conducted on the value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mediastinal lesions. The current study was conducted to investigate the value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of isolated mediastinal lesions without lung abnormalities. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with isolated mediastinal lesions without lung abnormalities for whom endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration examination was performed at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Peking University People＇s Hospital, between September 2009 and December 2010. For patients who could not be diagnosed with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, surgical biopsy or more than 6 months of clinical and imaging follow-up was carried out. Results Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration was performed for 60 patients with isolated mediastinal lesions. Correct diagnosis was made in 48 cases. Nineteen cases were malignant, and 29 were benign. The rate of correct diagnosis was 80%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in distinguishing benign from malignant mediastinal lesions were 95%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. The examination was tolerable for all patients. No associated complications were observed. Conclusion Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a safe and effective method of diagnosing mediastinal lesions.

First 30 endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirations： a single institution＇s early experience

Background A new technique developed in 2002, aspiration （EBUS-TBNA）, has been one of the most real time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle important tools in lymph nodes （LNs） staging before lung cancer surgery. EBUS-TBNA was introduced into China in 2008. Methods Between June 2009 and October 2009, 30 patients with mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy and thoracic masses previously detected with CT scan underwent EBUS-TBNA without rapid onsite cytological examination. Results From 30 patients, 33 samples were obtained from LNs and seven samples from intrapulmonary lesions. Twenty out of the 23 lung cancer diagnoses were clarified through the procedure, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy being 87%, 100%, 100%, 70% and 90%, respectively. All three false negative cases were found in the first five procedures. Additionally, among the 33 LNs examined, three specimens that had no lymphocytes were also found within the first five procedures. There were no major complications, and the procedures were uneventful. Conclusions EBUS-TBNA seems a safe and effective technique in making diagnosis for mediastinal/hilar LNs and intrapulmonary masses. For pulmonologists experienced in bronchoscopy, the sensitivity of the procedure for diagnosing lung cancer should be no less than 90% after the initial five procedures.