Accuracy and Safety of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) in Suspected Non-malignant Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy
Accuracy and Safety of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) in Suspected Non-malignant Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy
To examine whether EBUS with transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) can accurately and
 safely diagnose enlarged lymph nodes in the chest in patients without suspected malignancy
There is no single method to investigate mediastinal LN invasion. Hence, a patient may have
 to undergo several tests and procedures. Noninvasive and invasive approaches are employed.
 Within the invasive techniques, endoscopic ultrasonography with needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)
 and endobronchial ultrasonography with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) are
 gaining importance in mediastinal staging. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a procedure
 that is performed via flexible bronchoscopy under moderate sedation for visualization of
 lymph nodes in the chest and biopsy under real-time guidance usually for the staging of lung
 cancer or evaluation of enlarged lymph nodes. In addition, lung lesions or masses can be
 visualized and biopsied in the same sitting. The use of EBUS has enhanced the safety and
 diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy. It provides ultrasonographic images and permits
 needle aspiration under direct vision for cytology specimen analysis. As more evidence is
 being accumulated on these staging approaches, the number of cervical mediastinoscopies,
 considered as the gold-standard for mediastinal staging, is diminishing.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  adults (18 Years and older) with mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  known or suspected malignancy

 -  no informed consent

 -  pts with anterior mediastinal lesions

 -  contraindications to EBUS