Reference 1: 1. Alsharif, M., Andrade, R. S., Groth, S. S., Stelow, E. B., & Pambuccian, S. E. (2008). Endobronchial ultrasound–guided transbronchial fine-needle aspiration: the University of Minnesota experience, with emphasis on usefulness, adequacy assessment, and diagnostic difficulties. American journal of clinical pathology, 130(3), 434-443. Reference 2: 2. Chrysikos, S., Karampitsakos, T., Zervas, E., Anyfanti, M., Papaioannou, O., Tzouvelekis, A., ... & Dimakou, K. (2021). Thoracic endosonography (EBUS/EUS‐b) in the diagnosis of different intrathoracic diseases: A 4‐year experience at a single‐centre in Greece. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 75(3), e13684. Reference 3: Currie G. and Miller D. Endobronchial ultrasound in mediastinal lymphadenopathy: cutting costs not patients?. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2012; 186: 208-209
Caroline E. Lippe, DO: No financial relationships to disclose
Objectives: Endobronchial ultrasound with tranbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a commonly used technique to evaluate mediastinal lymphadenopathy. While this procedure saves patients the potential morbidity of surgical mediastinal exploration, a major limitation is the inability to ensure adequate tissue sample. We therefore set out to develop a scoring system to evaluate the efficacy biopsied to tissue in an effort to increase diagnostic yield.
Methods : 899 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study and underwent EBUS-TBNA for various diagnoses with a final 387 undergoing complete analysis. Up to three samples were obtained from each lymph node station biopsied and a score was given to each sample according to our specifications. Samples were then examined by a pathologist for the presnce of lymphocytes and further determined if a diagnosis could be adequately made from our samples.
Results: 439 samples were sent to pathology and determined if they contained lymphocytes. Scores 0-4 had a lymphocytic diagnostic yield of 2545%, 5-6 of 4568%, 7-9 of 80% and greater than 9 of 89%.
Conclusion: We found that a score of >9 resulted in obtaining lympocytic material 89% of the time. We believe that this simple scoring method can be easily applied to everyday EBUS-TBNA with effective results.
Learning Objectives:
Apply a simple scoring method to EBUS samples can be easily applied with effective results
Compare our simple scoring method to those of previous attempts at a scoring method for EBUS samples
Describe the need for a quick and effective method to determine if an EBUS sample is sufficient
Describe the indications for an EBUS
Determine the pathological results of EBUS samples based on diagnosis
Determine if further research is needed for evaluating EBUS samples
