Meta-analysis of CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy for the evaluation of the ground-glass opacity pulmonary lesions

[Clinical Application of Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy in Peripheral Pulmonary Nodule Biopsy]

With the popularization of chest computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening, the detection rate of peripheral pulmonary nodules is increasing day by day. Some patients could make clear diagnoses and receive early treatment by obtaining biopsy specimens. Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is one of the non-surgical biopsy methods for peripheral pulmonary nodules, which has less trauma and lower incidence of complications compared to percutaneous thoracic needle biopsy (PTNB). However, the diagnostic rate of TBLB is about 70%, which is still inferior to that of PTNB, which is about 90%. Since 2018, robot assisted bronchoscopy systems have been applied in clinical practice. This article reviews their application in further improving the diagnostic rate of peripheral pulmonary nodules by TBLB.
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Shape-Sensing Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy versus Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Biopsy for the Evaluation of Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Subsolid nodules (SSN), including ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and part-solid nodules (PSNs), are slow-growing but have a higher risk for malignancy. Therefore, timely diagnosis is imperative. Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) has emerged as reliable diagnostic procedure, but data on SSN and how ssRAB compares to other diagnostic interventions such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy (CTTB) are scarce. In this study, we compared diagnostic yield of ssRAB versus CTTB for evaluating SSN.

METHODS

A retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent either ssRAB or CTTB for evaluating GGN and PSN with a solid component less than 6 mm from February 2020 to April 2023 at Mayo Clinic Florida and Rochester. Clinicodemographic information, nodule characteristics, diagnostic yield, and complications were compared between ssRAB and CTTB.

RESULTS

A total of 66 nodules from 65 patients were evaluated: 37 PSN and 29 GGN. Median size of PSN solid component was 5 mm (IQR: 4.5, 6). Patients were divided into two groups: 27 in the ssRAB group and 38 in the CTTB group. Diagnostic yield was 85.7% for ssRAB and 89.5% for CTTB (p = 0.646). Sensitivity for malignancy was similar between ssRAB and CTTB (86.4% vs. 88.5%; p = 0.828), with no statistical difference. Complications were more frequent in CTTB with no significant difference (8 vs. 2; p = 0.135).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic yield for SSN was similarly high for ssRAB and CTTB, with ssRAB presenting less complications and allowing mediastinal staging within the same procedure.

Predicting subsolid pulmonary nodules before percutaneous needle biopsy: a comparison of artificial neural network and biopsy results

AIM

To establish an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict subsolid nodules (SSNs) before percutaneous core-needle biopsy (PCNB). The results of the two methods were compared to provide guidance on the treatment of SSNs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective study using data from 1,459 SSNs between 2013 and 2021. The ANN was developed using data from patients who underwent surgery following computed tomography (CT) (SFC) and validated using data from patients who underwent surgery following biopsy (SFB). The prediction results of the ANN for the PCNB group and the histopathological results obtained after biopsy were compared with the histopathological results of lung nodules in the same group after surgery. Additionally, the choice of predictors for PCNB was analysed using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the accuracies of the ANN and PCNB in the SFB group (p=0.086). The sensitivity of PCNB was lower than that of the ANN (p=0.000), but the specificity was higher (p=0.001). PCNB had better diagnostic ability than the ANN. The incidence of precursor lesions and non-neoplastic lesions in the SFB group was lower than that in the SFC group (p=0.000). A history of malignant tumours, size (2-3 cm), volume (>400 cm3) and mean CT value (≥-450 HU) are important factors for selecting PCNB.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ANN and PCNB have comparable accuracy in diagnosing SSNs; however, PCNB has a slightly higher diagnostic ability than ANN. Selecting appropriate patients for PCNB is important for maximising the benefit to SSN patients.

A narrative review of the clinical approach to subsolid pulmonary nodules

Background and Objective

The widespread use of chest computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening has led to increased detection of subsolid pulmonary nodules. The management of subsolid nodules (SSNs) is challenging since they are likely to grow slowly and a long-term follow-up is needed. In this review, we discuss the characteristics, natural history, genetic features, surveillance, and management of SSNs.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant articles published in English between January 1998 and December 2022 using the following keywords: "subsolid nodule", "ground-glass nodule (GGN)", and "part-solid nodule (PSN)".

Key Content and Findings

The differential diagnosis of SSNs includes transient inflammatory lesions, focal fibrosis, and premalignant or malignant lesions. Long-term CT surveillance follow-up is needed to manage SSNs that persist for >3 months. Although most SSNs have an indolent clinical course, PSNs may have a more aggressive clinical course than pure GGNs. The proportion of growth and the time to grow is higher and shorter in PSN than pure GGN. In lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as SSNs, EGFR mutations were the major driver mutations. Guidelines are available for the management of incidentally detected and screening-detected SSNs. The size, solidity, location, and number of SSNs are important factors in determining the need for surveillance and surgical resection, as well as the interval of follow-up. Positron emission tomography/CT and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not recommended for the diagnosis of SSNs, especially for pure GGNs. Periodic CT surveillance and lung-sparing surgery are the main strategies for the management of persistent SSNs. Nonsurgical treatment options for persistent SSNs include stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). For multifocal SSNs, the timing of repeated CT scans and the need for surgical treatment are decided based on the most dominant SSN(s).

Conclusions

The SSN is a heterogeneous disease and a personalized medicine approach is required in the future. Future studies of SSNs should focus on their natural history, optimal follow-up duration, genetic features, and surgical and nonsurgical treatments to improve the corresponding clinical management. All these efforts will lead to the personalized medicine approach for the SSNs.

EarlyCDT Lung blood test for risk classification of solid pulmonary nodules: systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

EarlyCDT Lung (Oncimmune Holdings plc, Nottingham, UK) is a blood test to assess malignancy risk in people with solid pulmonary nodules. It measures the presence of seven lung cancer-associated autoantibodies. Elevated levels of these autoantibodies may indicate malignant disease. The results of the test might be used to modify the risk of malignancy estimated by existing risk calculators, including the Brock and Herder models.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to determine the diagnostic accuracy, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of EarlyCDT Lung; and to develop a conceptual model and identify evidence requirements for a robust cost-effectiveness analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (including Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily and Ovid MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index, EconLit, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment database, NHS Economic Evaluation Database ( NHS EED ) and the international Health Technology Assessment database were searched on 8 March 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review was performed of evidence on EarlyCDT Lung, including diagnostic accuracy, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Study quality was assessed with the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool. Evidence on other components of the pulmonary nodule diagnostic pathway (computerised tomography surveillance, Brock risk, Herder risk, positron emission tomography-computerised tomography and biopsy) was also reviewed. When feasible, bivariate meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy were performed. Clinical outcomes were synthesised narratively. A simulation study investigated the clinical impact of using EarlyCDT Lung. Additional reviews of cost-effectiveness studies evaluated (1) other diagnostic strategies for lung cancer and (2) screening approaches for lung cancer. A conceptual model was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 47 clinical publications on EarlyCDT Lung were identified, but only five cohorts (695 patients) reported diagnostic accuracy data on patients with pulmonary nodules. All cohorts were small or at high risk of bias. EarlyCDT Lung on its own was found to have poor diagnostic accuracy, with a summary sensitivity of 20.2% (95% confidence interval 10.5% to 35.5%) and specificity of 92.2% (95% confidence interval 86.2% to 95.8%). This sensitivity was substantially lower than that estimated by the manufacturer (41.3%). No evidence on the clinical impact of EarlyCDT Lung was identified. The simulation study suggested that EarlyCDT Lung might potentially have some benefit when considering intermediate risk nodules (10-70% risk) after Herder risk analysis. Two cost-effectiveness studies on EarlyCDT Lung for pulmonary nodules were identified; none was considered suitable to inform the current decision problem. The conceptualisation process identified three core components for a future cost-effectiveness assessment of EarlyCDT Lung: (1) the features of the subpopulations and relevant heterogeneity, (2) the way EarlyCDT Lung test results affect subsequent clinical management decisions and (3) how changes in these decisions can affect outcomes. All reviewed studies linked earlier diagnosis to stage progression and stage shift to final outcomes, but evidence on these components was sparse.

LIMITATIONS

The evidence on EarlyCDT Lung among patients with pulmonary nodules was very limited, preventing meta-analyses and economic analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence on EarlyCDT Lung among patients with pulmonary nodules is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions as to its diagnostic accuracy or clinical or economic value.

FUTURE WORK

Prospective cohort studies, in which EarlyCDT Lung is used among patients with identified pulmonary nodules, are required to support a future assessment of the clinical and economic value of this test. Studies should investigate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of EarlyCDT Lung in combination with Brock and Herder risk assessments. A well-designed cost-effectiveness study is also required, integrating emerging relevant evidence with the recommendations in this report.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42021242248.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 49. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The diagnostic value of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of pulmonary ground-glass nodules: a meta-analysis

Background

More and more pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are screened with the extensive usage of low-dose computed tomography (CT). The need of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of GGN remains controversial.

Purpose

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of GGNs.

Material and Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI. Included studies reported the puncture biopsy results of pulmonary GGNs, including the number of true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN) cases. After evaluating the studies, statistical analysis, and quality assessment, the pooled diagnostic sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to whether spiral CT or fluoroscopy-guided CT was used in the study.

Results

This meta-analysis included 14 studies with a total of 759 patients (702 samples). The pooled SEN, SPE, and DOR of CT-guided puncture biopsy of pulmonary GGNs were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.94), 0.99 (95% CI = 0.95–1.00), and 138.72 (95% CI = 57.98–331.89), respectively. The AUC was 0.97.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that CT-guided puncture biopsy of GGNs has high SEN, SPE, and DOR, which proved that CT-guided puncture biopsy was a good way to determine the pathological nature of GGN.

Management of Ground-Glass Nodules: When and How to Operate?

Simple Summary

An increasing number of lung cancer screening programs have detected the frequent occurrence of small pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs). If GGN is an incidental finding, it should be followed according to the guidelines. A multidisciplinary team discussion should be initiated if a new solid component develops or the solid portion grows on follow-up CT. Preoperative attempts to biopsy solid components in part-solid GGNs are often not feasible and not helpful. If malignancy is suspected, a surgical biopsy with the guidance of various localization methods is recommended. Once the GGN is confirmed to be malignant, sub-lobar resection may be reasonable in the majority of cases, and the extent of lung resection should be determined based on the CT finding or intraoperative frozen section examination using special inflation technique. Although rare, the recurrence in the remaining lobe can occur especially in patients with high risk histologic features, which currently cannot accurately diagnosed either pre- or intra-operatively.

Abstract

With the increased popularity of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), many patients present with pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs), and the appropriate diagnostic and management strategy of those lesions make physicians be on the horn of the clinical dilemma. As there is not enough data available to set universally acceptable guidelines, the management of GGNs may be different. If GGN is an incidental finding through LDCT, the lesion should be followed according to the current guidelines. We recommend a multidisciplinary team discussion to be initiated if a new solid component develops or the solid portion size grows on follow-up CT as the risk of malignancy is high. Attempts to preoperatively biopsy solid components in part-solid GGNs are often not feasible and not helpful in clinical settings. Currently, if malignancy is suspected, a surgical biopsy with the guidance of various localization methods is recommended. If malignancy is confirmed, sub-lobar resection may provide an excellent oncologic outcome.

Computed Tomography-guided Lung Biopsy: A Review of Techniques for Reducing the Incidence of Complications

Computed tomography-guided lung biopsy is a well-established method for the histological diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. There is abundant literature regarding the diagnostic yield of and complications associated with computed tomography-guided lung biopsy. Many studies have investigated the risk factors influencing pneumothorax. Conversely, there are a limited number of reports detailing techniques for reducing the incidence of pneumothorax or other complications. This study reviews the indications, diagnostic accuracy, and complications of computed tomography-guided lung biopsy. In addition, techniques for reducing the incidence of these complications were reviewed.

Managing of screening-detected sub-solid nodules-a European perspective

Since the National Lung Screening Trial in 2011 showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality using annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), several randomised controlled trials and studies have been started in Europe. These include the Italian lung study (ITALUNG), the Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening trial (NELSON), the UK lung cancer screening trial (UKLS), the Detection and screening of early lung cancer with novel imaging technology (DANTE), the Danish lung cancer screening trial (DLCST), the German lung cancer screening intervention trial (LUSI), the Multicentric Italian lung detection trial (MILD) and the CT screening for lung cancer study (COSMOS). As a result of the increasing number of screening trials and the growing utilization of LDCT, the high detection of subsolid nodules is an increasingly important clinical problem. In the last few years, several guidelines have been published and providing guidance on the optimal management of subsolid nodules, but many controversies still exist. Follow-up imaging plays an important role in clinical assessment and subsequent management of this particular type of lung nodules, since they can be transient inflammatory lesions, and if persistent they can be both benign lesions or lung cancers of variable clinical behaviour. However, the vast majority of subsolid nodules retain an indolent course over many years. The aim of this review is to present a European perspective in management of screening detected subsolid nodules.

Managing screening-detected subsolid nodules-the Asian perspective

The broad application of low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening has resulted in the detection of many small pulmonary nodules. In Asia, a large number of these detected nodules with a radiological ground glass pattern are reported as lung adenocarcinomas or premalignant lesions, especially among female non-smokers. In this review article, we discuss controversial issues and conditions involving these subsolid pulmonary nodules that we often face in Asia, including a lack or insufficiency of current guidelines; the roles of preoperative biopsy and imaging; the location of lesions; appropriate selection of localization techniques; the roles of dissection and sampling of frozen sections and lymph nodes; multifocal lesions; and the roles of non-surgical treatment modalities. For these complex issues, we have tried to present up-to-date evidence and our own opinions regarding the management of subsolid nodules. It is our hope that this article helps surgeons and physicians to manage the complex issues involving ground glass nodules (GGNs) in a balanced manner in their daily practice and provokes further discussion towards better guidelines and/or algorithms.

Management of pulmonary ground-glass opacities: a position paper from a panel of experts of the Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery (SICT)

OBJECTIVES

A significant gap in our knowledge of how to manage pulmonary ground-glass opacities (GGOs) still exists. Accordingly, there is a lack of consensus among clinicians on this topic. The Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Toracica, SICT) promoted a national expert meeting to provide insightful guidance for clinical practice. Our goal was to publish herein the final consensus document from this conference.

METHODS

The working panel of the PNR group (Pulmonary Nodules Recommendation Group, a branch of the SICT) together with 5 scientific supervisors (nominated by the SICT) identified a jury of expert thoracic surgeons who organized a multidisciplinary meeting to propose specific statements (n = 29); 73 participants discussed and voted on statements using a modified Delphi process (repeated iterations of anonymous voting over 2 rounds with electronic support) requiring 70% agreement to reach consensus on a statement.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on several critical points in GGO management, in particular on the definition of GGO, radiological and radiometabolic evaluation, indications for a non-surgical biopsy, GGO management based on radiological characteristics, surgical strategies (extension of pulmonary resection and lymphadenectomy) and radiological surveillance. A list of 29 statements was finally approved.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants at this national expert meeting analysed this challenging topic and provided a list of suggestions for health institutions and physicians with practical indications for GGO management.

[Expert Consensus for Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Subsolid Nodules (2021 Edition)]

局部热消融技术在肺部结节治疗领域正处在起步与发展阶段，为了肺结节热消融治疗的临床实践和规范发展，由“中国医师协会肿瘤消融治疗技术专家组”“中国医师协会介入医师分会肿瘤消融专业委员会”“中国抗癌协会肿瘤消融治疗专业委员会”“中国临床肿瘤学会消融专家委员会”组织多学科国内有关专家，讨论制定了“热消融治疗肺部亚实性结节专家共识（2021年版）”。主要内容包括：①肺部亚实性结节的临床评估；②热消融治疗肺部亚实性结节技术操作规程、适应证、禁忌证、疗效评价和相关并发症；③存在的问题和未来发展方向。

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of bronchial brushing cytology in lung cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Flexible bronchoscopy is commonly used to examine patients suspected to have lung cancer. Bronchial brushing is one of the cytological technologies for lung specimens obtained through a bronchoscope. However, the accuracy of bronchial brushing cytology (BBC) for lung cancer diagnosis is still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of BBC.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted with PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Biomed Central, Clinical Key, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies that assessed the efficacy of BBC in detecting lung cancer were included. Articles that estimated the accuracy on a per-patient basis were included. Review articles, case reports, and research that provided insufficient data to construct a 2 × 2 table were excluded. Both prospective trials and retrospective studies were included. English language studies were reviewed. Data synthesis was performed with a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 2538 patients were included in the study. The meta-analysis for BBC generated a pooled sensitivity of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.70) and a pooled specificity of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.93). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio for BBC was 24.55 (95% CI, 12.39-48.66). The subgroup analysis for studies using liquid-based cytology (LBC) generated a pooled sensitivity of 0.68 and a pooled specificity of 0.92. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio of studies using LBC was 114.18.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that BBC is a discriminative diagnostic approach with moderate sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions. BBC using LBC has higher diagnostic performance.

Pathologic Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of Sequential Biopsy Following Coaxial Low-Power Microwave Thermal Coagulation For Pulmonary Ground-Glass Opacity Nodules

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic performance of sequential core-needle biopsy (CNB) technique following coaxial low-power microwave thermal coagulation (MTC) for ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From December 2017 to July 2019, a total of 32 GGOs (with diameter of 12 ± 4 mm) in 31 patients received two times of CNBs, both prior to and immediately after MTC at a power of 20 watts. The frequency and type of complications associated with CNBs were examined. The pathologic diagnosis and genetic analysis were performed for specimens obtained from the two types of biopsy.

RESULTS

The technical success rates of pre- and post-MTC CNBs were 94% and 100%, respectively. The complication rate was significantly lower with post-MTC CNB as compared to pre-MTC CNB (42% versus 97%, p < 0.001). Larger amount of specimens could be obtained by post-MTC CNB. The pathological diagnosis rate of post-MTC CNB was significantly higher than that of pre-MTC CNB (100% versus 75%, p = 0.008), whereas the success rates of genetic analysis were comparable between the two groups (100% versus 84%, p = 0.063). Regular ablation could be further performed after post-MTC CNB to achieve local tumor control.

CONCLUSION

Sequential biopsy following coaxial low-power MTC can reduce the risk of complications and provide high-quality specimens for pulmonary GGOs. Combining this technique with standard ablation allows for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment within a single procedure.

Pathological Examination and Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Ground-Glass Opacities by CT-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy

In order to explore the pathological examination and differential diagnosis of pulmonary ground-glass opacities (GGO) with CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (CTPNB), this study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 120 cases of patients who were diagnosed with pulmonary GGO and underwent CTPNB in a hospital designated by this study from December 2014 to December 2018. The results showed that all the 120 cases of patients were successfully punctured at one time and obtained sufficient tissue specimens with the puncture success rate and diagnostic accuracy both of 100%, being able to make a clear qualitative diagnosis. Among them, 30 cases were malignant lesions including 14 cases of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and 16 cases of metastatic carcinoma; 90 cases were benign lesions including 52 cases of hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis, 14 cases of sarcoidosis, 12 cases of silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, 6 cases of interstitial pneumonia, 4 cases of alveolar proteinosis, and 2 case of allergic pneumonia. The complications of the 120 patients during the treatment included 8 cases of pneumothorax with an incidence of 6.67% (8/120), in which 2 case had the pulmonary tissue compression rate of about 25% and the other cases had no obvious perceived symptoms and required no special treatment, and 10 cases of hemoptysis with an incidence of 8.33% (10/120), whose symptoms disappeared after the treatment with batroxobin, and had no serious symptoms such as air embolism complication. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CTPNB in the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary GGO were 83.67% (82/98), 100% (22/22), and 86.67% (104/120), respectively, without statistically significant differences in diagnostic efficacy (P > 0.05). In summary, the CTPNB for the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary GGO has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and the CTPNB is also the simplest and most important approach to obtain effective pathological examinations and differential diagnoses of pulmonary GGO, which has simple operation, high accuracy and few complications, and has high application value for the qualitative diagnosis of pulmonary GGO.

Diagnostic Accuracy of CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Thin-Walled Cavitary Pulmonary Lesions

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the accuracy of and complications with CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) of thin-walled cavitary pulmonary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study involved 32 CNBs in 30 patients who had thin-walled cavitary pulmonary lesions (wall thickness < 5 mm) and underwent CT-guided CNB. After the 30 patient records were evaluated for the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CT-guided CNB, the results were compared with the final diagnosis after surgery or clinical follow-up. Each patient was reviewed for complications including pneumothorax, thoracotomy tube insertion, hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. RESULTS. The final diagnosis indicated 19 malignant and 11 benign lesions. Two lesions with indeterminate biopsy results (anthracofibrosis and focal interstitial thickening) were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of thin-walled cavities were 89.5%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the accuracy, sensitivity, or specificity according to wall thickness, cavity size, or lesion depth. Chest CT immediately after biopsy revealed mild pneumothorax in seven patients and moderate to severe pneumothorax requiring placement of a thoracotomy tube in one patient. CT after biopsy indicated mild parenchymal hemorrhage in 15 patients and hemoptysis in one patient. CONCLUSION. CT-guided CNB is a useful and accurate diagnostic technique for biopsy of a pulmonary thin-walled cavity.

Percutaneous computed tomography guided biopsy of sub-solid pulmonary nodules: differentiating solid from ground glass components at the time of biopsy

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed (i) the ability to identify the solid components of part-solid nodules (PSN) during computed tomography (CT) guided lung biopsy (CTGLB), (ii) the ability of CTGLB to assess the invasive nature of a nodule on pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine nodules were studied in 68 patients who underwent CTGLB between 1/1/2014 and 10/31/2015. Diagnostic CT images and CTGLB images were reviewed. On diagnostic CT images, nodules were classified as ground glass nodules (GGN) or PSNs. Nodule size, location, and percentage of solid component were recorded. At the time of biopsy, the ability to visualize the solid component of a PSN, depth of lesion from skin, and ability to identify the needle within the solid component were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 42 (61%) part-solid nodules and 27 (39%) GGNs. During biopsy, it was possible to differentiate the solid from the ground glass components in 35 (83%) PSNs. Fifty-nine (86%) nodules were neoplastic based on biopsy pathology (all non-small cell lung carcinoma). Thirty-nine (66%) were resected. In all cases biopsy pathology and surgical pathology agreed regarding the presence of lung carcinoma. In 6 (15%) cases biopsy pathology demonstrated purely lepidic growth but had some non-lepidic growth on surgical pathology, including 2 cases with acinar growth as a dominant pattern.

CONCLUSION

In most patients, the solid and ground glass components of a PSN were distinguishable when performing a CTGLB. In a minority of patients, discrepancy was noted between biopsy pathology and surgical pathology regarding the invasive nature of a nodule.

Technologies for targeting the peripheral pulmonary nodule including robotics

Bronchoscopic sampling of PPL was significantly advanced by the development of the endobronchial ultrasound guide sheath method in the 1990s. Since then, a range of technical and procedural techniques have further advanced diagnostic yields. These include the use of thinner bronchoscopes with better working channel diameters, understanding the importance of peripheral transbronchial needle aspiration, and virtual bronchoscopic assistance. These have enabled better sampling of smaller and more technically challenging lesions including ground-glass nodules. Most recently, robotic bronchoscopy has been developed which, among other refinements, allows fine control of visual bronchoscopic navigation by replacing movements directed by the hand with electronic consoles and trackballs, and innovatively integrate virtual with real bronchoscopic pathways. The requirement for PPL diagnosis and treatment is expected to increase with more chest CT performed as part of CT screening programmes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of C-Arm Cone-Beam CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Lung Nodules

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis of all available publications was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) using a C-Arm Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system in patients with lung nodules.

Material/Methods

Thedatabases of PUBMED, OVID, EBSCO, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were systematically searched for relevant original articles on the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT-guided PTNB for the diagnosis of nodules in the lungs. Diagnostic indices including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and diagnostic score (DS) were calculated. Moreover,summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) were constructed with Stata (version 13.0), Rev Man (version 5.3), and Meta-disc (version 1.4) software. Other clinical indices such as incidence of complications were also recorded.

Results

Eight studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, DS, and SROC with 95% confidence intervals were 0.96 (0.93–0.98), 1.00 (0.91–1.00), 711.15 (9.48–53325.89), 0.04 (0.02–0.07), 16585.29 (284.88–9.7e+05), 9.72 (5.65–13.78), and 0.99 (0.97–0.99), respectively. The incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage was 10–29.27% and 1.22–47.25%, respectively.

Conclusions

CBCT-guided PTNB has an acceptable rate of complications and is associated with a reasonable radiation exposure. Moreover, it is a highly accurate and safe technique for the diagnosis of lung nodules and can be recommended to be used in routine clinical practice.

Predictive factors for a successful diagnostic bronchoscopy of ground-glass nodules

INTRODUCTION:

Since the National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated the utility of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer, the detection rate of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) has increased. Endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) is widely performed to diagnose peripheral pulmonary lesions, but there are not enough reports on the predictive ability of EBUS-GS in diagnosing GGNs. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive factors for a successful diagnostic bronchoscopy for GGNs.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy for GGNs from September 2012 to January 2016 were enrolled in this study. From these, cases who underwent EBUS-GS were selected. They were reviewed and analyzed to examine the association between the diagnostic yield and the following clinical factors: lesion size, lobar position, location, consolidation-to-tumor ratio, visibility on X-ray, use of virtual bronchoscopy, bronchus sign, guide sheath size, and number of biopsies.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 254 cases, of which 167 were diagnosed using EBUS-GS (65.7% diagnostic yield). Univariate analysis indicated that a positive bronchus sign was a significant factor for higher diagnostic yield (72.9% vs. 34.0%; P < 0.001). The use of virtual bronchoscopy also tended toward a higher yield, but the result was not significant (69.0% vs. 54.4%; P = 0.058). However, multivariate analysis indicated that both were significantly associated with higher diagnostic yield (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 5.35; P < 0.001, OR: 1.97, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that a positive bronchus sign and the use of virtual bronchoscopy are positive predictive factors for successful diagnostic bronchoscopy of GGNs.

CT-guided needle biopsy in the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue: a rare combination

We represent a rare case of lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The patient was a 66-year-old male presented with 1 month history of recurrent cough and hemoptysis. Chest CT showed solitary ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the upper lobe of the right lung and mediastinal lymph node enlargement in station 3p. A CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy was performed. Tissue specimens of the GGO revealed a typical adenocarcinoma. Histopathologic diagnosis of mediastinal lymph node was extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of MALT. Because of its rarity, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of MALT should be considered in the differential diagnosis when we encounter mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.