Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of pulmonary artery tumors: A systematic review (with video)

Guidelines for endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): Joint Indian Chest Society (ICS)/Indian Association for Bronchology (IAB) recommendations

Over the past decade, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of the pulmonologist. As the expertise with EBUS-TBNA has evolved and several innovations have occurred, the indications for its use have expanded. However, several aspects of EBUS-TBNA are still not standardized. Hence, evidence-based guidelines are needed to optimize the diagnostic yield and safety of EBUS-TBNA. For this purpose, a working group of experts from India was constituted. A detailed and systematic search was performed to extract relevant literature pertaining to various aspects of EBUS-TBNA. The modified GRADE system was used for evaluating the level of evidence and assigning the strength of recommendations. The final recommendations were framed with the consensus of the working group after several rounds of online discussions and a two-day in-person meeting. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations encompassing indications of EBUS-TBNA, pre-procedure evaluation, sedation and anesthesia, technical and procedural aspects, sample processing, EBUS-TBNA in special situations, and training for EBUS-TBNA.

Efficacy and safety of endosonography-guided transvascular needle aspiration of thoracic and abdominal lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of intrathoracic and abdominal masses is challenging when lesions are located behind major vessels. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transvascular needle aspiration (TVNA) provides a potentially useful diagnostic tool for such lesions. Data with respect to the safety and outcome of E-TVNA are scarce. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the critical role of E-TVNA for diagnosis of various lesions.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the data from studies obtained from comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and Scopus from January 2000 to September 2022. The outcomes analyzed included sample adequacy, diagnostic accuracy and adverse events including bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies (n = 411) were included in the final analysis. The pooled rate of sample adequacy was 91.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 86.8-96.2], while the pooled rate of diagnostic accuracy was 85.0% (95% CI: 78.9-91.2). The pooled rate of bleeding with E-TVNA was 1.4% (95% CI 0.0-3.1%). All the episodes of bleeding were mild and resolved without any further intervention. There was no significant heterogeneity with respect to various outcomes and results were comparable on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

E-TVNA offers a safe and accurate diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of mediastinal and abdominal lesions located on the other side of major vessels. Selection of potential candidates and close periprocedural observation are essential to improve the outcome.

Historical eye: from traditional to endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and beyond

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the history of bronchoscopy, the advent of flexible transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) before and, subsequently, of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), have represented fundamental events, as they have significantly and definitively changed interventional pulmonology's role in diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of most of thoracic diseases.Purpose of this historical review is to retrace the main stages that have contributed to the development of these two techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

TBNA allowed the bronchoscopists to overcome the barrier of the tracheobronchial wall and to obtain samples from hilar-mediastinal lesions. With this additional method, bronchoscopy has become an essential procedure for staging of lung cancer.The advent of echo-bronchoscopes, allowing to perform TBNA under direct ultrasound guidance in real time, further increased the diagnostic yield of this technique. Furthermore, the insertion of the echo-bronchoscope through the oesophagus allowed to extend the landscape of targets to sample, including also para-esophageal lesions, liver metastases, celiac nodes and left adrenal glands.EBUS-TBNA has shown its usefulness not only in the approach to mediastinal lesions, but also in other clinical conditions, such as lung nodules or masses adjacent to the tracheobronchial tree.

SUMMARY

Despite the obvious advantages of EBUS-TBNA, this technology is not yet available in many centres and countries worldwide. For this reason, TBNA remains a basic technique that must complete the technical background of bronchoscopists and it should not be forgotten.

An evolving role for endobronchial ultrasonography in the intensive care unit

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy is an established minimally-invasive modality for visualization, characterization, and guidance of sampling of paratracheal and parabronchial structures and tissues. In the intensive care unit (ICU), rapidly obtaining an accurate diagnosis is paramount to the management of critically ill patients. In some instances, diagnosing and confirming terminal illness in a critically ill patient provides needed closure for patients and their loved ones. Currently available data on feasibility, safety, and yield of EBUS bronchoscopy in critically ill patients is based on single center experiences. These data suggest that in select ICU patients convex and radial probe-EBUS bronchoscopy can serve as useful tools in the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, central airway obstruction, pulmonary embolism, and peripheral lung lesions. Barriers to the use of EBUS bronchoscopy in the ICU include: (I) requirement for dedicated equipment, prolonged procedure time, and bronchoscopy team expertise that may not be available; (II) applicability to a limited number of patients and conditions in the ICU; and (III) technical difficulty related to the relatively large outer diameter of the convex probe-EBUS bronchoscope and an increased risk for adverse cardiopulmonary consequences due to intermittent obstruction of the artificial airway. While the prospects for EBUS bronchoscopy in critically ill patients appear promising, judicious patient selection in combination with bronchoscopy team expertise are of utmost importance when considering performance of EBUS bronchoscopy in the ICU setting.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma

OBJECTIVES

A retrospective cohort study was designed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS).

METHODS

Twenty-two (22) consecutive patients diagnosed with PAS by pathological examination were enrolled and followed up until they died or until January 2020. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, image findings, and outcomes.

RESULTS

1) Twenty-one (21, 95.5%) patients were firstly misdiagnosed. Dyspnoea was the most common presenting symptom (19 of 22, 86.4%). 2) Filling defects in the right pulmonary artery were seen in 17 patients (77.3%) with computed tomography pulmonary angiography or magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography. Among those patients, 14 underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography detection and 13 (92.9%) were found to have increased uptake value in the pulmonary artery. 3) The median survival (from diagnosis to death or January 2020) of the total series was 11.6 months (range, 0.7-68.5 months). The estimated cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 52.6%, 32.8%, and 19.7%, respectively. Patients who received surgery and/or chemo-radiotherapy treatment had a better survival rate compared with patients without treatment (the estimated cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 60.3%, 39.1%, and 29.3%, respectively, vs 33.3%, 16.6%, and 0, accordingly) and better survival time (median survival 17.02 vs 3.16 months, respectively) (p=0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary artery sarcoma is easily misdiagnosed, as the symptoms and routine image detection are nonspecific. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography may be helpful in diagnosis. Surgery and/or chemo-radiotherapy offer a chance for better outcomes.

Recent advances in convex probe endobronchial ultrasound: a narrative review

Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) has been widely used in the lymph node staging and restaging of lung tumors and the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. Recent years have seen continuous progress in this technology. For diagnosis, elastography technology can preliminarily distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, so that reduce the number of punctures. CP-EBUS can also be used as an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to guide needle aspirations of liver lesions, retroperitoneal lymph nodes and left adrenal gland (LAG) lesions sometimes. Some advances help diagnosing more accurately and effectively, such as the intranodal forceps biopsy (IFB), the new type of 22G needle, the rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) and the cancer gene methylation, etc. In addition, special advances are being made in diagnosis using artificial intelligence (AI). For treatment, CP-EBUS has yielded novel research results when applied to transbronchial needle injection (TBNI) and radioactive seed implantation in clinical cases, and blocking of the cardiac plexus in animal studies. The next-generation CP-EBUS is also ready for use in the clinic and the technology will be improving continuously. Through this review, we hope to educate clinicians on the latest uses of CP-EBUS and open up further research ideas for readers interested in this technology.

Feasibility of Performing Transvascular Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

BACKGROUND

Thoracic vascular structures often preclude transbronchial access to central lung parenchymal lesions and lymph nodes, thereby necessitating either a surgical or transvascular needle aspiration (TVNA) approach for diagnostic sampling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) TVNA in the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 35 cases of EBUS-TVNA. Cases were reviewed in the Cerner electronic medical records between March 2013 and October 2018. Records were reviewed for patient comorbidities, smoking status, anticoagulation intake, procedural details, sample results, and postprocedural complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-five EBUS-TVNA procedures were reviewed. Twenty-nine of them were performed by traversing the main pulmonary artery or its branches. Three involved transvascular access through the azygous vein, 2 via the brachiocephalic artery and 1 through the superior vena cava. Only 4 patients (11.4%) experienced postprocedural complications, which included mild hemoptysis, moderate hemoptysis requiring epinephrine and saline infusion, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a rapid ventricular rate on top of preexisting atrial fibrillation. The yield of TVNA for malignancy was 22 (95.6%) of 23 patients. Overall yield was 31 (88.6%) of 35, with a need for additional intervention in 4 (11.4%) of 35 patients. Mutational analysis was adequate when ordered.

CONCLUSION

In our single-center experience, the EBUS-TVNA procedure had a high diagnostic yield and was associated with low rates of postprocedural complications. Further trials are needed to assess its efficacy compared to more invasive procedures.

Thrombolysis of Pulmonary Emboli via Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Injection

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection (EBUS-TBNI) is a novel technique for treating peribronchial targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary feasibility of thrombolysis of pulmonary emboli via EBUS-TBNI.

METHODS

Yorkshire pigs (30-48 kg) were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Pre-formed autologous clots were injected sequentially into bilateral lower pulmonary arteries in bilateral models (PE1 and PE2, respectively) or into 1 side in unilateral models using a 21-gauge EBUS-TBNA needle under EBUS guidance. In the bilateral model, 2 hours after clot injection either 25 mL of tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA; 1mg/mL) or distilled water were administered into each embolus via 25-gauge EBUS-TBNA needle. In the unilateral model, 25 mg t-PA was administered intravenously. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored continuously, and clot dissolved volume was evaluated by EBUS 30 minutes post-treatment administration.

RESULTS

All clots (6.1 ± 1.7 mL) were successfully injected as documented by EBUS Doppler imaging. Clot injection in the bilateral model (n = 6) increased pulmonary arterial pressure (mm Hg: Baseline 19.2 ± 5.9 vs PE1: 26.7 ± 9.1, P = .005 vs PE2 29.9 ± 7.1, P = .0007). After t-PA TBNI in the bilateral model (n = 6), pulmonary arterial pressure at 30 minutes post-injection showed improvement (mm Hg: PE2 29.9 ± 7.1 vs post-t-PA 24.4 ± 3.9, P = .0283). Treatment with t-PA TBNI demonstrated superior clot dissolution at 30 minutes post-treatment (dissolved mm³: t-PA TBNI 625.4 ± 156.6 vs t-PA intravenously: 181.6 ± 94.3, P = .0003 vs distilled water TBNI 42.5 ± 33.0, P < .0001). There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

EBUS-guided transbronchial thrombolysis may be a feasible approach for treating central pulmonary emboli.

Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound: historical, contemporary, and cutting-edge applications

The use of convex-probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) has revolutionized bronchoscopy. It has provided the option of a relatively safe, minimally invasive approach for the assessment of various intrathoracic diseases. In current practice, its most dramatic impact has been on the diagnosing and staging of lung cancer. It has served as an invaluable tool that has replaced mediastinoscopy in a variety of clinical scenarios. Many pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons consider CP-EBUS the most significant milestone in bronchoscopy after the development of the flexible bronchoscope itself. In this review, we summarize the historical aspects, current indications, technical approach, and future direction of CP-EBUS.

A promising tool for T-staging of lung cancer: Is convex probe endobronchial ultrasound superior to computed tomography in detecting invasion of mediastinal and hilar vessels?

Background

In the present study, we aimed to compare performance of convex probe endobronchial ultrasound and computed tomography in detecting vascular invasion of mediastinal and hilar lesions.

Methods

Medical data of a total of 55 patients (47 males, 8 females; mean age 59.6±7.7 years; range, 29 to 76 years) who underwent convex probe endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in a tertiary care hospital between May 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of vascular invasion was determined according to two main criteria: visualization of the tumor tissue within the vessel lumen and loss of vessel-tumor hyperechoic interface. All available contrast enhanced computed tomography images were retrospectively re-evaluated by a blinded radiologist. The intra-rater agreement between convex probe endobronchial ultrasound and computed tomography was analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of both modalities were calculated.

Results

A total of 65 vessel-tumor interface areas of 55 patients were analyzed. Almost all mediastinal and hilar vascular structures including pulmonary arteries and veins, aorta, superior vena cava and its branches, and left atrium with pulmonary veno-atrial junctions could be easily assessed by convex probe endobronchial ultrasound. The intra-agreement of both modalities in detecting vascular invasion was k=0.268 (p=0.028). In nine patients with a surgical confirmation, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy values were 100%, 33.3%, 75.0%, 100%, and 77.7%, respectively for convex probe endobronchial ultrasound and 66.6%, 33.3%, 66.6%, 33.3%, and 55.5%, respectively for computed tomography.

Conclusion

Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound can be used to detect vascular invasion alone or in conjunction with contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Hence, a T₄ lesion would be better differentiated from T₃ in clinical staging of lung cancer.

Influence of thoracic drainage fluid on proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and drug resistance in lung cancer cell lines

Background

This study aimed to clarify the effect of thoracic drainage fluid (DF) on lung cancer cells in vitro.

Methods

We assessed the influence of DF on the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells (LTEP-a-2 and A549) using the MTT cell proliferation assay and scratch wound assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis. We also investigated the effect of DF on drug chemosensitivity, assessing viability of LTEP-a-2 and A549 cells.

Results

The proliferative rates of cancer cells in the DF-treated group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Similar results were obtained for cell migration of lung cancer cells. Cells in the DF-treated groups showed a lower percentage of apoptosis than those of the control groups. Chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells to doxycycline and cisplatin (DDP) was lowered by DF.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that DF affects lung cancer cells by promoting proliferation and migration, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing drug resistance.

Defining expanded areas in EBUS sampling: EBUS guided trans- and intra-pulmonary artery needle aspiration, with review of transvascular EBUS

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has revolutionized the diagnostic approach to mediastinal diseases. Lesions located lateral to the pulmonary artery (trans-PA, Station 5), or in the lumen of the PA (intra-PA) are in the 'blind-spot' of EBUS.

OBJECTIVES

We describe a case series where EBUS guided trans-pulmonary or intra-pulmonary aspiration (EBUS-TIPNA) was used for diagnosis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 10 patients who had EBUS-TIPNA over 3 years in 2 centres. The inclusion criteria included patients with station 5 lesions, or intrapulmonary artery lesions, where no other option was possible.

RESULTS

The study included 4 males and 6 females, mean age 52 years, with 7 trans-PA and 3 intra-PA lesions. Adequacy was seen in 10/10, and a definitive diagnosis was made in 9/10 patients. There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION

EBUS-TIPNA can be done as a safe and successful procedure and adds to the armamentarium of Convex Probe-EBUS (CP-EBUS), in carefully selected patients.

Pathway and application value of exploration of the pulmonary artery by endobronchial ultrasound

Background

The current standard methods for detecting pulmonary artery diseases are pulmonary artery enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and pulmonary arteriography. However, some patients cannot tolerate these procedures for various reasons. The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility and operation process of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in exploring the pulmonary artery.

Methods

Based on normal contrast-enhanced chest CT images, the sites and process for exploring the pulmonary arteries were established. Then the feasibility of the exploration by the convex probe EBUS were evaluated, and roadmaps for exploration of the pulmonary arteries were drawn.

Results

Among patients who underwent pulmonary artery exploration, sonograms of the left and right pulmonary artery were obtained by the convex probe EBUS. The above-mentioned pulmonary artery branches can be positioned by means of anatomical markers under the bronchoscopic view and follow a certain route for continuous exploration. Sonograms had a certain degree of identification and can be used as an auxiliary tool for pulmonary artery exploration.

Conclusions

EBUS can be used to explore the main branches of the pulmonary artery continuously. Therefore, EBUS could be considered as a candidate for the diagnosis of pulmonary artery diseases in a selected group of patients, i.e., patient with contrast allergy or renal failure.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guidance for interstitial photodynamic therapy of locally advanced lung cancer-a new interventional concept

Recent advances in interventional pulmonology led to a significant expansion of the diagnostic and therapeutic role of endobronchial ultrasound. In this paper, we describe a new concept for using endobronchial ultrasound to guide interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT). For this purpose, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments using a phantom and animal models, respectively. A new 0.5 mm optical fiber, with cylindrical diffuser end, was used to deliver the therapeutic light through the 21-gauge endobronchial ultrasound needle. The animal experiments were performed under real-time ultrasonography guidance in mice and rabbits' tumor models. Safe and effective fiber placements and tumor illumination was accomplished. In addition, computer simulation of light propagation suggests that locally advanced lung cancer tumor can be illuminated. This study demonstrates the potential feasibility of this new therapeutic modality approach, justifying further investigation in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancers.

Remote malignant intravascular thrombi: EUS-guided FNA diagnosis and impact on cancer staging

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malignant vascular invasion usually results from gross direct infiltration from a primary tumor and impacts cancer staging, prognosis, and therapy. However, patients may also develop a remote malignant thrombi (RMT), defined as a malignant intravascular thrombus located remote and noncontiguous to the primary tumor. Our aim was to compare EUS, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of RMT and to explore the potential impact on cancer staging.

METHODS

Patients with RMT were identified from a prospectively maintained EUS database. Retrospective chart review was performed to obtain EUS, CT/MRI, clinical, and outcome data.

RESULTS

A median of 3 FNAs (range, 1-8) was obtained from RMT in 17 patients (60 ± 14.1 years, 56% men) between April 2003 and August 2016, with the finding of malignant cytology in 12 patients (70.6%; 10 positive, 2 suspicious). CT/MRI detected the RMT in 5 patients (29.4%), 4 of whom had positive or suspicious EUS-FNA cytology. Among the 8 newly diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PaC) patients, CT did not detect the RMT in 5 (63%), of whom 3 patients had positive or suspicious intravascular EUS-FNA cytology. For newly diagnosed PaC patients (n = 8), the EUS-FNA diagnosis of a biopsy specimen-proven RMT upstaged 3 patients (37.5%) and converted 2 patients (25%) from CT resectable to unresectable disease. No adverse events were reported. The mean follow-up was 18.9 ± 27.7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the ability and potential safety of intravascular FNA to detect radiographically occult RMT, which substantially impacts cancer staging and resectability.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for thyroid cyst therapy: A case report

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is of limited usefulness for diagnosing thyroid disease, and few studies have reported its use in diagnosing and treating thyroid cysts. The present study investigated a unique case of diagnosis and treatment of a thyroid cyst by EBUS-TBNA. A 67-year-old male presented with back pain. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanning revealed low-density signals in the right lobe of the thyroid. Needle aspiration biopsies and drainage at this site was performed, and EBUS was used for guidance in diagnosing the thyroid cyst. A follow-up chest computed tomography scan indicated that the thyroid lesion had subsequently disappeared. The present study concludes that EBUS-TBNA provides an alternative approach for diagnosing and treating deep thyroid cysts located close to the airway. In all other cases, percutaneous needle aspiration or surgery should be the first choice.

Lung cancer with superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed by intravascular biopsy using EBUS-TBNA

Since superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a critical condition, immediate diagnostic approach and therapy are imperative to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. Here, we report a case of lung cancer with SVCS, which was diagnosed through intravascular tumor biopsy using endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). EBUS-TBNA enabled us to obtain tissue sufficient for diagnosis, without significant complications. Prompt diagnosis was followed by appropriate anticancer treatment and improvement in the symptoms. For patients suspected of SVCS and requiring prompt pathologic diagnosis, we can consider EBUS-TBNA to diagnose intravascular or mediastinal tumors and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Ultrasound-guided central vascular interventions, comments on the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines on interventional ultrasound

Central venous access has traditionally been performed on the basis of designated anatomical landmarks. However, due to patients' individual anatomy and vessel pathology and depending on individual operators' skill, this landmark approach is associated with a significant failure rate and complication risk. There is substantial evidence demonstrating significant improvement in effectiveness and safety of vascular access by realtime ultrasound (US)-guidance, as compared to the anatomical landmark-guided approach. This review comments on the evidence-based recommendations on US-guided vascular access which have been published recently within the framework of Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (InVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) from a clinical practice point of view.

Lung B-line artefacts and their use

BACKGROUND

The analysis of lung artefacts has gained increasing importance as markers of lung pathology. B-line artefact (BLA), caused by a reverberation phenomenon, is the most important lung artefact. In this review, we discuss the current role of BLA in pneumology and explore open questions of the published consensus.

METHODS

We summarized current literature about BLA. Also, we presented observations on healthy subjects and patients with interstitial syndrome (pulmonary fibrosis and edema), to investigate technical factors influencing BLA visualization.

RESULTS

BLA imaging is influenced by more factors than recently assumed. When multiple BLA is visualized in the lung, they represent a sign of increased density due to the loss of aeration in the lung periphery. This condition may indicate different diseases including cardiogenic pulmonary edema, diffuse or focal interstitial lung diseases (ILD), infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Correct interpretation of BLA in lung ultrasound is strongly influenced by associated sonographic signs and careful integration of all relevant clinical information.

CONCLUSIONS

BLA is useful to monitor clinical response, and may become crucial in directing the diagnostic process. Further research is warranted to clarify technical adjustments, different probe and machine factors that influence the visualization of BLA.

Detection of an embolized central venous catheter fragment with endobronchial ultrasound

An 84-year-old woman underwent Convex-probe Endobronchial Ultrasound (CP-EBUS) for ¹⁸ F-fluorodeoxyglucose avid subcarinal lymphadenopathy on Positron Emission Tomogram (PET) scan. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of the subcarinal lymph node revealed squamous cell lung carcinoma. A small hyperechoic rounded density was noted inside the lumen of the azygous vein. Based on chest computed tomography findings and her clinical history, this was felt to be a broken fragment of a peripherally inserted central catheter, which was placed for intravenous antibiotics, a few months prior to this presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever CP-EBUS description of a broken fragment of central venous catheter.