Role of Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Patients with Thoracic Lymphadenopathy on CT Scan

Abstract

Abstract:Context: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a method in which an aspirating needle is used to obtain diagnostic samples from a peribronchial or submucosal lesion through a rigid [1] or flexible bronchoscope [2]. Though it is a very useful bronchoscopic technique it still remains underutilized [3]. Aims: This study was done to evaluate the sensitivity, complication rates and factors affecting the outcome of TBNA. Settings and Design: Prospective trial of fifty two patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy on CT scan attending Respiratory Diseases Clinic of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital. Methods and Material: We analyzed the outcome of TBNA in fifty two patients who underwent TBNA between 2010 and 2012. Sensitivity of TBNA was calculated and factors affecting the TBNA results were analyzed. Statistical analysis used:Chi square test was used for analyzing the factors affecting TBNA results. SPSS Statistics 17.0 was used for analysis. Results: The overall sensitivity of TBNA was found to be 59.6% and it was the only diagnostic technique in 47.6% of the patients. Factors associated with diagnostic acquisition of samples were lymph node size more than 1.5 cm and the presence of indirect signs on bronchoscopy. Conclusions: The sensitivity of TBNA is high in malignant mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Complications occurred in four patients who had self limited bleeding at the site of puncture which healed spontaneously. Important factors predicting the outcome of TBNA are lymph node size and the presence of indirect signs on bronchoscopy. We would recommend this procedure for detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer and also for mediastinal tubercular lymphadenopathy where diagnosis could not be achieved by less invasive methods.