Machine learning approaches in the interpretation of endobronchial ultrasound images: a comparative analysis.

Background: This study explores the application of machine learning (ML) in analyzing endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) images for the detection of lymph node (LN) malignancy, aiming to augment diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. We investigated whether ML could outperform conventional classification systems in identifying malignant involvement of LNs, based on eight established sonographic features.

Methods: Retrospective data from two tertiary care hospital bronchoscopy units were utilized, encompassing healthcare reports of patients who had undergone EBUS between January 2017 and March 2023.

Prediction of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes during endobronchial ultrasound: A comparative validation study.

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic performances of three existing prediction tools in visually identifying a malignant lymph node.

Methods: Between April 2016 and January 2021, a total of 827 lymph nodes of 259 patients (211 males, 48 females; mean age: 61.1±7.

Antibiotic resistance rates and penicillin MIC distribution in patients with streptococcal pneumonia between 2013-2019, and use of antibiotics in clinical practice.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antibiotic resistance rates and use of antibiotics in patients with streptococcal pneumonia in a reference tertiary care hospital for pulmonary diseases in Izmir, Turkey.

Methods: A total of 1224 cases with streptococcal pneumonia between 2013 and 2019 were included in the study, retrospectively. Drug susceptibility testing for penicillin and other antibiotics were performed according to the recommendations of EUCAST criteria.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Denim Sandblasters Silicosis: Selecting Candidate for Lung Transplantation.

Objective: This study aimed to review the risk factors for silicosis together with survival analysis and a perspective for lung transplantation with data from a single center.

Material And Methods: We reviewed the medical records of denim sandblasters who were referred to our center between January 2006 and December 2011 and evaluated 219 patients with a history of denim sandblasting with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years until 2016. We analyzed several personal and occupational features, together with functional and radiologic data.

EUS-B-FNA for Left Adrenal Lesions in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Report of Cases and Literature Review.

The left adrenal gland (LAG) is a common metastatic site in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. In practice, staging mainly relies on radiologic studies and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Recently, a new technique using convex probe-endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) scope through the esophagus (EUS-B) has been introduced.

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.

Contribution of Cell Block Obtained by Thoracentesis in the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Effusion.

Aim: The aim of this study wass to compare the cytological features of pleural exudative fluids by conventional smear (CS) method and cell block (CB) method and also to assess the utility of the combined approach for cytodiagnosis of these effusions.

Materials And Methods: In all, 113 pleural exudative fluid samples were subjected to evaluation by both CS and CB methods over a period of 2 years. Cellularity, architecture patterns, morphological features, and yield for malignancy were compared, using the two methods.

EBUS may arise as an initial time saving procedure in patients who are suspected to have small cell lung cancer.

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) commonly presents as hilar/mediastinal masses. In some occasions, conventional flexible bronchoscopy fails and a substantial amount of time is lost until establishing the diagnosis.

Objective: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the superiority of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) compared to conventional methods in establishing the diagnosis as an initial modality as well as to point out the saved time until the diagnosis.

How many samples would be optimal for endobronchial cryobiopsy?

Background: Cryobiopsy, which provides larger specimens without crush artifact, is a good option for the diagnosis of visible endobronchial tumors. While there are several papers on diagnostic performance, application protocols vary between centers. In this study, we aimed to find the optimal number of cryobiopsies in endobronchial tumors.

Pitfalls and Challenges of Lung Transplant in a Patient With Kartagener Syndrome and Scoliosis.

We present a 22-year-old woman with Kartagener syndrome and scoliosis who died 112 days after single lung transplant. The classic thoracic involvement of situs inversus totalis and the asymmetric arrangement of the thoracic vascular structures might be a pitfall for surgeon. Anatomic obstacles have forced the surgeon to perform a single transplant.

Can Sericin Prove Useful as a Pleurodesis Agent or Tissue Glue?

 Sericin is a natural, gum-like, macromolecule protein, synthesized from silkworms for the formation of cocoon shells. The aim of the present study is to describe the effects of sericin when used for pleurodesis and/or as tissue glue.  Adult, male, 12-week-old Wistar albino rats, weighing 257 to 395 g were used in the present study ( = 12).

Risk factors and maximum standardized uptake values within lymph nodes of anthracosis diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

Background/aim: Enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes can result from serious etiologies including granulomatous disease, neoplasia, etc., and a rare condition called anthracosis . The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of risk factors and the uptake values within the anthracotic lymph nodes.

Starry sky sign: A prevalent sonographic finding in mediastinal tuberculous lymph nodes.

Background And Objectives: We report a prevalent finding in tuberculous lymphadenitis (TL): Starry sky sign, hyperechoic foci without acoustic shadows over a hypoechoic background.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively searched the database for a possible relationship of starry sky sign with a specific diagnosis and also the prevalence and accuracy of the finding.

Results: Starry sky sign was found in 16 of 31 tuberculous lymph nodes, while none of other lymph nodes (1,015 lymph nodes) exhibited this finding; giving a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 51.

The sonographic features of malignant mediastinal lymph nodes and a proposal for an algorithmic approach for sampling during endobronchial ultrasound.

Introduction: There are several papers on the sonographic features of mediastinal lymph nodes affected by several diseases, but none gives the importance and clinical utility of the features.

Objective: In order to find out which lymph node should be sampled in a particular nodal station during endobronchial ultrasound, we investigated the diagnostic performances of certain sonographic features and proposed an algorithmic approach.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1051 lymph nodes and randomly assigned them into a preliminary experimental and a secondary study group.

Tamoxifen citrate: a glimmer of hope for silicosis.

Background: Inhalation of crystalline silica nanoparticles causes pulmonary damage resulting in progressive lung fibrosis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for silicosis. Tamoxifen citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which is one of the adjuvant treatment choices for breast cancer.

Two cases of tracheal disease misdiagnosed as difficult-to-treat asthma.

Initial management of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma must begin with confirmation of the diagnosis. We present 2 cases of tracheal disease misdiagnosed as difficult-to-treat asthma. After systemic evaluation, tracheomalacia and tracheobronchial narrowing due to diffuse calcification of the cartilaginous rings were found as mimicking asthma.

The combination of cytological smears and cell blocks on endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirates allows a higher diagnostic yield.

We compared the diagnostic performances of conventional smears and cell block preparations of tissue samples obtained with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. We retrospectively analysed 451 patients (926 lymph nodes) who had undergone endobronchial ultrasound and for whom both smears and cell blocks were available and compared the diagnostic performances of these techniques when used alone and combined. Cell block preparations showed higher diagnostic performance over smears, but the combination was superior to either alone.

Cryorecanalization: keys to success.

Background: Symptomatic airway obstructions are common with endobronchial exophytic tumors and may result in lethal complications. Recently, a cryorecanalization procedure has emerged that plays a role in the immediate management of airway obstruction. This study was conducted to investigate the value of cryorecanalization for the immediate management of endobronchial obstructive pathology and to determine the factors that affect the success of the procedure.