Translation of a tissue epigenetic signature to circulating free DNA suggests BCAT1 as a potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer.

Lung cancer patients are diagnosed at late stages when curative treatments are no longer possible; thus, molecular biomarkers for noninvasive detection are urgently needed. In this sense, we previously identified and validated an epigenetic 4-gene signature that yielded a high diagnostic performance in tissue and invasive pulmonary fluids. We analyzed DNA methylation levels using the ultrasensitive digital droplet PCR in noninvasive samples in a cohort of 83 patients.

The role of bronchoscopy in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Background: The role of bronchoscopy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a matter of debate.

Patients And Methods: This observational multicentre study aimed to analyse the prognostic impact of bronchoscopic findings in a consecutive cohort of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Patients were enrolled at 17 hospitals from February to June 2020.

Incidence, risk factors, and thrombotic load of pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.

Objective: To determine the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Patients And Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of a randomly selected cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection between March 8, 2020 through April 25, 2020. All eligible patients underwent a computed tomography pulmonary angiography independently of their PE clinical suspicion and were pre-screened for a baseline elevated D-dimer level.

Benefit of Chest Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Thoracic Lesions in an Interventional Pulmonology Unit.

Introduction And Objectives: The use of ultrasound in peripheral thoracic lesions offers advantages over other radiological guiding methods. This diagnostic procedure has been applied in most studies published by radiologists. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound-guided punctures and biopsies of peripheral thoracic lesions performed by pulmonologists.

Tolerance and Safety of 5 Models of Sedation During Endobronchial Ultrasound.

Introduction: Sedation during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is essential due to the long duration of this procedure. We evaluated different models of sedation and their complications.

Method: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of 307 patients undergoing EBUS was conducted.

Tru-cut needle pleural biopsy and cytology as the initial procedure in the evaluation of pleural effusion.

Introduction And Objectives: The evaluation of pleural effusion (PE) includes various techniques, including pleural biopsy (PB). Our aim was to study the diagnostic yield of Tru-Cut needle PB (TCPB) and to define clinical/radiological situations in which TCPB might be indicated as an initial procedure.

Methodology: Retrospective study of TCPB in a hospital centre (2010-2012).