Can dynamic imaging, using F-FDG PET/CT and CT perfusion differentiate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules?

Background: The aim of the study was to derive and compare metabolic parameters relating to benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using dynamic 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (F-FDG) PET/CT, and nodule perfusion parameters derived through perfusion computed tomography (CT).

Patients And Methods: Twenty patients with 21 pulmonary nodules incidentally detected on CT underwent a dynamic F-FDG PET/CT and a perfusion CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) was measured on conventional F-FDG PET/CT images.

Isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy - performance of EBUS-TBNA in clinical practice.

Background Isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy is an increasingly common finding as a result of the increasing use of cross-sectional thoracic imaging. We investigated the performance of endobronchial ultrasoundguided transbronchial needle-aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in establishing a pathological diagnosis in patients with isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Methods We retrospectively analysed all consecutive EBUS-TBNA examinations performed over a 4-year period at a single tertiary referral centre.

Case report: Endobronchial valve placement for treatment of a persistent air leak.

Demonstration of the therapeutic utility of endobronchial valves in elderly high-risk patients unsuitable for surgery http://ow.ly/Y7eEx.

Is there still a role for mediastinoscopy as the first mediastinal staging procedure in lung cancer?

Lung cancer staging has evolved with the advent of endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound (EBUS and EUS) as an alternative to mediastinoscopy and other surgical staging techniques. This has led to the debate now as to what the first-line staging investigation should be. Mr Waller makes the case that although EBUS and EUS are welcomed staging techniques, mediastinoscopy still has an important role as the first-line staging investigation in specific scenarios (when there is potentially surgically resectable mediastinal disease).