Endobronchial ultrasound and value of PET for prediction of pathological results of mediastinal hot spots in lung cancer patients.

In the staging of lung cancer with positron emission tomography (PET) positive mediastinal lymph nodes, tissue sampling is required. The performance of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) using linear endobronchial ultrasound (real-time EBUS-TBNA) under local anaesthesia and the value of PET for prediction of pathological results were assessed in that setting. The number of eluded surgical procedures was evaluated.

[Endobronchial ultrasound and PET positive mediastinal lymph nodes].

Introduction: In bronchial carcinoma when positron emission tomography with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) shows increased emission in the mediastinal lymph nodes, confirmation by tissue biopsy is necessary. In this particular situation we have evaluated the use of real time lymph node aspiration under endobronchial ultrasound control.

Methods: Consecutive patients referred for staging and/or diagnosis of PET positive mediastinal nodes in the setting of suspected or confirmed bronchial carcinoma were included.

Tracheoesophageal fistula: case report and review of literature.

The case of a 44 year old woman with progressive postoperative dysphagia and food inhalations complicated by recurrent pulmonary infections, due to a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is reported. Some months earlier, this woman had been operated for a cerebral aneurysm with hemiplegia and aphasia. For several months, pulmonary and feeding difficulties had been attributed to neurological status.