Background

Endoscopic sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes is a key moment in the diagnostic process, for both benign and malignant pathology. Criobiopsy is widely used to obtain good biopsy samples of the lung parenchyma but most recently also from mediastinal lymph nodes with the Transbronchial lymph node cryobiopsy (TBLNC). Preliminary studies have shown good diagnostic yield and good safety. However, the small number of the population and the only use on malignant mediastinal pathology still make its true usefulness unclear.

Aims

Primary aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and safety of the endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial lymph node cryobiopsy (EBUS-TBLNC) in mediastinal lymphadenopathies. Secondary aim of the study is to describe quantitative and qualitative characteristics of samples of EBUS-TBLNC.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective descriptive study. The patient underwent rigid bronchoscopy for conventional EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-TBLNC. Cytological samples were prepared for ROSE and histological investigations. Any adverse events have been reported. 

Results

The preliminary results of the study concern the enrolment of 9 patients. EBUS-TBLNC was possible in 8 out of 9 cases (89%) and we observed in only one case (11%) a mild hemomediastinum (with spontaneous resolution). Diagnosis was possible in 75% of cases (vs 63% with EBUS-TBNA), of those 33% were benign and 67% were malignant.

Conclusion

Our initial results show that EBUS-TBLNC appears feasible and safe in most cases and not inferior ?in terms of diagnostic yield? to EBUS-TBNA. We expect to increase our population in the coming months to obtain statistically significant data.