Journal of bronchology & interventional pulmonology
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Oct 2010
Performance characteristics of semirigid thoracoscopy in pleural effusions of undetermined etiology.
The utility of the recently introduced semirigid thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusions is still unclear. ⋯ Semirigid thoracoscopy is a safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious procedure for establishing the diagnosis in pleural effusions of undetermined etiology.
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Oct 2010
Prospective pilot trial of dexmedetomidine sedation for awake diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy.
Dexmedetomidine has the favorable properties of sedation, sympatholysis, analgesia, and a low risk of apnea. These properties suggest that dexmedetomidine may be useful in procedural sedation. In view of this, we conducted a pilot trial to determine the feasibility of using dexmedetomidine as a sole agent for providing sedation during awake diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy. ⋯ Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure), oxygenation status (pulse oximetry), adverse events, use of rescue sedation, and patient and proceduralist satisfaction were recorded during the trial. Five of 9 recruited patients required rescue sedation to allow the procedure to proceed. Dexmedetomidine as a sole agent at an infusion of 0.5 μg/kg over 10 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 μg/kg/h is unable to provide adequate sedation for awake diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy without the need for rescue sedation in a large proportion of patients.
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Jul 2010
Utility of semirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusions: a systematic review.
Pleural effusion of undetermined etiology (PEUE), where blind pleural aspirate/biopsy fails to yield an answer, often needs histologic study for a definitive diagnosis. Several studies have shown the potential utility of medical thoracoscopy (MT) in PEUE; results, however, are not uniform and a majority are available for rigid thoracoscopy. We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the relatively new technique of semirigid thoracoscopy in PEUE through this systematic review. ⋯ Semirigid thoracoscopy seems to be a safe, simple, and accurate tool for undiagnosed pleural effusions. It is well tolerated and is devoid of major complications. Further studies with sound methodology will further help to define the future role of this procedure.
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Jul 2010
Factors Influencing the Diagnostic Yield of Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration.
We describe the diagnostic performance of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in a heterogeneous population of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy secondary to suspected cancer (lung and nonlung) or recurrence after cancer therapy in a large academic cancer institute. A review was done of all patients referred for real-time EBUS-TBNA over an 18-month period at our institution. Cytological analysis of EBUS-TBNA aspirates was compared with a reference standard of definitive pathologic tissue diagnosis or a composite of ≥6 months' clinical follow-up with radiographic imaging. ⋯ Other factors, such as airway distortion and calcification, are also associated with less accurate EBUS-TBNA results. In a diverse population of patients with suspected cancer or recurrence, EBUS-TBNA is minimally invasive and highly accurate. Factors such as lymph node size and location influence the result of EBUS-TBNA.
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Apr 2010
"Black bronchoscopy"-a case of endobronchial metastases from melanoma.
The presence of black pigmentation in the airways during flexible bronchoscopy is uncommon. We report an unusual case of "black bronchoscopy" as a result of endobronchial metastases in a 77-year-old Chinese man, who presented with hemoptysis and postobstructive pneumonia 3 years after initial excision of a skin melanoma. Chest radiograph showed right lower lobe consolidation and collapse. ⋯ The patient received palliative radiation and died 6 months later. We review the causes of black airway pigmentation. We also briefly review the prevalence, clinical presentation, and prognosis of endobronchial metastases.