Rendimiento de la citología por punción aspirativa transbronquial para el diagnóstico del compromiso mediastínico en el cáncer pulmonar

Abstract

Introduction: Mediastinal nodal involvement is essential in lung cancer staging. This can be performed with transbronchial needle aspiration using a flexible bronchoscope. We present the experience of the Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Material and Methods: Retrospective study. The procedure was performed in patients with mediastinal nodes greater than 1 cm on computed tomography of the chest. Results: In 132 bronchoscopies, 136 transbronchial needle aspirations for cytological studies were performed, 98 (72%) in subcarinal nodes and 38 (28%) in other locations. In 64 (47.1%) samples, lung cancer was diagnosed. In 100 (73,5%) cases the final diagnosis was lung cancer with mediastinal involvement. In this series transbronchial needle aspiration had a sensitivity of 64% for lung cancer diagnosis. There were no complications. Conclusions: Transbronchial needle aspiration cytology is safe and useful for the diagnosis and staging of the mediastinum in lung cancer patients.