Endobronchial ultrasound: Indispensable or Dispensable- Our experience through Case Series

EBUS has been an important interventional Pulmonology (IP) tool in respiratory medicine practice. We enlist our observations after including EBUS in our services.

A total of 35 cases referred for EBUS were assessed. Of these, 33 underwent linear EBUS and 2 VBN. EBUS could be done in 21/33 (63.6%) cases. In 12/33 (36.4%), EBUS was not done as it was unindicated or due to contraindications. Of the 21 cases wherein EBUS was performed, FNA/FNB could be done in 17 (81%) but could not be done on 4 (19%). Of these 17 cases, FNA/FNB was conclusive in 9 (53%), inconclusive with alternate site biopsy yielding diagnosis in 6 (35%), and inconclusive with no other biopsy evidence in 2(12%). The final etiology in the 35 cases was TB, malignancy, sarcoidosis, and others in 19 (54%), 9(26%), 3 (9%), and 4 (11%) cases, respectively. Of the 12/19 cases of TB wherein EBUS FNA/FNB was feasible, 8 were diagnostic (all cases of IMHL), 3 yielded diagnosis on other EP site biopsies, and in one case, no biopsy could be done. EBUS, while optional, proves indispensable in situations like IMHL (Isolated Mediastinal and Hilar Lymphadenopathy). The utility of TB was important to achieving biopsy evidence.