Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): revolutionizing the landscape of lung disease diagnostics.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a revolutionary diagnostic tool for lung diseases, including lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and lymphoproliferative diseases. This minimally invasive procedure offers a superior diagnostic yield while ensuring maximum patient safety when compared to traditional invasive techniques such as mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy. By enabling real-time imaging and sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and masses directly from the bronchoscope, EBUS-TBNA has redefined the precision of diagnostic bronchoscopy. This comprehensive review explores the origins, development, and current status of EBUS-TBNA, highlighting its successes and identifying potential areas for improvement. Technological advancements have continuously enhanced the reliability and efficacy of EBUS-TBNA over time. The mechanisms underlying the superior diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA are thoroughly discussed, further solidifying its position as the gold standard for lung cancer staging and diagnosis. Furthermore, this review delves into the crucial role of EBUS-TBNA in lung cancer diagnosis, supported by studies comparing its accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness to other diagnostic tools. Looking ahead, ongoing research aims to expand the applications of EBUS-TBNA and improve its diagnostic performance. Notable advancements in needle design and sampling techniques hold promise for further enhancing its efficacy. Maximizing its potential through comprehensive training and continuous technological developments will enable broader clinical applications, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. As EBUS-TBNA continues to evolve, its diagnostic impact is expected to increase, solidifying its position as an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of lung diseases.

[Surgical Case of the Primary Pulmonary Leiomyosarcoma:Report of a Case].

A 70-year-old man was referred for an abnormal chest shadow. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a well-circumscribed lung tumor of 53 mm in diameter in the left upper lobe with slight enhancement. Positron emission tomography-CT showed a high maximum standardized uptake value for the tumor but no metastasis in the lymph nodes or other organs. Although a definitive diagnosis could not be made by transbronchial biopsy, the tumor was highly suspected to be malignant based on the radiological findings, and a left upper lobectomy with mediastinal lymph nodes dissection was performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment. A pathological examination showed the tumor to be composed of mitotic spindle-shaped cells, which were positive for α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and caldesmon. The MIB-1 labelling index was 60~70%. According to these pathologic findings, the tumor was identified as a leiomyosarcoma. Metastases to the skin of chest and hilar lymph nodes were noted six months after the surgery for which radiotherapy was performed.

[Thoracoscopic Surgery for Lung Cancer Invading the Superior Chest Wall].

We herein report a case of a 73-year-old man with lung cancer who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with combined resection of the superior chest wall. His tumor was 48 mm in diameter and located in the posterior right lung apex involving the chest wall between ribs 1 and 3. The anterior aspects of the ribs 2 and 3 were separated using forceps under thoracoscopic vision. The first rib could be released from the tumor by peeling off the parietal pleura. An 8 cm incision was made posteriorly between the scapula and vertebrae to obtain the posterior aspect of the ribs 2 and 3. After separating the pulmonary vessels and bronchus, en bloc resection of the superior sulcus tumor was completed. Thoracoscopic chest wall resection of the superior sulcus tumor can be an alternative to the Paulson posterolateral-paravertebral thoracotomy approach, which can cause severe postoperative pain and limited range of motion of the shoulder joint.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the extremities in high and low Charlson Comorbidity Index: A multi-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening and acute progressive soft tissue infection and needs early surgical intervention, that is, debridement or amputation. Surgical strategy or prognosis is influenced by the speed of progression and patients' general condition, which can be calculated by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the CCI scores and prognosis of patients with NF of the upper/lower extremities. METHODS: In the retrospective cohort study, we analyzed patients with NF of the upper/lower extremities who were determined to undergo surgery by orthopedic surgeons at four tertiary hospitals between August 2003 and April 2016. We divided the patients into two groups, Group L (low CCI scores of 0-2) and Group H (high CCI scores of ≥3). The primary event of this study was defined as death or amputation. Mortality cases were included when amputation was informed with documented certification but patients died while waiting for surgery. We compared the patients' background, laboratory data on admission, the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score, and primary outcome between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients, 28 patients were classified into Group L and the other 28 patients into Group H. The data in this study showed that patients in Group H had lower white blood cell counts and hemoglobin and higher creatinine than Group L, but there was no difference in LRINEC scores between the two groups. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most common infectious agent in Group L (54%) but not in Group H (11%). Poorer outcome was observed in Group H compared with Group L (4 mortality and 16 amputation vs. no mortality and 9 amputation, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory data and causative microorganisms were different between high CCI and low CCI patients with NF. High CCI scores were associated with limb amputation or death caused by NF of the upper/lower extremities; whereas, low CCI scores were more likely associated with S. pyogenes monoinfection.

Laser-Trélat sign improved after the resection of a tiny ground-grass nodule: a case report.

The Laser-Trélat sign refers to eruptive seborrheic keratoses accompanied by internal malignancies, mainly abdominal advanced ones. Detailed associations remain unclear, and the skin lesions do not improve with the treatment of internal malignancies in half of the patients. Herein, we report a rare case of Laser-Trélat sign that improved after resection of a 0.6-cm pulmonary ground-glass nodule: adenocarcinoma in situ. The patient requested the resection with the hopes of improving the skin lesions, though immediate resection was not indicated oncologically. With informed consent, despite possible failure in improving cutaneous diseases, thoracoscopic partial resection of the right lower lobe was performed. Fortunately, her seborrheic keratoses substantially improved after the resection, without exacerbation. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing such a clinical course. It is essential to inform patients regarding the indication of treatment for internal malignancy and its limitation in improving eruptive seborrheic keratoses.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy and en bloc resection of the chest wall with incision of the costovertebral joints for non-small cell lung cancer.

We describe a case of lung lobectomy and resection of the rib neck and head in a lung cancer patient with an invasion of the chest wall. The tumor was located in the upper lobe, adjacent to the neck of the third rib. We performed a right upper lobectomy and en bloc resection of the third rib, including the rib neck and head, by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with an additional 6 cm posterior incision along the right paravertebral line. The costovertebral joint incision procedure is a useful technique to ensure tumor-free margins in cases where the tumor is located close to the rib's neck and head.

[The Outcome of Second Anatomical Pulmonary Resection for Ipsilateral Metachronous Lung Cancer].

INTRODUCTIONS: When the first intervention for lung cancer is anatomical resection, the ipsilateral repeat anatomical resection for metachronous second lung cancer becomes technically challenging. Herein, we report the outcomes of second anatomical pulmonary resection for ipsilateral metachronous lung cancer at our institution. SUBJECTS: Sixteen consecutive patients[ 10 men and 6 women, average age 70( range 59~81) years] were reviewed in this retrospective study. These patients underwent ipsilateral repeat anatomical resection for metachronous second lung cancer between 2009 and 2020. RESULTS: All case required right-sided lung resections. The previous interventions of patients included upper lobectomy, lower lobectomy, middle lobectomy, S2 segmentectomy, and S6 and S10a segmentectomy in 9, 4, 1, 1, and 1 case, respectively. The second surgical interventions were middle lobectomy, S6 segmentectomy, upper lobectomy, lower lobectomy, S1 segmentectomy, and S2 segmentectomy, in 6, 4, 2, 2, 1, and 1 case, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in three patients. The median follow-up period was 53.5 months. Three patients died during the follow-up period. Of the 13 patients still alive, 6 had recurrence. The five-year overall survival rate was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Although only a few cases were assessed, the prognosis after second anatomical pulmonary resection for ipsilateral metachronous lung cancer at our institution was satisfactory.

[Completion Pneumonectomy for the Recurrence of Lung Cancer].

INTRODUCTIONS: The morbidity and mortality after completion pneumonectomy (CP) are reportedly high. We, herein, report the outcomes of CP at our institution. SUBJECTS: Nine consecutive patients [7 men and 2 women, average age of 72 years(range 44~84 years)] who underwent CP for recurrence of lung cancer during 2012~2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Right-sided sleeve CP was performed in two cases and left-sided CP in seven cases. The indications for surgery were lymph node metastasis of the cancer, pulmonary metastasis, and bronchial stump recurrence in 4, 3, and 2 cases, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients. One of the patients who underwent right sleeve pneumonectomy developed bronchopleural fistula and died 68 days after the surgery. The mean follow-up period was 33 months, and four patients died during follow-up. Of the 5 patients still alive, 4 had no recurrence and 1 had recurrence in the stump of the main bronchus. The five-year overall survival rate was 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Although only few cases were assessed, the prognosis after CP at our institution was relatively good.

Intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumour: a case report.

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) mainly originate from the visceral pleura and may protrude to the thoracic cavity, but intrapulmonary SFTs are extremely rare. We describe a rare case of SFT arising in the right lung of an 83-year-old man who underwent surgical excision. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a 10-mm tumour in the lower lobe of the right lung. The size of tumour gradually increased and reached 17 mm 2 years after the first radiologic examination. Considering the possibility of malignancy, wedge resection of the right lower lobe was performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery. Microscopically, the tumour consisted mainly of spindle-shaped cells. Immunohistochemical staining indicated the tumour was positive for CD34, STAT6, vimentin and bcl-2, but negative for cytokeratins, D2-40 and S-100. Based on the histological findings, the tumour was diagnosed as SFT. The patient has been in good health for 6 months since the surgery.

Can the Japanese National Clinical Database risk calculator predict long-term survival of patients who undergo palliative segmentectomy for primary lung cancer?

OBJECTIVES: Selection criteria for palliative limited surgery in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can vary by institution or surgeon. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of poor-risk patients who underwent palliative segmentectomy (PS), using the National Clinical Database Risk Calculator (RC). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients with NSCLC tumors ≥ 20 mm and consolidation/tumor ratios ≥ 0.5 on computed tomography, who underwent PS from January 2009 to March 2016. Median follow-up time was 47 months (range 2-102 months). RESULTS: We enrolled 67 patients (median age: 73.0 years), of whom 54 received thoracoscopic surgery and 28 received medial lymph-node dissection. The RC's mean predictive probability rate for perioperative mortality or severe complications was 7.1%. Of the 67 patients, 24 patients (43.0%) suffered post-surgical complications, including 2 (3%) who died in hospital; 17 eventually suffered NSCLC recurrences and/or metastases, 11 eventually died from NSCLC, and 17 died from other diseases. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 59.4%. When the patients were divided into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups based on the RC, 5-year OS was significantly less in the HR group (43.9%) than in the LR group (82.2%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The RC, which was developed primarily to determine perioperative risk, can predict long-term prognosis for compromised patients who undergo PS.

A novel protective barrier enclosure for performing bronchoscopy.

Healthcare workers performing bronchoscopy, especially in urgent cases, may be at risk of aerosol-transmitted infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Therefore, such healthcare workers require thorough protection from aerosol droplets. To this end, we developed a novel handmade protective barrier enclosure for performing flexible bronchoscopy. The use of this enclosure did not entail any special technique for handling the bronchoscope during bronchoscopy. The enclosure may be helpful in protecting bronchoscopists from the risk of aerosol-transmitted infections, including coronavirus disease 2019.

A comparative study of the Parker Flex-Tip tube versus standard portex tube for oral fiberoptic intubation in bronchoscopy performed by pulmonologists with limited experience.

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic tracheal intubation (FTI) in bronchoscopy is widely performed with a conventional Portex tracheal tube (PTT). Occasionally, it is difficult for pulmonologists with limited experience to insert a tube beyond the vocal cords and advance it into the trachea. A new endotracheal tube, the Parker Flex-Tip tube (PFT), was recently designed. We compared the usefulness and safety of PFT versus PTT for FTI in bronchoscopy performed by pulmonologists with limited experience. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the PFT group (n = 20) or PTT group (n = 20). The time required for the tip of the endotracheal tube to pass from the mouth to the carina, the number of vomiting reflexes, the number of attempts to pass the tube through the vocal cords during intubation, complications, and technical difficulty of intubation were evaluated. RESULTS: Both the PFT and PTT groups exhibited high intubation success rates (100% vs. 90%, respectively). The PFT group was intubated faster than the PTT group (11.5 [5-45] s vs. 22.5 [8-270] s, respectively, p < 0.01). The PFT group showed fewer vomiting reflexes and tube impingements than the PTT group (p < 0.05). Operators felt it was easier to intubate with PFT versus PTT (p < 0.01). Complications were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: For pulmonologists with limited experience who perform FTI in bronchoscopy, intubation using PFT versus PTT is faster and easier, without an increase in complications.

Correction: Targeting mantle cell lymphoma metabolism and survival through simultaneous blockade of mTOR and nuclear transporter exportin-1.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16602.].

Pancreatic carcinoma metastasis to a lung carcinoma lesion and pulmonary fibrotic regions, overtaking the stromal microenvironment: A case report.

RATIONALE: Suppression and of cancer metastasis is one of the most important issues in cancer care. Considering the typical clinical course of metastases, cancer cells might prefer certain environments or conditions. However, favorable environments for cancer metastasis have not been clearly identified. We had previously described a case of dual, yet separate, pancreatic and colon cancer, in which the metastatic pancreatic cancer was localized at the invasive portion of the colon cancer. We hypothesized that metastatic pancreatic cancer took over the colon cancer microenvironment. PATIENT CONCERNS: We experienced an another case of double cancer in a 65-year-old man who had lung squamous cell carcinoma and an independent pancreatic adenocarcinoma that metastasized to the liver as well as to the lung cancer lesion and pulmonary fibrotic regions associated with pneumothorax and bronchiolization. INTERVENTIONS: The pneumothorax could not be controlled by conservative treatment. Thus, an emergency surgery with partial resection of the lower lobe of right lung was performed. DIAGNOSES: We found multiple pancreatic cancer metastases in the lung cancer and fibrotic lesions in the surgical specimen. However, we detected no metastasis in normal lung tissues except inside small arteries, although the lung cancer and fibrotic tissue areas were smaller than the normal lung tissue areas in the surgical specimen. OUTCOMES: The patient died 50 days after the surgery. LESSONS: This case may thus provide evidence to strengthen our hypothesis that pancreatic cancer prefers to metastasize to other independent cancer lesions, overtaking the cancer microenvironment constructed by other independent cancers. The lung cancer microenvironment, rich in myofibroblasts and/or cancer-associated fibroblasts, might be suitable for pancreatic carcinoma metastasis. In addition, we propose the hypothesis that compared with normal tissues, noncancerous fibrotic lesions are preferable destinations for cancer metastasis. Furthermore, metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma to lung cancer and fibrotic tissues might be more common, although such cases have not been previously reported.

[Consideration of Surgical Treatment for Ileus Symptoms Associated with Progressing Cancer in Our Hospital].

INTRODUCTION: Many cases of terminal cancer develop ileus symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal distension. The causes of ileus symptoms include peritoneal dissemination, localized recurrence, etc. The treatments include octreotide acetate, decompression measures such as ileus tube, and surgical treatment. We evaluated the results of cases that underwent surgical methods to reduce ileus symptoms. METHODS: The subjects were 31 patients comprising 38 cases with ileus symptoms between January 2013 and January 2018. The surgical procedures included bypass(17 cases), tumor extirpation(7 cases), stoma(11 cases), and other(3 cases). RESULTS: Dietary intake information was available for 27 of the 38 cases; in cases that underwent tumor excision, all meals were able to be ingested and there were many cases of long-term survival. DISCUSSION: Surgical procedures can allow patients to eat food and should be considered as dietary intake after treatment is associated with survival duration.

Bronchoscopic observation with linked colour imaging.

We report two cases of the comparison of diagnosis made with linked color imaging (LCI) and conventional white-light imaging (WLI) on the same patients. In case 1, a 75-year-old man in whom right upper lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed due to lung cancer had signs of bronchitis on postoperative day 8. The LCI demonstrated slight inflammatory changes that were not detectable with the conventional WLI on the tracheal wall. In case 2, in a 61-year-old woman who was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, the bronchial wall was checked to confirm the extent of the tumour. The submucosal vascularity and tumour margin on the bronchial mucosa were better visible on LCI than on WLI. We could easily detect the mucosal inflammatory lesion and the malignant lesion with LCI in comparison with conventional WLI. Both mucosal inflammatory and malignant lesions were better visible with LCI in comparison to WLI.

[A Case of Advanced Cardia Gastric Cancer with Pernicious Anemia].

A 70s male was referred to our hospital with anemia that was detected during a medical checkup. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed advanced cardia gastric cancer. A diagnosis of pernicious anemia was made due to the macrocytic hyperchromic anemia and detection of intrinsic factor antibody. A CT scan showed fundic wall thickening and regional lymph node metastasis. After anemia improved following vitamin B12 injection, total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. The histopathological findings showed adenocarcinoma(tub1>tub2), Type2 , pT3(SS), pN1(2/24), Stage ⅡB, INF b, ly1, v2, PM0, DM0, EW(+), pR1. He was administered systematic chemotherapy using S-1 for one year after surgery and has been followed up without recurrence for 5 years.

[A Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Successfully Treated by Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy].

A man in his 50s was referred to our hospital with a liver tumor detected by ultrasonography during a medical checkup. Enhanced CT scan and MRI showed hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in S8 of the liver. Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. The histopathological findings showed well differentiated HCC. Two years later, his serum PIVKA-Ⅱ levels were slightly elevated. A new lesion was detected by US, CT, and MRI at S5 of the liver. A second laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. The histopathological findings showed moderately differentiated HCC. After 1 year, MRI detected 2 new HCCs(S4, S8). The tumor at S8 had invaded the right branch of the portal vein. There was no indication for right hepatectomy because of liver dysfunction. Lipiodol-TACE followed by DEB-TACE was not effective on the tumor. The HCC at S8 had enlarged and formed a portal vein tumor thrombus. PIVKA- / Ⅱ levels increased to 3,596 mAU/mL. The patient was adminis- tered Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(45 Gy/15 Fr)and his PIVKA-Ⅱ levels decreased to the normal range. He has been followed-up without recurrences for 2 years and 9 months.

[Endoscopic Topical Therapy Using Mesh for Refractory Suture Failure after Rectal Cancer Surgery].

We reported a case that could be cured with endoscopic topical therapyusing mesh for refractorysuture failure after rectal cancer surgery. The patient was a 73-year-old man. He was diagnosed as lower rectal cancer, and underwent laparoscopic super law anterior rectum resection. On the 13th postoperative day, abdominal pain appeared, suspected ileal necrosis, emergencylaparoscopic examination laparotomywas performed. Upper gastrointestinal perforation was suspected from pus and food on the whole intraperitoneal cavity, and we moved laparotomy. But any perforations were not found, we resected ileum and inserted a drain tube to Douglas fossa. After second surgerydischarge of the juice from the drain was confirmed, diagnosis was made of suture failure of the anastomosis of the rectal cancer. He rejected artificial stomy, we chose conservative therapy. On 114th day after second surgerywe put a mesh for inguinal hernia in the puncture under the endoscope. On the next dayafter the treatment discharge of the juice from the drain was stopped. And finallyhe was discharged. This endoscopic treatment is considered to be useful for refractorysuture failure.

Left mediastinal node dissection after arterial ligament transection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for potentially advanced stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Left mediastinal node dissection during lung cancer surgery can be difficult because paratracheal and subcarinal lymph nodes are concealed by mediastinal structures. Arterial ligament transection (ALT) offers a wide surgical view of concealed mediastinal spaces, thus enabling extended en bloc lymph node dissection (LND). We analyzed surgical outcomes of patients who underwent extended LND after ALT via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for potentially node-positive clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 75 patients who had undergone extended mediastinal node dissection after ALT via VATS for potentially node-positive NSCLC at our centers during the period from September 2008 through November 2015. Operative data and rates of overall survival (OS), in addition to mortality and morbidity, were analyzed in relation pathological stage and nodal stage. RESULTS: Operative time was 238±58 minutes, and an average of 32.7±12.9 hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected. Lymph node metastases were detected in 34 patients (6 pN1 patients, 27 pN2 patients, and 1 pN3 patient). Mediastinal lymph node metastases were detected around the carina (stations 2L, 4L, and 7) in 19 of 27 patients with pN2 cancer. Nineteen patients had a total of 24 postoperative complications. Recurrent nerve paralysis was the most frequent complication (n=11) but resolved in eight patients during follow-up. Survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 92.2%/88.4%, 100.0%/60.0%, and 87.7%/81.0% for p-stage I, II, and III, respectively, and 92.2%/88.4%, 100.0%/60.0%, and 87.4%/80.7% for pN0, pN1, and pN2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Extended mediastinal node dissection after ALT allowed detection of lymph node micrometastases in selected patients with potentially node-positive left NSCLC and may improve outcomes.