Reclassification of risk of malignancy with Percepta Genomic Sequencing Classifier following nondiagnostic bronchoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchoscopic sampling of pulmonary lesions suspicious for lung cancer is frequently nondiagnostic. A genomic sequencing classifier utilizing bronchial brushings obtained at the time of the bronchoscopy has been shown to provide an accurate reclassification of the risk of malignancy (ROM) based on pre-procedure risk. Our objectives for this study were to determine the frequency with which the classifier up- or down-classifies risk in regular clinical practice and to model the potential clinical utility of that reclassification. METHODS: This observational study retrospectively assessed data from four clinical sites that regularly use the genomic classifier in the bronchoscopic evaluation of indeterminate lesions. Demographics and pre-bronchoscopy ROM were recorded. The frequency of up- and down-classification was calculated. Modeling based on reclassification rates and the performance characteristics of the classifier was performed to demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the result. RESULTS: 86 patients who underwent classifier testing following a nondiagnostic bronchoscopy were included. 45% of patients with high ROM prior to bronchoscopy were reclassified very high-risk. 38% of patients with intermediate ROM were up-or down-classified. 56% of patients with low ROM were reclassified to very low-risk. Overall, 42% of patients had a change in classification. 35% of the study cohort could potentially have avoided additional unnecessary procedures with subsequent guideline-adherent management. CONCLUSIONS: The classifier can guide decision-making following a nondiagnostic bronchoscopy, reclassifying risk in a significant percentage of cases. Use of the classifier should allow more patients with early-stage cancer to proceed directly to curative therapy while helping more patients with benign disease avoid further unnecessary procedures.

Community hospital experience using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy system integrating tidal volume computed tomography mapping.

Results of the first 50 consecutive patients referred for bronchoscopy or surgery by the tumor review board to confirm suspect lung lesions identified by computed tomography. Electromagnetic navigation was used to biopsy peripheral pulmonary nodules, (19.3 ± 10.7 mm). An electromagnetic tracking system was used to detect miniature position sensors integrated directly into tip-tracked instruments advanced through a 2 mm working channel in a bronchoscope. Learning curve, diagnostic yield, safety and use of the 4D positional information on the patient's tidal volume expiration computed tomography map demonstrate a potential to improve the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsies of peripheral pulmonary nodules less than 30 mm reporting a diagnostic yield of 83.3% (40/48). Early experience was safe and effective, with a limited learning curve.

Case report and review of the literature: spontaneous aortobronchial fistula.

We present a fatal case of aortobronchial fistula due to ruptured atherosclerotic aneurysm of the aorta into the left lower lobe, bronchus. Also, review of the pertinent literature is presented. Fistulas between the aorta and tracheobronchial tree are rare but usually lethal if not treated promptly and timely, as they can cause fatal hemoptysis. Aortobronchial fistulas occur most often in patients who have a history of thoracic vascular surgery. Nevertheless, few cases without previous thoracic surgery, trauma or infectious process of the aorta have been described in the literature. [corrected].