Question

Endobronchial ultrasound.

Hint:

EBUS provides a highly effective way to evaluate the lungs and surrounding structures in real-time, offering a safer alternative to more invasive diagnostic techniques.

Answer 1

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive imaging technique that combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to evaluate the lungs and surrounding structures. It is particularly useful in assessing mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, as well as identifying lung masses and tumors.
Step 1: Technique:
During EBUS, a specialized bronchoscope with an ultrasound probe at its tip is inserted into the airways. The ultrasound probe emits high-frequency sound waves that produce real-time images of the bronchial walls and nearby structures. EBUS can be combined with fine needle aspiration (FNA) to obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
Step 2: Indications:
EBUS is mainly used for:
- Evaluation of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes: EBUS is highly effective for staging lung cancer by assessing the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. It helps identify any lymph node enlargement, a critical factor in determining the stage of cancer.
- Lung Tumors and Masses: EBUS allows for accurate localization and identification of lung tumors or masses, especially those located near the bronchial tree.
- Biopsy: EBUS with FNA can be used to obtain tissue samples from lesions or lymph nodes for histological diagnosis, which is less invasive than traditional methods like mediastinoscopy.
Step 3: Advantages:
EBUS offers several advantages, including its ability to visualize structures that are difficult to access with conventional bronchoscopy, its relatively low complication rate, and the ability to perform biopsies in real-time, avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.