RESEARCH ARTICLE
Evaluation of Pulmonary Nodules Using the Spyglass Direct Visualization System Combined With Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound: A Clinical Feasibility Study
Krystelle Godbout, Simon Martel, Mathieu Simon, Noël Lampron, Antoine Delage*
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2016Volume: 10
First Page: 79
Last Page: 85
Publisher ID: TORMJ-10-79
DOI: 10.2174/1874306401610010079
Article History:
Received Date: 28/06/2016Revision Received Date: 10/11/2016
Acceptance Date: 14/11/2016
Electronic publication date: 30/11/2016
Collection year: 2016

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode), which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background:
Sampling of peripheral pulmonary nodules with radial endobronchial ultrasound (p-EBUS) increases diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy. However, diagnostic yield is influenced by numerous factors.
Objective:
We evaluated the use of SpyGlass, a one millimeter diameter optic fiber, to obtain images of the distal mucosa and of pulmonary lesions detected with p-EBUS to determine if visual aspect of the distal mucosa was predictive of diagnosis.
Methods:
We prospectively recruited subjects investigated for peripheral nodules. Bronchoscopy was performed and p-EBUS was used to locate the lesion through a guide sheath. The Spyglass fiber was introduced in the sheath to obtain images of the distal bronchial mucosa. Tissue sampling was subsequently done.
Results:
Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. A final diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in 80%. All lesions could be located using p-EBUS (100%). Diagnostic sensitivity for p-EBUS was 58.3%. Distal mucosa could be imaged with SpyGlass in 14/15 patients (93.3%). Mucosal appearance was described as abnormal in 7 out of the 15 subjects. Mean SpyGlass procedure time was 6.5 minutes. No direct complication was reported.
Conclusion:
Spyglass can be used in combination with p-EBUS to obtain images of the distal bronchial mucosa and peripheral pulmonary nodules. More patients will be needed to confirm whether mucosal appearance can be predictive of malignancy.