Diagnostic yield and safety of biopsy guided by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for high-risk pulmonary nodules

Abstract

Background Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a useful method to obtain tissue for peripheral lung nodules. We aimed to understand the diagnostic yield and safety profile in high-risk pulmonary nodules that cannot be accessed by percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy.

Methods In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed patients who underwent ENB for high-risk pulmonary nodules. All procedures were performed under moderate sedation using intravenous midazolam and fentanyl.

Results A total of 100 pulmonary nodules in 90 patients were subjected to ENB between October 2018 and May 2020. The median age of the study population was 66 (59-73). The mean diameter of the lung nodules was 27.9 mm. The diagnostic yield of ENB-guided biopsy was 53.0%. Although the nodule size (odds ratio: 1.055, p = 0.007) and positive bronchus sign (odds ratio: 2.918, p = 0.020) were associated with the diagnostic yield during univariate analysis, nodule size was the only independent variable on the multivariable analysis. Interestingly, the diagnostic yield showed an upward trend after 60 cases, from 45%-65%. Procedure-related complications were reported in 16 cases; among these, pneumothorax occurred in three cases, and four cases experienced moderate bleeding. No instance of major bleeding or death was linked to ENB-guided biopsy.

Conclusion ENB-guided biopsy for high-risk pulmonary nodules demonstrated an acceptable diagnostic yield and good safety profile. Moreover, the diagnostic yield was associated with nodule size and procedure experience.