Transbronchial Saline Injection to Allow Visualization and Biopsy of Peripheral Lung Nodule on Linear Endobronchial Ultrasound

Abstract

Two peripheral lung nodules suspicious for lung cancer were noted in a patient. Surgical and CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsies were deemed to be high risk given advanced emphysema. The patient received nondiagnostic electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided mediastinal needle biopsies. Repeat bronchoscopy was then performed. The lung nodules were difficult to visualize with both convex probe EBUS and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy guidance. Normal saline injection into vicinity of the peripheral lung nodule was then used in hopes of filling airspace with fluid and improving visualization of the lung nodule. After saline injection the nodule was visualized on convex probe EBUS, allowing for diagnostic needle aspirations.