Trial for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Endosonography (EUS and EBUS) vs Conventional Bronchoscopy for the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis: a Randomized Trial

This randomized study investigates two different diagnostic strategies for patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis stage I/II.

The objective is to assess the role of endosonography (EBUS/ EUS - FNA) in demonstrating non-caseating granulomas in comparison with conventional bronchoscopy (TBLB + EBB).

Also the researchers investigate the additional value of BAL, in relation to endosonography and conventional bronchoscopy (TBLB + EBB), in diagnosing sarcoidosis.

Thirdly the researchers aim to assess the rate of complications in both the endosonography and conventional bronchoscopic workup.

Sarcoidosis is the most prevalent interstitial lung disease in Western-Europe and the US. The disease is most prevalent in young adults. To set the final diagnosis of sarcoidosis, the following parameters need to be present:

1. A clinical and radiological suspicion of sarcoidosis stage I/II.
2. A tissue diagnosis of disease-specific non-caseating granulomas.
3. Exclusion of possible alternative diagnoses as lung cancer or tuberculosis.

Nowadays, a bronchoscopy with lung biopsies is advised to set a tissue diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, these biopsies are only diagnostic in 70% of the procedures and they are associated with a 3% risk of coughing up blood and a 4% risk of a lung collapse.

Since recently, a new diagnostic procedure has come available. This procedure, endo-sonography, makes it possible to biopsy lymph nodes in the chest under direct visualization and has a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. The associated risk of complications appears to be small (<1%)

We consider the current standard for the diagnostics of sarcoidosis to be outdated, considering the clinical availability of endo-sonography. We expect that endo-sonography is more frequent diagnostic for a tissue diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Also we hypothesize that this technique is safer and more preferred by patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis stage I/ II
• Age > 18 years
• Both males and females
• Written informed consent is obtained.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with obvious other organ involvement of sarcoidosis where a simple diagnostic biopsy to assess granulomas can be performed.
• Löfgren's syndrome
• Inability to undergo fiberbronchoscopy, EBUS or EUS (e.g. respiratory insufficiency, esophageal stenosis
• Contraindications for a lung or nodal biopsy (e.g. coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia)
• Pregnancy
• Inability to obtain informed consent