There is a paucity of data concerning the impact of the sedation technique used for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) on diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in deep and moderate sedation, and to investigate other possible determinants of diagnostic accuracy in three lymph node locations (mediastinal, subcarinal, and hilar).

The first consecutive patients at the University Hospital Zurich undergoing EBUS-TBNA for selective sampling in deep sedation are compared with the first consecutive patients in moderate sedation between 2006 and 2014. Diagnoses based on EBUS-TBNA were compared with those on surgical or radiological follow-up.

Between September, 2007 and January 31, 2014, all consecutive patients who undergo EBUS-TBNA at the University Hospital Zurich for selective assessment of enlarged (≥ 1 cm by CT or ultrasound) or suspected (enhanced fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity in PET/CT) lymph nodes were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data, procedural reports and cytological findings were collected from medical records. Computed tomography (CT) or PET/CT scans were prospectively reviewed to gather the size and standardized uptake value (SUV) of FDG of each sampled lymph node. The cytological findings obtained with EBUS-TBNA were verified by histological examination, if a surgical biopsy (mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy, or thoracotomy) was carried out following EBUS-TBNA, or alternatively by clinical and radiological follow-up data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• EBUS-TBNA

Exclusion Criteria:

• No exclusion criteria

Patients with enlarged or suspicious mediastinal and/or hilar lymph nodes, in whom EBUS-TBNA is indicated