Aims: Enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum reflect neoplastic, infectious or other diseases.
The classification of these nodes is crucial in the management. Material and
Methods: A total of 122 patients (age: 63±15 years, 92 males, 30 females) with enlarged mediastinal
and/or paraaortic lymph nodes diagnosed by CT scan were included in the study. EUS-guided
fine needle aspiration was performed and cytologic specimens were diagnosed as representing
a malignant or benign process in case of Papanicolau IV and V, or Papanicolau I and
II, respectively.
Results: Based on cytology results, the investigated lymph nodes were classified as neoplastic
(n=48) or non-neoplastic lymph nodes. Using the B-mode criteria the preliminary diagnosis
was confirmed in 64 out of 74 benign lymph nodes (specificity 86.5%). Regarding malignant
lymph nodes 33 of 48 were confirmed (sensitivity 68.7%). Using the advanced contrast-
enhanced EUS criteria the diagnosis was confirmed in 68 of 74 benign lymph nodes (specificity
91.9%). However, in case of malignant lymph nodes the number of correct diagnoses
dropped to 29 of 48 lymph nodes (sensitivity 60.4%).
The contrast-enhanced EUS criteria to identify benign lymph nodes and node enlargement
in malignant lymphoma do not differ. If those ten patients with malignant lymphoma
are excluded, the sensitivity of the contrast enhanced EUS for malignant lymph nodes
rises to 73.7%.
