Thoracic Ultra Sound (TUS) integrated approach for FNAB-US guided diagnosis and for monitoring environmental exposed subjects at risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and lung cancer (LC). Overview and preliminary report of TUS monitoring and screening approach. (LB498)

Thoracic Ultrasound (TUS) Image-guided sampling of thickened pleura and of lung nodules is a valuable approach in patients with lung cancer (LC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM); moreover, we monitor by TUS imaging patients with occupational or environmental risk of MPM and LC addressing them more selectively to high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT), also with contrast CT for a further definition. A retrospective analysis of TUS imaging and of the diagnostic yield and complications of TUS-guided fine needle aspirate biopsies (FNAB) was done. Results: the records of 133 patients with MPM and 801 patients with LC were analyzed. In 55/133 MPM and in 801/801 patients with LC (2008-2013)TUS-guided FNAB was performed using 20 G needles and a US transducer with a central passage. The specimens were of satisfactory size (length 1.0-2.5 cm); in 20/801 LC patients a second FNAB was needed for further immunohistochemistry specimens. No significant complication was observed; 5 patient had partial pne...