[Transbronchial needle aspiration in diagnosing mediastinal and hilar tuberculous lymphadenopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of transbronchial needle aspiration(TBNA) in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

METHODS: Brochoscopic examination was carried out in 24 patients with computed tomography confirmed mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, but without signs of lung or airway tuberculosis. TBNA was performed and at least two prominent lesions were biopsied. Cytological needle aspiration was done for all diseased sites, while some lesions were also sampled by histological needles.

RESULTS: Pathologic diagnosis was made in 18 patients showing tissue necrosis and granuloma, cases being acid fast positive. There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSION: TBNA is a useful and convenient technique in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar tuberculous lymphadenopathy.