Transbronchial Mediastinal Cryobiopsy in Diagnosing Sarcoidosis: A Three-Case Report

Abstract

Recent reports suggest that a transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (TMC) offers a better diagnostic performance for benign diseases than endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) because it can obtain larger specimens. We herein report the utility of TMC in three patients with sarcoidosis at our institution. EBUS-TBNA failed to diagnose sarcoidosis in all three patients, whereas TMC provided a definitive diagnosis. Although no significant differences in either the safety or procedural complexity were observed between TMC and EBUS-TBNA, the cost of TMC remains a considerable challenge. Further research is required to determine the strategies regarding optimal patient selection for sarcoidosis patients who need a diagnosis of TMC.