Background: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy indicates an intrathoracic pathological process. Tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy (TML) can be an early sign of tuberculosis infection, particularly in developing countries. Its incidence is often unclear due to underdiagnosis and limited access to diagnostic tools. Timely diagnosis is essential, as delayed treatment can result in severe complications. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a reliable method for obtaining samples and establishing a diagnosis, although its use is constrained by various factors. This study aims to clarify the role of EBUS features in assessing TML. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that recruited ≥18 years old patients with suspected TML who underwent EBUS-TBNA. Mediastinal lymph nodes were systematically evaluated EBUS, with a focus on the largest nodes for further characteristic analysis. A TBNA was performed, and the retracted samples were assessed for pathology, acid-fast bacilli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture, and Xpert Ultra examinations. Results: One hundred patients were recruited for the study. Fifty-three of these patients were ultimately diagnosed with TML. Significant associations were found between TML and several factors: short-axis size (p<0.001), oval-shaped lymph nodes (p=0.034), indistinct margins (p<0.001), central hilar presentation (p<0.001), internal echoes (p<0.049), thin layer echogenicity (p=0.033), and nodal matting (p<0.001). Among the diagnostic modalities, Xpert Ultra demonstrated the highest sensitivity for TML at 71.7%. Conclusion Endobronchial ultrasonographic features such as small size, round shape, indistinct margin, central hilar presentation, internal echo, thin layer echogenicity, and nodal matting are indicative of TML.

PURPOSE: To analyze the feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw placement in Koran population, and compare the acceptance rate using previously reported data in American population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translaminar lengths, thickness, heights, and sagittal-diagonal measurements were performed. The feasibility analysis was performed using unilateral and bilateral 3.5 mm cervical screw placement on the CT scans within 0.5 mm of safety margin. We also performed radiographic analysis of the morphometric dimensions and the feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw placement at C3-C7. RESULTS: Korean population had similar or significantly shorter translaminar lengths and thickness (lengths and thickness in C7 among males; lengths in C6-C7 and thickness in C4 among females) than American population, but had similar or significantly longer translaminar heights and sagittal-diagonal measurements (heights in C3-C7 and sagittal-diagonal measurements in C3-C6 among males; heights in C7 and sagittal-diagonal measurements in C3-C7 among females). Unilaterally, translaminar screw acceptance rates in C3-C7 were similar between Korean and American male population, but the rates in C4-C6 were significantly smaller between Korean and American female population. Bilaterally, translaminar screw acceptance rates in C3 and C5-C6 were significantly larger between Korean and American male population, but the rates in C3-C7 were similar between Korean and American female population. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw placement is different depending on different ethnics. Subaxial cervical unilateral translaminar screw placement among Korean male population and bilateral placement at C4-C7 among Korean female population are more acceptable than American population.
Adult ; Aged ; *Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; *Bone Screws ; Cervical Vertebrae/*radiography/*surgery ; Demography ; European Continental Ancestry Group ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed