Comparing two biopsy methods for diagnosing sarcoidosis in lymph nodes

Evaluating the Diagnostic Yield and Specimen Quality With Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Intranodal Forceps Biopsies in Patients With Mediastinal and Hilar Lymphadenopathy: A Prospective Analysis

Not applicable Interventional George Washington University · NCT05374447

This study is testing whether a new biopsy method can find sarcoidosis in lymph nodes better than the standard method for people who might have this condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment55 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorge Washington University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Washington, District of Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05374447 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the diagnostic yield and specimen quality of endobronchial ultrasound-guided intranodal forceps biopsy (EBUS-IFB) with the standard transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients suspected of having sarcoidosis based on imaging. It is a prospective, single-center randomized study that will enroll 55 patients to assess whether EBUS-IFB provides a higher diagnostic yield than EBUS-TBNA. The study seeks to fill a knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of these biopsy techniques in diagnosing mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The results could help refine diagnostic approaches for suspected sarcoidosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with radiologic evidence of mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy and a possible diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Not a fit: Patients with previously diagnosed sarcoidosis or those who are high risk for general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of diagnosing sarcoidosis, leading to better patient management.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar biopsy techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Radiologic evidence of mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy
* Attending radiologist or pulmonologist reports a possible diagnosis of sarcoidosis
* Age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria\*:

These are the characteristics that a participant must NOT have in order to be eligible to participate in the study.

Order Number Criteria

* Severe pulmonary hypertension
* Inability to undergo general anesthesia
* Severe coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis
* Previously diagnosed sarcoidosis
* Patient presently taking clopidogrel
* Patient deemed to be high risk for general anesthesia per anesthesiologist
* Hemodynamic instability
* Mediastinitis
* Acute Hypercarbic Respiratory Failure (pCO2 \>55mmHg)

Where this trial is running

Washington, District of Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mediastinal LymphadenopathySarcoidosis, PulmonaryMediastinal DiseasesSarcoidosisBronchoscopyEndobronchial UltrasoundIntranodal forceps biopsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.