Comparing two types of needles for diagnosing sarcoidosis

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Menghini-type Needle and Franseen-type Needle for Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Pathological Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Not applicable Interventional University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06220526

This study is testing whether a new type of needle works better than a standard needle for diagnosing sarcoidosis in patients with swollen lymph nodes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06220526 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Franseen-type needles versus the conventional Menghini-type needles for diagnosing sarcoidosis through endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The study will enroll approximately 128 patients with enlarged mediastinal and/or hilar lymph nodes suspected of having sarcoidosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either needle type, and the quality of the samples collected will be assessed by pathologists. The trial will also monitor procedural safety and efficiency, including total procedure time and the number of needle passes required.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with enlarged mediastinal and/or hilar lymph nodes suspected of sarcoidosis.

Not a fit: Patients with lymphadenopathy likely due to other diseases, such as lung cancer or infection, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency for patients suspected of having sarcoidosis.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored needle types in EBUS-TBNA, this specific comparison is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* -Any adult patient aged 18 years or older with enlarged mediastinal and/or hilar lymph nodes
* (≥10 mm short-axis diameter on a CT scan), suspected as having sarcoidosis based on clinical
* history, physical exam, and other investigations, and booked for EBUS-TBNA.

Exclusion Criteria:

* -Patients that are unable to provide informed consent

  \- Patients with lymphadenopathy strongly suspected to be secondary to other diseases based on
* clinical history, physical exam, and/or other investigations (e.g., lung cancer, lymphoma,
* infection).

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Suspected Sarcoidosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.