Solitary Lung Nodule Localization using Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy with Fiducial Marker Placement and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Case Report

computed tomography (CT) that underwent successful fiducial marker placement with dye marking, to determine the nature of the pulmonary nodule. Abstract The detection of a solitary lung nodule through radiological technique can determine the patients’ prognosis, it can be easily accessed and is visible for surgeons to perform the operation with ease, safety and fewer complications. The authors wish to present two cases of solitary lung nodule successfully managed through wedge resection with the aid of fiducial marker placement. These cases successfully underwent fiducial marker placement with dye marking through electromagnetic bronchoscopy prior to the surgical procedure to resect the solitary lung nodule to determine nature of diagnosis. Both cases underwent frozen section procedure which revealed 1 case of adenocarcinoma and 1 case of granuloma.


Case Report #1
This is a case of a 55-year-old male with no underlying medical conditions. Presented with an abnormal result from the chest radiograph, which was then verified by a follow-up CT chest. He has no familial history of cancer or tuberculosis. His PET CT ( Figure 1) revealed a moderately increased FDG uptake in a 1.6x1.5x1.8 irregular nodule at right lung apex with nearby fibrosis and traction bronchiectasis (SUV max of 4.18), with high suspicion of malignancy. His spirometry result was normal. Tissue biopsy was advised. He elected to undergo surgical biopsy with possible lobectomy if malignancy was confirmed from frozen section.
To ensure a successful localization of the nodule, placement of the fiducial marker with dye ( Figure 1A and 1B) along with the utilization of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and wedge resection of the right upper lobe through Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was advised. The patient was placed in a supine position under single lumen endotracheal tube No.8.5. A magnetic board and sensors were positioned on the patient. Routine preoperative planning and virtual bronchoscopy were performed. The nodule was located in the posterior segment of right upper lobe. Flexible bronchoscopy with 2.8 mm working channel was used. Locatable guide was inserted through Extended Working Channel (EWC) then registration was completed. We started to navigate from the apical segment of right upper lobe bronchus and reached 0.6 cm away from center of target then the locatable guide was removed from the extended working channel ( Figure 1B). The 25 G injection needle (InjectorForce Max 1650 mm, minimum channel size 2.0 mm) was then inserted through the extended working channel and advanced to the subpleural area under fluoroscopy, then 0.3 ml of methylene blue was injected, followed by gold fiducial marker in the same location ( Figure 1A). Then the patient was placed on left lateral decubitus, prepped and draped. Thoracoscope was used to visualize in the thoracic area. Fiducial markers were identified along with methylene blue. ( Figure 1C). Time of localization to thoracoscope exploration was 31 minutes. Wedge resection by EndoGIA was performed. Frozen section was positive for adenocarcinoma. The procedure was then followed by right upper lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection. The patient performed well after the operation and was discharged on postoperative day 3. Pathology demonstrated stage IA2 adenocarcinoma.

Case Report #2
This is a case of a 60-year-old female, nonsmoker, who presented with a weight loss of 1 kg prior to her presentation, no significant respiratory symptoms were noted. She had history of tuberculosis two years prior to her presentation. Underlying conditions include thyroid, prescribed with euthyrox 50mcg tablet once daily, prednisone 5mg 1 tablet once a day for 4 years, due to skin lesions. She underwent sinus surgery as well 4 years prior to her presentation. The patient was alert and vital signs were stable: 36.3oC, pulse rate 79 beats per minute, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure 117/77 mmHg and oxygen saturation at 95%.
CT chest and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT showed hypermetabolic, growing 1 cm solid nodule in superior segment of left lower lung ( Figure 2).

Discussion
Our case involves the detection of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPNs). SPNs often don't manifest symptoms, it is in its late stage that symptoms are evident, at this stage having a favorable prognosis would be slim. A study done by Baker S 6 demonstrated that SPNs are often detected through lung screening, thus annual lung screening for those high risk patients is encouraged to lower the cases of lung cancer. In order for this screening to be possible a low dose CT is utilized and when a nodule is detected, further tests are required. This is where other modalities such as ENB with localization will play its part.
ENB has made its mark as one of the most reliable non-invasive approaches in managing solitary pulmonary nodule before a resection will be considered. Although ENB alone can be used as a stand-alone approach in managing SPNs, combining it with fiducial markers and dye marking will enhance its performance in providing a less invasive, more precise and accurate operating procedures. The first case demonstrated good localization with both fiducial and dye Laboratory result showed sputum mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/Non-tuberculosis. Mycobacteria (NTM) tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (TB-PCR) and drug sensitivity test, TB culture, AFB stain and cryptococccal antigen were all negative, Hemo culture and sensitivity no growth, cortisol test is within the reference range. Quantiferon TB test is also negative. The thyroid test T4 is within normal reference range, however, T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) results were low, 1.67 and 0.119 respectively.
The localization technique was employed similar to the first case (Figure 2A). Fiducial was identified, however, methylene blue spilled out of the pulmonary parenchyma and thoracic cavity ( Figure 2B). Wedge resection was done. Frozen section revealed granuloma therefore operation was concluded. Cryptococcus was seen on her pathological report, and the patient was prescribed with fluconazole 200mg 1 capsule twice daily for 3 months.

Solitary Lung Nodule Localization using Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy with Fiducial Marker Placement and
Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Case Report   Since the advent of fiducial implants utilization, currently known as fiducial markers, the use of this technique has steadily been gaining recognition for its contribution as a helpful tool to accurately locate solitary pulmonary nodules. It has played a significant role in transforming the different approaches in the localization of solitary lung nodules. Several researches posited the efficacy of fiducial marker as an aid in the localization of solitary pulmonary nodules. 7,8

Conclusion
Fiducial marker delivered during an operation proved to be an effective aid to surgeons to precisely locate lung nodules. It therefore led to a surgery with fewer complications, thus leading to a definitive diagnosis and accurate medical treatment.