Evaluation of pulmonary nodules: clinical practice consensus guidelines for Asia.
Chest. 2016 Feb 25;
Authors: Bai C, Choi CM, Chu CM, Anantham D, Ho JC, Khan AZ, Lee JM, Li SY, Saenghirunvattana S, Yim A
Abstract
BACKGROUND: American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) clinical practice guidelines on the evaluation of pulmonary nodules may have low adoption among clinicians in Asian countries. Unique patient characteristics of Asian patients affect the diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary nodules. The objective of these clinical practice guidelines is to adapt those of the ACCP to provide consensus-based recommendations relevant to practitioners in Asia.
METHODS: A modified ADAPTE process was used by a multidisciplinary group of pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons in Asia. An initial panel meeting analysed all ACCP recommendations to achieve consensus on recommendations and identify areas that required further investigation before consensus could be achieved. Revised recommendations were circulated to panel members for iterative review and redrafting to develop the final guidelines.
RESULTS: Evaluation of pulmonary nodules in Asia broadly follows those of the ACCP guidelines with important caveats. Practitioners should be aware of the risk of lung cancer caused by high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution, as well as the high incidence of adenocarcinoma in female non-smokers. Further, the high prevalence of granulomatous disease and other infectious causes of pulmonary nodules need to be considered. Therefore, diagnostic risk calculators developed in non-Asian patients may not be applicable. Overall, longer surveillance of nodules than those recommended by the ACCP should be considered.
CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis in Asia favors lesser reliance on PET scanning and greater use of non-surgical biopsy over surgical diagnosis or surveillance. Practitioners in Asia are encouraged to use these adapted consensus guidelines to facilitate consistent evaluation of pulmonary nodules.
PMID: 26923625 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]