Breath-hold after forced expiration before removal of the biopsy needle decreased the rate of pneumothorax in CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy

Purpose

To assess the effect of a breath-hold after forced expiration on the rate of pneumothorax after computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions.

Materials and methods

Between January 2008 and December 2011, percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy was performed in 440 patients. Two hundred and twenty-one biopsies were performed without (control group) and two hundred and nineteen biopsies were performed with (study group) the study maneuver – a breath-hold after forced expiratory approach. Multivariate analysis was performed between groups for risk factors for pneumothorax, including patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and biopsy technique.

Results

A reduced number of pneumothoraces (18 [8.2%] vs 35 [15.8%]; P = 0.014) but no significant difference in rate of drainage catheter insertions (2 [0.9%] vs (4 [1.8%]; P = 0.418) were noted in the study group as compared with the control group. By logistic regression analysis, three factors significantly and independently affected the risk for pneumothorax including lesion size (transverse and longitudinal diameter), distance from pleura and utilizing or avoiding the breath-hold after deep expiration maneuver.

Conclusion

Breath-holding after forced expiration before removal of the biopsy needle during the percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy almost halved the rate of overall pneumothorax. Small lesion size (longitudinal diameter) and the distance from pleura were also predictors of pneumothorax in our study.     

Pneumothorax post CT-guided lung biopsy: a comparison between detection on chest radiographs and CT

Pneumothorax is reported to be a more common complication of lung biopsy performed under computed tomography (CT) than under fluoroscopic guidance. This may simply reflect the greater sensitivity of CT over chest radiographs (CXRs) in the detection of small pneumothoraces. This study aimed to determine the incidence of pneumothorax detected by CXR and by CT after CT-guided biopsy of non-pleurally based pulmonary masses, and to compare these incidences with previous reports in the literature of pneumothorax incidence post fluoroscopic biopsy. 88 consecutive CT-guided lung biopsies of masses not abutting the pleural surface were included. Immediate post-biopsy CT images, and 1 and 4 h CXRs were assessed independently by two observers for the presence and size of pneumothorax. 72 biopsies were fine needle aspirations (FNAs) performed with 22 G spinal needles only, seven were cutting needle biopsies (CNBs) performed with 18 G cutting needles only, and nine were both. 37 patients (42%) developed a pneumothorax. 35 were detected on CT (40%) and 22 on CXR (25%). None required tube drainage. Of the patients in whom CT demonstrated a pneumothorax, the average depth of this was significantly greater for those in whom CXR also detected a pneumothorax compared with those in whom CXR was negative (7.3 mm versus 3.4 mm, p < 0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax detected on CXR post CT-guided biopsy is similar to the reported incidence post fluoroscopic biopsy.     

Risk factors for pneumothorax and bleeding after CT-guided percutaneous coaxial cutting needle biopsy of lung lesions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for pneumothorax and bleeding after computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous coaxial cutting needle biopsy of lung lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 117 consecutive patients with 117 intrapulmonary lesions. Statistical analysis of factors related to patient characteristics, lung lesions, and biopsy technique was performed to determine possible contribution to the occurrence of pneumothorax and bleeding. Interactions between related factors were considered to prevent colinearity. RESULTS: Pneumothorax occurred in 12% (14 of 117) of patients. Needle aspiration of two moderate asymptomatic pneumothoraces were performed; there was no chest tube insertion. Lesion depth (P =.0097), measured from the pleural puncture site to the edge of the intrapulmonary lesion along the needle path, was the single significant predictor of pneumothorax. The highest risk of pneumothorax occurred in subpleural lesions 2 cm or shorter in depth (this represented 33% of lung lesions but caused 71% of all pneumothoraces; OR = 7.1; 95% CI, 1.3-50.8). Bleeding presented as lung parenchyma hemorrhage and hemoptysis in 30 patients (26%). Hemoptysis occurred in four patients (3%). Univariate analysis identified lesion depth (P <.0001), lesion size (P <.015), and pathology type (P =.007) as risk factors for bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified lesion depth as the most important risk factor, with the highest bleeding risk for lesions more than 2 cm deep (14% of lesions caused 46% of all bleeding; OR = 17.3; 95% CI, 3.3-121.4). CONCLUSIONS: In CT-guided coaxial cutting needle biopsy, lesion depth is the single predictor for risk of pneumothorax, which occurs at the highest rate in subpleural lesions. Increased risk of bleeding occurs in lesions deeper than 2 cm.     

Variables affecting the risk of pneumothorax and intrapulmonal hemorrhage in CT-guided transthoracic biopsy

The influence of various variables on the rate of pneumothorax and intrapulmonal hemorrhage associated with computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of the lung were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and thirty-three patients underwent CT guided biopsy of a pulmonary lesion. Two patients were biopsied twice. Variables analyzed were lesion size, lesion location, number of pleural needle passes, lesion margin, length of intrapulmonal biopsy path and puncture time. Eighteen-gauge (18G) cutting needles (Trucut, Somatex, Teltow, Germany) were used for biopsy. Pneumothorax occurred in 23 of 135 biopsies (17%). Chest tube placement was required in three out of 23 cases of pneumothorax (2% of all biopsies). Pneumothorax rate was significantly higher when the lesions were located in the lung parenchyma compared with locations at the pleura or chest wall (P < 0.05), but all pneumothorax cases which required chest tube treatment occurred in lesions located less than 2 cm from the pleura. Longer puncture time led to an increase in pneumothorax rate (P < 0.05). Thirty-seven (27%) out of 135 biopsies showed perifocal hemorrhage. Intrapulmonal biopsy paths longer than 4 cm showed significantly higher numbers of perifocal hemorrhage and pneumothorax (P < 0.05). Significantly more hemorrhage occurred when the pleura was penetrated twice during the puncture (P < 0.05). Lesion size <4 cm is strongly correlated with higher occurrence of perifocal hemorrhage (P < 0.05). Lesion margination showed no significant effect on complication rate. CT-guided biopsy of smaller lesions correlates with a higher bleeding rate. Puncture time should be minimized to reduce pneumothorax rate. Passing the pleura twice significantly increases the risk of hemorrhage. Intrapulmonal biopsy paths longer than 4 cm showed significantly higher numbers of perifocal hemorrhage as well as pneumothorax.     

Risk factor analysis of pulmonary hemorrhage complicating CT-guided lung biopsy in coaxial and non-coaxial core biopsy techniques in 650 patients

Purpose

To evaluate the risk factors involved in the development of pulmonary hemorrhage complicating CT-guided biopsy of pulmonary lesions in coaxial and non-coaxial techniques.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study included CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies in 650 consecutive patients (407 males, 243 females; mean age 54.6 years, SD: 5.2) from November 2008 to June 2013. Patients were classified according to lung biopsy technique in coaxial group (318 lesions) and non-coaxial group (332 lesions). Exclusion criteria for biopsy were: lesions <5 mm in diameter, uncorrectable coagulopathy, positive-pressure ventilation, severe respiratory compromise, pulmonary arterial hypertension or refusal of the procedure. Risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage complicating lung biopsy were classified into: (a) patient's related risk factors, (b) lesion's related risk factors and (d) technical risk factors. Radiological assessments were performed by two radiologists in consensus. Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact tests for statistical analysis. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 19.6% (65/332) in non-coaxial group and 22.3% (71/318) in coaxial group. The difference in incidence between both groups was statistically insignificant (p = 0.27). Hemoptysis developed in 5.4% (18/332) and in 6.3% (20/318) in the non-coaxial and coaxial groups respectively. Traversing pulmonary vessels in the needle biopsy track was a significant risk factor of the development pulmonary hemorrhage (incidence: 55.4% (36/65, p = 0.0003) in the non-coaxial group and 57.7% (41/71, p = 0.0013) in coaxial group). Other significant risk factors included: lesions of less than 2 cm (p value of 0.01 and 0.02 in non-coaxial and coaxial groups respectively), basal and middle zonal lesions in comparison to upper zonal lung lesions (p = 0.002 and 0.03 in non-coaxial and coaxial groups respectively), increased lesion's depth from the pleural surface (p = 0.021 and 0.018 in non-coaxial and coaxial groups respectively), increased distance of traversed lung in the needle track of more than 2.5 cm (p = 0.001 in both groups). Insignificant risk factors were patient's age, gender or emphysema in both groups (p value >0.1 in both groups). Concomitant incidence of pneumothorax was 32.3% (21/65) in non-coaxial group and 36.6% (26/71) in coaxial group. Pulmonary hemorrhage in the majority of cases was treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Pulmonary hemorrhage complicating CT-guided core biopsy of pulmonary lesions, showed insignificant difference between coaxial and non-coaxial techniques. Significant risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage included small and basal lesions, increased lesion's depth from pleural surface, increased length of aerated lung parenchyma crossed by biopsy needle and passing through vessels within the lung during puncture.     

CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy: comparison of conventional CT fluoroscopy to CT fluoroscopy with electromagnetic navigation system in 60 consecutive patients

Purpose

To determine if use of an electromagnetic navigation system (EMN) decreases radiation dose and procedure time of CT fluoroscopy guided lung biopsy in lesions smaller than 2.5 cm.

Materials/methods

86 consecutive patients with small lung masses (<2.5 cm) were approached. 60 consented and were randomized to undergo biopsy with CT fluoroscopy (CTF) (34 patients) or EMN (26 patients). Technical failure required conversion to CTF in 8/26 EMN patients; 18 patients completed biopsy with EMN. Numerous biopsy parameters were compared as described below.

Results

Average fluoroscopy time using CTF was 28.2 s compared to 35.0 s for EMN (p = 0.1). Average radiation dose was 117 mGy using CTF and 123 mGy for EMN (p = 0.7). Average number of needle repositions was 3.7 for CTF and 4.4 for EMN (p = 0.4). Average procedure time was 15 min for CTF and 20 min for EMN (p = 0.01). There were 7 pneumothoracesin the CTF group and 6 pneumothoraces in the EMN group (p = 0.7). One pneumothorax in the CTF group and 3 pneumothoraces in the EMN group required chest tube placement (p = 0.1). One pneumothorax patient in each group required hospital admission. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 31/34 patients in the CTF group and 22/26 patients in the EMN group (p = 0.4).

Conclusions

EMN was not statistically different than CTF for fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, number of needle repositions, incidence of pneumothorax, need for chest tube, or diagnostic yield. Procedure time was increased with EMN.     

Prostate biopsy after ano-rectal resection: value of CT-guided trans-gluteal biopsy

We describe our single-institutional experience with computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transgluteal biopsy of the prostate in patients in whom transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy is precluded by prior ano-rectal resection. Between March 1995 and April 2007, 22 patients had 34 prostate biopsies (mean age 68; mean PSA 29 ng/ml; mean follow-up 6.1 years). The charts of patients who had transgluteal biopsy were reviewed for demographic, complications and pathology. Ninety-five percent (21/22) of primary biopsies were diagnostic. Of the 21 diagnostic biopsies, 11 were positive for prostate cancer and ten were definitive benign samples. Seventy-three percent (8/11) of the patients had progressive PSA elevation that mandated 11 further prostate biopsies. Six patients had a second biopsy, one patient had a third and one patient had a fourth biopsy. Among patients who had serial biopsies, 38% (3/8) had prostate cancer. No complications or death occurred. A malignant biopsy was not significantly associated with core number (P = 0.58) or a high PSA level (P = 0.15). CT-guided transgluteal biopsy of the prostate is safe and effective.     

CT导引下3 cm以下肺结节切割针活检的价值

目的评价多排螺旋CT引导下经皮肺切割针活检直径≤3 cm肺结节的价值.方法 CT引导下经皮肺穿刺活检肺部病灶直径≤3 cm结节81例,用意大利或美国20 G活检针对病灶至少穿刺取材2次.结果肺结节穿刺准确率达100%,病理证实恶性病灶56例,良性病灶24例;其中结节太小取材少不能定性1例,诊断准确率为98.76%.并发症中发生气胸12例(14.81%)、咯血15例(18.52%),穿刺针通过肺大泡而没有引起气胸1例,无严重并发症发生.结论 CT引导经皮穿刺直径≤3 cm肺部结节活检的准确性高且发生并发症较低,可作为肺内3 cm以下孤立性结节灶在临床治疗前病理诊断的首选方法.     

CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy of small (< or = 20 mm) solitary pulmonary nodules

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and to analyze the factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy and incidences of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion rates for percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsy of small (< or = 20 mm) solitary pulmonary nodules. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-two patients with 162 small solitary pulmonary nodules underwent CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy. The overall diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rate, and chest tube insertion rate were calculated. Factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy and pneumothorax rate were statistically evaluated. Influencing factors, diagnostic accuracies, pneumothorax rates, and chest tube insertion rates were statistically compared. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic accuracy, pneumothorax rate, and chest tube insertion rate were 77.2%, 28.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly affected by length of needle path and lesion size (p < 0.05). The pneumothorax rate was significantly affected by the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, the number of punctures, and the needle path length (p < 0.05). The chest tube insertion rate was significantly affected by the number of punctures (p < 0.05). For diagnostic accuracy, needle path lengths of 40 mm or less and lesion sizes greater than 10 mm were significantly more accurate than other factors (p < 0.05). For pneumothorax rates, a percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec of greater than 70%, a single puncture, and a needle path length of 40 mm or less were significantly lower than other factors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy is a useful diagnostic tool for small solitary pulmonary nodules smaller than 20 mm in diameter. The diagnostic accuracy is significantly improved for large (> 10 mm) lesion size and short (< or = 40 mm) needle path length.     

Stereotactic large-core needle breast biopsy: analysis of pain and discomfort related to the biopsy procedure

The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of variables such as duration of the procedure, type of breast tissue, number of passes, depth of the biopsies, underlying pathology, the operator performing the procedure, and their effect on women’s perception of pain and discomfort during stereotactic large-core needle breast biopsy. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with a non-palpable suspicious mammographic lesions were included. Between three and nine 14-gauge breast passes were taken using a prone stereotactic table. Following the biopsy procedure, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire. There was no discomfort in lying on the prone table. There is no relation between type of breast lesion and pain, underlying pathology and pain and performing operator and pain. The type of breast tissue is correlated with pain experienced from biopsy (P = 0.0001). We found out that patients with dense breast tissue complain of more pain from biopsy than patients with more involution of breast tissue. The depth of the biopsy correlates with pain from biopsy (P = 0.0028). Deep lesions are more painful than superficial ones. There is a correlation between the number of passes and pain in the neck (P = 0.0188) and shoulder (P = 0.0366). The duration of the procedure is correlated with pain experienced in the neck (P = 0.0116) but not with pain experienced from biopsy.     

MR-guided liver biopsy within a short, wide-bore 1.5 Tesla MR system

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions within a short, wide-bore 1.5-T MR system and to determine the duration and accuracy of needle placement using MR fluoroscopy guidance in 25 patients. Accuracy of needle placement was evaluated in two orthogonal planes, and the out-of-plane angle of needle deflection was measured. Needle positioning was characterised subjectively as centred, peripheral, or exterior relative to the lesion. Exterior positioning was corrected by a step-by-step procedure. Surgical resection (n = 6), previous histologies (n = 8), or clinical/radiological follow-up (n = 11) served as the ‘gold standard’. The guidance needle could be placed successfully using MR fluoroscopy in 20 of 25 patients (80%). Needle placement was rated as ‘centred’ in 11 and as ‘peripheral’ in nine patients. Median needle deflection was 2.6 degrees, with a median deviation of 3.4 mm. In five patients, the direct approach failed or was rated as ‘exterior’; therefore, repositioning after needle stabilisation with a stainless-steel stylet was necessary. The diagnostic yield of all biopsies was: sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 100.0% and accuracy 96.0%. In conclusion, MR-guided biopsies in a short, wide-bore MR system yielded highly reliable biopsy results, and in most cases the direct approach with MR fluoroscopy guidance proved to be fast and accurate.     

Percutaneous CT-Guided Biopsy of the Lung: Comparison Between Aspiration and Automated Cutting Needles Using a Coaxial Technique

Purpose: To compare the accuracy and complication rate of two different CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy techniques: fine needle aspiration and an automated biopsy device. Methods: Two consecutive series of respectively 125 (group A) and 98 (group B) biopsies performed using 20–22 gauge coaxial fine needle aspiration (group A) and an automated 19.5 gauge coaxial biopsy device (group B) were compared in terms of their accuracy and complication rate. Results: Groups A and B included respectively 100 (80%) and 77 (79%) malignant lesions and 25 (20%) and 18 (21%) benign lesions. No significant difference was found between the two series concerning patients, lesions, and procedural variables. For a diagnosis of malignancy, a statistically significant difference in sensitivity was found (82.7% vs 97.4%) between results obtained with the automated biopsy device and fine needle aspiration respectively. For a diagnosis of malignancy, the false negative rate of the biopsy result was significantly higher (p <0.005) in group A (17%) than in group B (2.6%). For a specific diagnosis of benignity, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (44% vs 26%) but the automated biopsy device provided fewer indeterminate cases. There was no difference between the two groups concerning the pneumothorax rate, which was 20% in group A and 15% in group B, or the hemoptysis rate, which was 2.4% in group A and 4% in group B. Conclusion: For a diagnosis of malignancy when a cytopathologist is not available on-site, automated biopsy devices provide a lower rate of false negative results and a similar complication rate to fine needle aspiration.     

CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy

CT-guided biopsy of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions is safe and effective. It is most valuable in those cases in which fluoroscopic guidance is not possible due to resolution or anatomic consideration. CT guidance permits puncture of lesions as small as 0.5 cm, typically not seen fluoroscopically. Sensitivity of biopsy in malignant lung lesions in our series of 83 cases was 92%. Pneumothorax is the most frequent complication (10–60%) and requires chest tube insertion in 5–15% of patients.     

CT-guided needle biopsy of the lung: factors affecting risk of complications

PURPOSE: To analyze factors influencing the risk of complications associated with CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy for lung lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients, aged 24-85 years (37 men and 23 women), underwent CT-guided needle biopsy. A definite diagnosis was made in 49 of 60 cases (81.7%), including 38 of 43 malignant lesions (88.4%) and 11 of 17 benign lesions (64.7%). Complications associated with biopsy were observed in 35 patients (58.3%). Major complications included pneumothorax (n = 26) and pulmonary hemorrhage (n = 20). Chest tube placement was needed in 5 (19.2%) of 26 pneumothorax cases (8.3% of all biopsies). RESULTS: The high frequency of pneumothorax (43.3%) in this series had several contributing factors, including the presence of pulmonary emphysema, lesion size, and traversal of aerated lung. Chest tube replacement was necessary more frequently in patients with pulmonary emphysema. The number of pleural passes, location of lesions, and size of needles were not correlated with the incidence of pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: The presence of pulmonary emphysema, lesion size, and traversal of aerated lung are the predominant risk factors for pneumothorax in patients with CT-guided lung biopsy.     

Laser-guided computed tomography puncture system: simulation experiments using artificial phantom lesions and preliminary clinical experience

Purpose To conduct computed tomography (CT)-guided puncture exactly and safely, we newly developed a laser guiding puncture system that can be used in a commercially available CT scanner. Materials and methods The laser-guided CT puncture system is built on the CT table with an aluminum frame. Preliminary simulation tests were conducted using two models representing the body and nodular lesions, and puncture procedures were carried out for 15 patients using this system. Results The mean distance and standard deviation from the center in simulation experiments conducted using this puncture system were 2.95 ± 1.20 mm for operator A and 3.52 ± 1.12 mm for operator B. There was no statistically significant difference between the operators (P = 0.40) or the angles (P = 0.32). For five lung biopsy patients, the distance from the target point planned before biopsy to the actual last puncture point was 0–8 mm. For 10 percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) patients (two performed in Th11, one in Th12, five in L1, two in L2), the plan before the puncture procedure was to pass the needle through the vertebral pedicle in all cases. The distance between the planned target point and the actual last puncture point was 0–5 mm. Conclusion This system has the potential to accomplish the CT-guided puncture procedure safely and accurately.     

CT引导下经皮肺穿刺活检对肺部病变的诊断价值

目的 探讨CT引导下经皮肺穿刺活检的效果及临床价值.方法 回顾性分析60例行CT引导下经皮肺穿刺活检术患者的临床与影像资料.结果 60例患者中,57例经病理明确诊断,其中原发性肺癌47例(腺癌21例,鳞癌18例,小细胞癌3例,肺泡癌5例),转移性肺癌7例,结核3例.3例病理报告为慢性炎症,未做出明确诊断, 术后病理证实干酪性肺炎2例,真菌感染1例.60例患者穿刺成功率100.0%,诊断准确率95.0%,并发症发生率21.7%(气胸7例,占11.7%,出血5例,占8.3%,针道出血1例,占1.7%).结论 CT引导下经皮肺穿刺活检术是一种安全、准确、有较高临床应用价值的诊断和鉴别肺内病变的方法.     

CT-guided transthoracic cutting needle biopsy of intrathoracic lesions: comparison between coaxial and single needle technique

Purpose

To evaluate the complication rates and diagnostic accuracy of two different CT-guided transthoracic cutting needle biopsy techniques: coaxial method and single needle method.

Methods

This study involved 198 consecutive subjects with 198 intrathoracic lesions. The first 98 consecutive subjects received a single needle cutting technique and the next 100 consecutive subjects received a coaxial technique. Both groups were compared in relation the diagnostic accuracy and complication rates.

Results

No significant difference was found between the two groups concerning patient characteristics, lesions and procedure variables. There was a borderline statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax at within 24-h post biopsy between patients in the single needle group (5%) and the coaxial group (13%) (P = 0.053). Little difference was found in the pneumothorax rate at immediately post biopsy between the two groups, which was 28% in the single needle group and 31% in the coaxial group. There was no significant difference in the hemoptysis rate between the two groups, which was 9.2% in the single needle group and 11% in the coaxial group. Both techniques yielded an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98% for malignant lesions with similar sensitivity (single needle: 96.9% vs. coaxial: 96.4%) and specificity (single needle: 100% vs. coaxial: 100%).

Conclusion

There is little difference in the pneumothorax rates and bleeding complications between patients who either received a single needle or a coaxial transthoracic cutting biopsy. Both techniques produce an overall diagnostic accuracy of 98% for malignant lesions.     

CT-guided core biopsy and percutaneous fiducial seed placement in the lung: Can these procedures be combined without an increase in complication rate or decrease in technical success?

Objective

To determine if concomitant CT-guided biopsy and percutaneous fiducial seed placement in the lung can be performed in a selective patient population without increased complication or decreased success rates compared to either procedure alone.

Materials and methods

An IRB approved retrospective analysis of 285 consecutive patients that underwent CT-guided placement of fiducial seeds in the lung alone (N = 63), with concomitant core biopsy (N = 53) or only core biopsy (N = 169) was performed. Variables compared included: patient demographics, lesion size, depth from pleura, needle size, number of passes through pleura, number and size of core biopsies, number of seeds placed and technical success rates. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate pair-wise comparisons.

Results

A pathologic diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in all cases undergoing seed placement alone and seed placement with concurrent biopsy, and in 144 of the biopsy alone lesions. On univariate analysis, major complication rates were similar for all three groups as were lesion size, depth, number of pleural passes, and technical success. Pair-wise comparisons of the remaining variables demonstrated a significant younger age and smaller needle size in the biopsy only group, and less minor complications in the fiducial only group. Overall there were 80/285 (28.1%) minor and 29/285 (10.2%) major complications. All major complications leading to admission consisted of either pneumothorax or hemothorax, while minor complications included asymptomatic stable or resolving pneumothoraces, transient hemoptysis or small hemothoraces.

Conclusions

A combined procedure of percutaneous pulmonary core biopsy and stereotactic seed placement can be performed without additional risk of a major complication when compared to performing these separately.     

Diagnostic accuracy and safety of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in cavitary pulmonary lesions

Objective

CT-guided transthoracic biopsy is a well-established method in the cytologic or histologic diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. The knowledge of its diagnostic performance and complications for cavitary pulmonary lesions is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and safety of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in cavitary pulmonary lesions.

Materials and methods

102 consecutive patients with pulmonary cavitary lesions received CT-guided FNAB with use of an 18-gauge (n = 35) or 20-gauge (n = 67) Chiba for histology diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAB were calculated as compared with the final diagnosis. Complications associated with FNAB were observed. The diagnostic accuracy and complications were compared between patients with different lesion sizes and different cavity wall thickness.

Results

The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAB were 96.3%, 98.0%, and 96.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy in different lesion size (<2 cm vs ≥2 cm), or different cavity wall thickness (<5 mm vs ≥5 mm) were not different (P > 0.05; 0.235). More nondiagnostic sample was found in wall thickness <5 mm lesions (P = 0.017). Associated complications included pneumothorax in 9 (8.8%) patients and alveolar hemorrhage in 14 patients (13.7%) and hemoptysis in 1 patient (1%). No different rate of complications was found with regard to lesion size, wall thickness, length of the needle path and needle size (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

CT-guided FNAB can be effectively ad safely used for patients with pulmonary cavitary lesions.     

CT guided percutaneous fine needle biopsy of small lung lesions in outpatients. Safety and efficacy of the procedure compared to inpatients

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of CT-guided fine needle biopsy (FNAB) of small (<15 mm) lung lesions in inpatients and outpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 108 consecutive inpatients (69 M, 39 F, mean age 56) and 121 consecutive outpatients (90 M, 31 F, mean age 50) who underwent CT-guided FNAB of small lung lesions were included. Lesion size, depth, number of needle passes, presence of emphysema were recorded. 22 G Chiba needles and the roll-over technique were used for all patients; if no significant pneumothorax was detected after FNAB, outpatients were allowed to go home and instructed to return in case of complications. The incidence of pneumothorax and other complications, sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: 12 inpatients and 33 outpatients were lost to follow-up. No statistical differences were observed in lesion size, depth, needle passes, presence of emphysema between the groups. We had 15 pneumothoraces in inpatients, 4 requiring a chest tube, 12 in outpatients, 2 requiring a tube. Diagnostic accuracy was 92.7% in inpatients and 90.9% in outpatients. There were 7 false negatives in inpatients and 8 in outpatients, with negative predictive value of 79% and 78%, respectively. There were no false positives. All differences are nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided FNAB of small lung lesions is an equally safe and effective procedure in inpatients and outpatients; outpatient performance of FNAB can decrease costs.