Image-guided cutting-edge-needle biopsy of peripheral lymph nodes and superficial masses for the diagnosis of lymphoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of image-guided cutting-edge-needle biopsy of peripheral lymph nodes and superficial masses for the diagnosis of lymphoma, for which many still advocate open surgical resection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 114 lymphoma patients who presented with peripheral lymphadenopathy and superficial masses and who underwent diagnostic image-guided biopsy. There were 69 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, 38 Hodgkin lymphoma patients, and 7 patients who were evaluated for histologic transformation of CLL or high grade lymphoma. RESULTS: Image-guided needle biopsy was diagnostic in 96/114 (84.2%) patients. The procedure was diagnostic in 59/69 (85.5%) of NHL patients and in 30/38 of Hodgkin disease patients (79%). Diagnoses were achieved for all 7 cases where histologic transformation was suspected. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy is a safe and reliable procedure with a high diagnostic yield. It can be used as a first step in patients suspected of having lymphoma presenting with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes and superficial masses.     

Percutaneous core-needle biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes in the diagnosis and subclassification of malignant lymphomas

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of percutaneous core-needle biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes in the diagnosis and subclassification of malignant lymphomas. In a 1-year period 158 image-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsies of enlarged lymph nodes were performed on 149 consecutive patients using a Tru-cut needle fired by a biopsy gun. In 135 cases the biopsy findings could be confirmed by histologic examination of additional tissue samples (n = 59) or by correlation with the patient's clinical and radiologic course (n = 76). The final diagnoses were malignant lymphoma in 65 cases, leukemic nodal infiltration in 2, nodal metastases from a solid tumor in 37 and benign changes or no evidence of malignancy in 31 cases. The core-needle biopsies correctly diagnosed 58 of 65 malignant lymphomas, corresponding to a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 97%. Fifty-five of the 58 (95%) correctly diagnosed malignant lymphomas could be subclassified on the basis of the core-needle biopsy. Image-guided core-needle biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes with a Tru-cut needle is a useful method for the diagnosis and subclassification of malignant lymphomas.     

Value of FNAC in abnormal axillary lymph nodes with non specific mammograms

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of abnormal axillary lymph nodes identified in patients with nonspecific mammographic findings.

Evaluation of the efficacy of colour Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) to differentiate between benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes. METHODS: During a period of 12 months, 100 untreated patients with clinical evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy (50 patients with clinically suspected malignant/metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy and 50 patients with clinically suspected reactive/benign cervical lymphadenopathy) were prospectively evaluated with CDUS. CDUS was performed for 168 cervical lymph nodes in these 100 patients. Histopathological confirmations were obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy and/or excisional biopsy. To evaluate the efficacy of CDUS, comparison between clinical features, CDUS features and cytological/histological features of enlarged cervical lymph nodes was then done. RESULTS: Initially, clinical examination evaluated 143 cervical lymph nodes. CDUS evaluation discovered additional 25 lymph nodes (143+25 = 168). Correlation of patterns of colour Doppler flow signals with pathological diagnosis showed that central flow for benign nodes and peripheral flow for malignant nodes were highly significant parameters (P < 0.01). CDUS has a higher specificity than clinical evaluation, being 94.28% and 58.76%, respectively. Accuracy of the CDUS examination was also definitely higher than clinical evaluation at 92.85% and 63.67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal vascularity can be used to differentiate benign from malignant lymphadenopathy. Proper judicious CDUS examination provides an opportunity to eliminate the need for biopsy/FNAC in reactive nodes.     

The clinical importance of axillary lymphadenopathy detected on screening mammography: revisited

AIM: The aim of this study was to re-evaluate our protocol for the management of isolated axillary lymphadenopathy (ALP) on mammographic screening. METHODS: In a retrospective review of 200,716 women screened at the South West London Breast Screening Service (SWLBSS) over 7 years, 72 women with ALP with an otherwise normal mammogram were identified. Thirteen patients were not recalled, nine of who had a known underlying diagnosis and the remainder had longstanding unchanged mammograms. Fifty-nine patients were recalled for further clinical assessment and investigations, including ultrasound, further mammographic views, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), blood tests and a chest radiograph. Those with a definite diagnosis were referred for appropriate management and those with benign reactive cytology on FNAC reviewed at 6 weeks with subsequent referral for excision of persisting abnormal nodes. RESULTS: The ultimate diagnosis was benign in 45 cases: 26 benign reactive changes, 11 arthritides, five with dermatological and viral conditions and three with tuberculosis. Malignancy was diagnosed in 13 cases: four with metastatic breast carcinoma and nine with lymphoma/leukaemia. The total number of newly diagnosed malignancies was 20% of women recalled. Another 5% of patients had active tuberculosis. Of the 22 patients with benign reactive cytology, one had significant pathology on excision biopsy: tuberculosis. Over 95% of the results from excision biopsy in these patients did not alter management. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients, the FNAC results were representative of the final excision pathology. The present study suggests that excision biopsy could be omitted for those patients whose FNAC and culture are negative.     

Detection and diagnosis of nonpalpable supraclavicular lymph nodes in lung cancer at CT and US.

PURPOSE: To assess frequency and significance of enlarged nonpalpable supraclavicular lymph nodes by using chest computed tomography (CT) and supraclavicular ultrasonography (US) in patients at initial diagnosis of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients with no prior malignancy who presented with suspected and subsequently proven lung cancer of any stage or a proven but potentially resectable lung cancer were prospectively selected after chest CT. Chest CT and other radiologic findings were reviewed and tabulated. Standardized US technique was used to identify and guide needle biopsy of enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes (> or =0.5 cm short axis). RESULTS: Twenty-two (40%) of 55 patients had supraclavicular abnormalities detected at CT and/or US. In 18 (82%) of the 22 patients, supraclavicular abnormalities were recognizable at CT. Seventeen of 22 patients had malignant nodes, and five patients had benign nodes (n = 3), a cyst (n = 1), or an indeterminate lesion (n = 1) at US-guided supraclavicular needle sampling. There were no complications. Supraclavicular metastases (31% of patients) were about as common as the combined number of patients with indeterminate (n = 13) and probably or proven malignant (n = 6) adrenal nodules (35% of patients). Supraclavicular metastases were often associated with mediastinal adenopathy or suspected extrapulmonary nonnodal metastases (P <.05). CONCLUSION: In many patients with lung cancer, chest CT that includes the neck base followed by US-guided sampling of enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes is a simple and safe method for simultaneously establishing a tissue diagnosis and tumor nonresectability.     

Deep-seated thoracic and abdominal masses: usefulness of ultrasound and computed tomography guidance in fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed under ultrasound and CT guidance in 120 cases. These included abdominal masses (85 cases) and thoracic masses (35 cases) biopsied over a two and a half year period (March 1996 to September 1998). The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of clinico-imaging evaluation and image-guided FNAC to the management of patients with deep-seated mass lesions. Aspirations in the abdomen were performed from various anatomic sites such as liver (56 cases), lymph nodes (18 cases), gastrointestinal tract (three cases), pancreas (six cases), and kidney (two cases). In the thorax, biopsy was performed in the lung (19 cases) and mediastinum (13 cases). In 112 cases (93.4%) FNAC was diagnostic. Of the lesions that were successfully aspirated, 85% were < or = 5 cm in size. No major complication was encountered. All the successful aspirates could be defined as malignant or non-malignant, but tissue differentiation was possible in 63.7% of malignant lesions and 53.8% of benign lesions. Combined clinical and imaging evaluation for malignancy showed 80% sensitivity and 59% specificity. Although clinicoradiological parameters themselves have certain limitations in diagnosing benign versus malignant lesions, in conjunction with guided FNA they are very accurate and safe in diagnosing deep-seated mass lesions in the thorax and in the abdomen. However, the role of FNA in tissue differentiation of solid lesions such as lymphoma requires further study.     

Extrapleural paravertebral CT guided fine needle biopsy of subcarinal lymph nodes

Purpose

To report our experience in CT guided extrapleural paravertebral subcarinal lymph biopsy using a thin 25 gauge (25 G) thin needle without the need of injection of saline to widen the mediastinum.

Materials and methods

Biopsy was performed using a 25 G needle which was advanced lateral to the vertebral body between the endothoracic fascia and the parietal pleura to gain access to subcarinal lymph nodes. One hundred and forty one patients were included in the study (74 females, 57 males). No artificial widening of the mediastinum using saline injection was required. The study was performed in the presence of a cytopathologist; sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated. Complications were documented for each case especially for pneumothorax and haemorrhage.

Results

Cytopathological diagnosis was reached in all cases. All re-aspirations were done in the same session to reach a primary diagnosis at the time of the biopsy. Imunophenotyping study was done in 94 cases to confirm the primary diagnosis and to classify the malignant lesions. No pneumothorax was encountered. Small haematomas were noted in 5 cases (3.5%). Cytopathology showed a sensitivity of 97.2% and specificity of 100%. By adding immunophenotyping a 100% sensitivity and specificity was achieved.

Conclusion

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) using a 25 gauge needle for subcarinal lymph nodes via a percutaneous extrapleural paravertebral CT guided approach is a safe, minimally invasive, and tolerable procedure yielding a high sensitivity and specificity rates without the need of artificial widening.     

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: diagnostic yield of transbronchial mediastinal lymph node biopsy with CT fluoroscopic guidance-initial experience

PURPOSE: To determine whether the use of computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy to guide transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal lymph nodes can improve the diagnostic yield. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT fluoroscopy was used to guide TBNA in 12 consecutive patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy who had previously undergone nondiagnostic conventional TBNA. CT fluoroscopy was used to confirm the location of the biopsy needle by using a "quick-check" technique (ie, fluoroscopy was performed sparingly after needle insertion). The location of each needle, the total procedural and fluoroscopic times, and any complications were recorded. RESULTS: All CT fluoroscopic procedures were performed in less than 1 hour, and a tissue diagnosis was established in all patients. Eighteen lymph nodes with a diameter of 0.8-2.4 cm were sampled with 116 needle passes. CT fluoroscopy documented inadequate positioning in 48 of the 116 (41.3%) needle passes. Eighteen (15.5%) needles did not fully penetrate the tracheobronchial tree. Six needles (5.2%) were placed into the great vessels. Malignant disease was diagnosed in nine patients, and benign disease was diagnosed in three. The mean fluoroscopic exposure time was 20.5 seconds +/- 12.7. No pneumothoraces or substantial hemorrhage were observed. CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopic guidance for TBNA procedures is a safe and efficient means of providing diagnostic material and should be considered for patients who have previously undergone nondiagnostic blinded TBNA.     

Tuberculosis versus lymphomas in the abdominal lymph nodes: evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis in the abdominal lymph nodes may be difficult to distinguish from lymphomas. This study evaluated specific CT imaging criteria for differentiating these entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the anatomic distribution and CT enhancement patterns of disease in 69 patients, 26 (38%) with tuberculosis and 43 (62%) with untreated lymphomas involving abdominal lymph nodes. Of the patients with tuberculosis, five (19%) had disseminated disease and 21 (81%) had nondisseminated disease. Of the patients with lymphomas, 16 (37%) had Hodgkin's disease and 27 (63%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. RESULTS: Disseminated and nondisseminated tuberculosis involved predominantly lesser omental, mesenteric, anterior pararenal, and upper paraaortic lymph nodes. Lower paraaortic lymph nodes were involved more often in Hodgkin's disease (15 patients [94%]), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (24 patients [89%]), and disseminated tuberculosis (five patients [100%]) than in nondisseminated tuberculosis (one patient [5%]). Mesenteric lymph nodes were involved more often in disseminated tuberculosis (four patients [80%]) and nondisseminated tuberculosis (11 patients [52%]) than in Hodgkin's disease (one patient [6%]) (p < .01). Anatomic distribution was not different between disseminated tuberculosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tuberculous lymphadenopathy commonly showed peripheral enhancement, frequently with a multilocular appearance, whereas lymphomatous adenopathy characteristically showed homogeneous attenuation (14 patients [87.5%] with Hodgkin's disease and 19 patients [70%] with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [p < .01]). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the anatomic distribution and specific enhancement patterns of lymphadenopathy seen on contrast-enhanced CT can be useful in differentiating between tuberculosis and untreated lymphomas of the abdominal lymph nodes.     

Image-guided core-needle biopsy of peripheral lymph nodes allows the diagnosis of lymphomas

It is commonly admitted that the diagnosis of lymphomas can be assessed by the image-guided needle biopsy (IGNB) of deep lymph nodes. However, when peripheral lymph nodes are present, surgical dissection remains the standard strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of IGNB of peripheral lymph nodes in patients with suspected lymphomas. The records of 180 multisampling IGNBs of peripheral lymph nodes in 180 patients were reviewed. One hundred and twenty-three IGNBs were observed at first diagnosis and 57 at progression using large-cutting core-biopsy needles ranging between 18 G and 14 G in size. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed in all cases and at least one biopsy was systematically frozen. A diagnosis of lymphoma with sufficient information such that a therapeutic decision could be made was obtained in 146 of the 152 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders (96%). IGNB was equally effective in making the correct diagnosis of lymphoma at the time of original diagnosis than at relapse. The results did not depend on the biopsy site, lymph nodes size, or needle type. We recommend that IGNB may be performed as an initial procedure for the diagnosis of lymphomas either in the presence of peripheral or deep lymph nodes, as it avoids surgery.     

Ultrasound of neck lymph nodes: How to do it and how do they look?

Cervical lymphadenopathy is commonly caused by metastases, lymphoma, tuberculosis and reactive hyperplasia. Before making an accurate diagnosis of pathologic lymph nodes, a clear understanding of the normal appearances of cervical nodes is crucial. Ultrasound examination of cervical lymph nodes is common in routine clinical practice because of its high sensitivity and specificity when combined with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). This article reviews the ultrasound of cervical lymph nodes including classification of the nodes, equipment, scanning technique and sonographic appearances of normal and common abnormal lymph nodes. The sonographic appearance of unusual cervical lymphadenopathy and the value of three-dimensional ultrasound in the volumetric measurements of cervical nodes are also discussed.     

腹部淋巴结结核的CT诊断

目的：研究腹部淋巴结结核的CT表现,提高该疾病的诊断及鉴别诊断水平。方法：搜集14例经病理证实的腹部淋巴结结核,观察受累淋巴结的解剖分布、形态及强化方式特征。结果：肠系膜淋巴结受累8例,胰周小网膜10例,脾门1例,腰3平面以上腹膜后间隙6例,脾肿大10例。多房环形强化10例,均匀强化3例,环形强化1例。结论：腹部淋巴结结核CT表现具有一定的特征性,有助于该疾病的诊断及鉴别诊断。     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology in Hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Cell composition of tumor tissue in Hodgkin's lymphoma is considered to be specific. According to some authors, precise cytomorphological analysis of the specimen obtained by fine needle enables the diagnosis of the histologically well-defined form of lymphoma in a high percentage of cases. However, other authors consider the precise diagnosis of HL based on cytological analysis of a lymph node puncture specimen extremely difficult. The aim of this study was to a assess the diagnostic accuracy of cytomorphological analysis, as well as the possibility of application of this method in establishing the preliminary or even final diagnosis of this form of lymphoma. METHODS: Thirty four samples were analyzed, obtained by fine needle aspiration, in patients examined and treated at the Institute of Hematology, Clinical center of Serbia, Belgrade. Smears were stained by May-Grünvald-Giemsa and Papanicolau methods. RESULTS: The finding of typical multinucleate Reed-Sternberg cells in the smears of lymph node puncture specimen was diagnostically significant, as well as the finding of mononuclear variances of the neoplastic cells of anunusual morphology (Hodgkin's cells). The cell environment in the background of the above-mentioned tumor cells was heterogeneous. It was composed of small lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils and reticular cells. These cell forms, found in cell preparations, resembled those seen in the tissue sections of the relevant extirpated lymph nodes. The comparison of the cytological findings in the fine needle specimen to the subsequently established histological diagnoses of HL revealed a high correlation of 85.2%. CONCLUSION: Cytological examination of fine needle lymph node specimens is still significant for the diagnosis of HL in spite of the development of more sophisticated methods used for verification of the diagnosis of this neoplasm.     

Abdominal computed tomographic findings of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection in HIV seropositive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the computed tomographic (CT) findings of abdominal Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: A retrospective review of the CT findings of 30 patients with HIV and proven MTB (n = 9) or MAI (n = 21) infection was conducted. Images were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to the diagnosis, and the radiologic findings involving the abdominal viscera, peritoneum and lymph nodes were compared. RESULTS: The following were more frequent in patients with MAI infection: hepatomegaly (MAI 71% v. MTB 44%, p < 0.05), uniform attenuation of lymph nodes (MAI 90% v. MTB 55%, p < 0.05) and clustered pattern of lymph nodes (MAI 57% v. MTB 22%, p < 0.05). In patients with MTB infection, lymph nodes with low attenuation centrally were more common (MAI 10% v. MTB 44%, p < 0.05), and mesenteric lymph nodes were significantly larger (MAI mean = 20 mm v. MTB mean = 40 mm, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although nonspecific, CT may be useful in the early diagnosis of MTB and MAI infection, allowing for presumptive treatment before microbiologic confirmation.     

Ultrasound guided Core Biopsy, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Surgical Excision Biopsy in the diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck: an eleven year experience

Introduction

This study aims to review our 11 year experience of diagnosing metastatic squamous cell carcinoma presenting as head and neck lumps. The techniques of Ultrasound guided Core Biopsy (USCB), Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and Surgical Excision Biopsy (SEB) are compared.

Materials and methods

All patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involving the lymph nodes of the head and neck or parotid gland, diagnosed at Eastbourne District General Hospital between January 1998 and November 2009 were identified. The following data items were collated: biopsy location (e.g. cervical lymph node or parotid), any history of likely primary SCC and site, type of biopsy used to establish a conclusive diagnosis (index diagnostic technique), previous biopsies, the technique and their results, subsequent histology results.

Results

A total of 90 patients were diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The index diagnostic technique was USCB in 48 patients, FNAC in 29 and SEB in 13. In 72 (80%) patients the index biopsy was the sole tissue sample taken prior to surgery or other treatment. The remaining 18 patients underwent a total of 22 previous biopsies prior to the index biopsy. 95% (21/22) of these previous biopsies were non-definitive FNAC and 5% (1/22) was a non-definitive USCB. FNACs also demonstrated the highest non-diagnostic rate (42%). The accuracy of USCB and FNAC in correlating with final histopathology was 97% and 85% respectively.

Conclusions

USCB demonstrates excellent results in the diagnosis of metastatic SCC in the head and neck with higher accuracy and greater reliability than FNAC.     

活动性克罗恩病肠系膜淋巴结的CT 影像学研究

目的：探讨活动性克罗恩病(CD)肠系膜淋巴结的 CT 影像学特征。方法回顾性分析经内镜、病理证实的54例活动性 CD 患者的64排螺旋 CT 影像表现,重点观察肠系膜淋巴结的分布、大小、数目、形态及强化情况。结果38例(70.4%)CD 患者出现肠系膜淋巴结增大,总数为242个,其中83.5%(202/242)的淋巴结位于病变邻近肠系膜根部,16.5%(40/242)的淋巴结位于肠系膜周边部;肠系膜根部的淋巴结较周边部的淋巴结稍大,平均最大短径分别为(8.57±2.26)mm、(5.38±0.19)mm;73.6%(178/242)的淋巴结呈卵圆形;增强后淋巴结出现均匀明显强化,强化率为0.53±0.09。结论活动性 CD 常引起肠系膜淋巴结增大,以肠系膜根部淋巴结受累较为明显。     

Image guided percutaneous splenic interventions

AIM: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of image-guided percutaneous splenic interventions as diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our interventional records from July 2001 to June 2006. Ninety-five image-guided percutaneous splenic interventions were performed after informed consent in 89 patients: 64 men and 25 women who ranged in age from 5 months to 71 years (mean, 38.4 years) under ultrasound (n=93) or CT (n=2) guidance. The procedures performed were fine needle aspiration biopsy of focal splenic lesions (n=78) and aspiration (n=10) or percutaneous catheter drainage of a splenic abscess (n=7). RESULTS: Splenic fine needle aspiration biopsy was successful in 62 (83.78%) of 74 patients with benign lesions diagnosed in 43 (58.1%) and malignancy in 19 (25.67%) patients. The most common pathologies included tuberculosis (26 patients, 35.13%) and lymphoma (14 patients, 18.91%). Therapeutic aspiration or pigtail catheter drainage was successful in all (100%) patients. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided splenic fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and accurate technique that can provide a definitive diagnosis in most patients with focal lesions in the spleen. This study also suggests that image-guided percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage of splenic abscesses is a safe and effective alternative to surgery.     

Stomach cancer: prevalence and significance of neck nodal metastases on sonography

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of metastatic neck nodes detected using sonography in patients with stomach cancer at presentation according to primary subsite and to assess the effect of metastatic neck node detection on tumour staging. Imaging and histological records of 233 patients diagnosed with stomach cancer were reviewed. All patients underwent neck ultrasound at presentation with ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for cytology (FNAC) of sonographically abnormal neck nodes. Abnormal nodes were classified positive or negative for metastases based on the FNAC result. Clinical records were also reviewed for evidence of subsequent neck nodal metastases. Sonographically abnormal neck nodes were present in 14/233 (6.0%) patients; 7 were reactive and 7 were metastatic based on FNAC findings and clinical follow-up. Overall, 7/233 (3.0%) patients with stomach cancer had nodal metastases, although tumour stage was altered in only 2/233 (0.9%) patients; 57% of metastatic nodes were impalpable. Nodal metastases from gastric cardia tumours (6%) were more common than from the body (2%) or antrum (3%). Neck node metastases are uncommon in stomach cancer at presentation, are usually associated with extensive intra-abdominal metastatic spread, and adversely influence tumour staging in only a small minority of patients.     

Pleural mesothelioma: sensitivity and incidence of needle track seeding after image-guided biopsy versus surgical biopsy

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the sensitivity of image-guided core-needle biopsy, thoracoscopy, and thoracotomy in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma and to retrospectively determine the incidence of needle track seeding after these procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was not required. The study included 100 consecutive patients (81 men, 19 women; average age, 65.8 years) with pathologically proved malignant pleural mesothelioma who were treated between 1994 and 2002. A total of 23 core-needle biopsies were performed in 22 patients, and 11 of these biopsies were coupled with fine-needle aspiration biopsy. A coaxial technique was used, and biopsy was performed with fluoroscopic (12 biopsies), computed tomographic (10 biopsies), or ultrasonographic (one biopsy) guidance. Sixty-nine patients underwent surgical biopsy in the form of thoracoscopy (n = 51) and/or thoracotomy (n = 21). Patients were followed up clinically for any evidence of needle track seeding after image-guided or surgical procedures. The sensitivity of diagnostic procedures and the incidence of needle track seeding as a result of intervention were calculated. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 86% for image-guided core-needle biopsy, 94% for thoracoscopy, and 100% for thoracotomy. The incidence of needle track seeding was 4% for image-guided core-needle biopsy and 22% for surgical biopsy. CONCLUSION: Image-guided core-needle biopsy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma has a lower incidence of needle track seeding than surgical biopsy and has a high sensitivity for diagnosis.