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. 2007 Nov-Dec;158(6):509-13.

Computed-tomographic-guided biopsy of thoracic nodules: a revision of 583 lesions

V D'Alessandro  1 , T Parracino, A Stranieri, A Greco, A De Cata, M Sperandeo, G Mazzoccoli, E Maiello, G Vendemiale
Affiliations
  • PMID: 18265716

Computed-tomographic-guided biopsy of thoracic nodules: a revision of 583 lesions

V D'Alessandro et al. Clin Ter. 2007 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: In pulmonary lesions, when bronchial or trans-bronchial biopsy is negative, thoracic Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) allows to obtain a cytological or histological diagnosis. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the usefulness of CT-guided FNAB to define the nature of pulmonary or thoracic lesions.

Materials and methods: Between May 1995 and September 2005, 583 patients (453 males, 133 females), with thoracic lesions, without evident intrabronchial neoplasm, underwent CT-guided FNAB of thoracic nodules. FNAB was performed with 19-20-21 gauge needles, disposable soft tissue, automatic aspiration biopsy Menghini set, 10-15 cm long.

Results: In 292 patients (50%) lesions were < or = 3 cm diameter. Post biopsy pneumothorax occurred in 103 (18%) patients, with 29 patients requiring chest tube placement. Post biopsy haemoptysis occurred in 21 (4%) patients, but no patient required treatment for haemoptysis. There were 72 benign lesions (16 neoplasms) and 491 cancers (456 primary, 35 metastasis). Diagnostic accuracy was 93% and sensitivity for malignancy 93%.

Conclusions: FNAB has excellent diagnostic rates and is a suitable technique for diagnosing thoracic lesions.

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