Ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in peripheral pulmonary masses

The value of ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy and abscess drainage was assessed in 155 patients with thoracic consolidations adjacent to the chest wall. Biopsies were performed with 18- or 19-gauge tissue core biopsy needles. Correct diagnosis was achieved in 91% (92% in neoplasmas, 87% in non-neoplastic consolidations). Ultrasound guided percutaneous lung abscess drainage was successful in 13 cases. Six patients developed complications: one small pneumothorax, two pneumothoraces requiring a chest tube, two mild and one moderate hemoptyses. Ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy is an accurate, safe and well-tolerated procedure. It provides adequate specimens for routine histologic examination and also permits successful drainage of pulmonary abscesses.