CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of small lung nodules in children

Malignant pulmonary nodules in a patient with neoplasia alters clinical staging and therapy. Although it may be difficult, it is imperative to obtain a tissue diagnosis of such nodules. We describe a coaxial technique using controlled respirations, which we have found useful for biopsy of small pulmonary nodules in children. Clinical records, imaging and pathology (histology and cytology) were reviewed for 17 children who had 18 nodules biopsied in the method described. A diagnosis of malignant or benign tissue was made in 15 nodules. One biopsy was inadequate and there was one false-negative. Adequate cores were obtained in 15 nodules, cytology in 2 and inadequate material in 1. There was no significant morbidity.