Thoracic core needle biopsy using ultrasound guidance

This article demonstrates the usefulness of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of thoracic lesions. Between January 1997 and June 2000, 45 US-guided core needle biopsies were performed in the department of radiology. This method was chosen in every case when the lesion abutted the chest wall. Conventional histologic examinations supplemented by immunohistochemical methods were performed. The location and size of the mass, the number of samplings, the needle size, the histologic results, and any complications were recorded. Twenty-two lesions reached the anterior, six reached the lateral, and 14 reached the posterior chest wall. Biopsies were performed on three masses from the supraclavicular region. The mean diameter was 4.5 cm and the number of passes was 1.8; 18-G, 16-G, and 14-G needles were used in 41, two, and two cases, respectively. In 43 of the 45 cases (95.68%), an exact histologic diagnosis could be provided. In two cases, only necrotic tissue was seen in the biopsy sample. No major complications occurred. Minor complications, including pain and collaptiform weakness, were documented in four patients. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of thoracic lesions is a safe, quick, and accurate method. For diagnosing thoracic lesions, a single sample with an 18-G biopsy needle is sufficient to achieve a final diagnosis when using appropriate histologic methods.