Impalpable thoracic bony lesions diagnosed by sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy

Impalpable osteolytic lesions may be detected and diagnosed by ultrasonography and sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy. Eleven cases with bone destruction found on chest radiographs were proved to be malignant by sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy. The bony lesions were all hypoechoic and could be demonstrated easily. No complications or discomfort occurred after needle aspiration. Bony lesions can be detected by ultrasonography only when pathologic changes have occurred. Ultrasonography and sonographically guided needle aspiration biopsy provide a simple, convenient, and non-invasive method for detecting and diagnosing impalpable osteolytic lesions.