Accuracy and complications in computed tomography fluoroscopy-guided needle biopsies of lung masses

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and frequency of complications of lung biopsy procedures with or without CTF guidance of needle insertion. Records and images of 99 consecutive percutaneous coaxial cutting needle lung biopsy procedures performed on 85 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-seven and 42 procedures had been done with and without CTF guidance, respectively. Histological results were compared to diagnosis after surgery or after a follow-up period of 12 months. Diagnostic accuracy and the occurrence of pneumothorax and/or bleeding related to the procedures were registered. The level of accuracy of the diagnosis was comparable. The diagnostic accuracy was 96% (50/52) and 95% (34/36) sensitivity 95% (35/37) and 93% (26/28), specificity 100% (15/15) and 100% (8/8) with CTF and conventional CT techniques, respectively. There were fewer post procedure pneumothoraces using the CTF than conventional technique [26% (15/57) vs. 38% (16/42)], but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.274). The insertion of a chest tube was required in only one (2%) procedure using the CTF technique, while this was needed in four (10%) using the conventional technique. Small or large hemorrhages occurred in 23% of the procedures, with no apparent difference between the two groups. In conclusion, CTF-guided biopsy of lung lesions provides high diagnostic accuracy, comparable to that of conventional CT-guided procedures, with a low rate of complications, even for small tumors.