[Ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy - safety and efficaces]

The biopsy of pulmonary neoplasms localized in close proximity of the thoracic wall and the histological examination of the specimens represent an important diagonstic tool in the work up of benign and malign pulmonary tumours. The biopsy techniques differ with respect to the guiding imaging method, the devices used and the quantity of specimen. This study investigates efficacy and safety of the ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy.

46 consecutive patients (n = 37 male; n = 9 female) with a mean age of 64.4 years were included in this analysis. 13 patients suffered from COPD with a mean residual volume in per cent of total lung capacity of 61.9 +/- 12.6 %. 43 pulmonary or pleural and 3 mediastinal neoplasms were investigated. The neoplasm reached the pleura in 41 cases. The mean tumours sizes was 59.1 +/- 30.6 mm.

The target structure was localized by ultrasound. The ultrasound probe and in its orientation to the target structure was fluoroscopically visualized. Local anaesthesia and sampling were performed in the same orientation under fluoroscopic control. Using the BioPince device (Medical Device Technologies, Inc.; Florida, USA; length 150 mm; Gauge: 18) two to five biopsy cylinders were taken. Chest X-ray was performed within some hours to rule out pneumothorax.

The histological examination provided the diagnosis in 44 of 46 cases (95.6 %): lung cancer n = 29, other malign tumours n = 9; benign tumours n = 6). Complications were observed in three patients: haemoptysis, cutaneous emphysema (without need for intervention), pneumothorax with consecutive chest tube placement (one case each).

The ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy may be regarded as a safe diagnostic procedure. Complications, even in patients with structural lung disease are in the range of comparable techniques.