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CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy in oncology outpatients: sensitivity, specificity, complications
Sebastian Steil1, Sebastian Zerwas, Georg Moos
1Radiologisches Institut, Hohenzollernstrasse 64, Koblenz, Germany. info@radiologie-koblenz.de
Background:
Inpatient CT-guided core needle biopsies are an integral diagnostic method to obtain a histology from lesions of unknown dignity in oncology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility, sensitivity, specificity, and complication rate of diagnostic CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsies in oncology outpatients.
Patients And Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data of all oncology outpatients who received CT-guided core needle biopsies between August 2001 and March 2005.
Results:
432 outpatients received 465 CT-guided core needle biopsies using a 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge coaxial cutting needle. 174 patients (37%) were biopsied for intra-abdominal lesions, 130 (28%) for intrathoracic lesions, 55 (12%) for bone lesions, 40 (9%) for peripheral tumors, 36 (8%) for peripheral lymph nodes, and 30 (7%) for central lymph nodes. 249 (53%) biopsies were performed in local anesthesia, 216 (47%) in general anesthesia. Sensitivity was 94%, specificity 92%, and effective accuracy 92%. Complications occurred after 23 biopsies (4.9%). A pneumothorax occurred after 17 thorax biopsies (13%). 7 patients (1.5%) had to be hospitalized after the biopsy. No patient died due to the procedure.
Conclusion:
CT-guided core needle biopsies are feasible and safe in oncology outpatients. The technique shows a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity with a low complication rate in routine care.
