The results of computed tomography guided tru-cut transthoracic biopsy: complications and related risk factors

Transthoracic biopsy (TTB) is a well-defined and effective method used for pathologic sampling in the diagnosis of the pulmonary lesions. It is less invasive in comparison to surgical procedures. In addition, diagnostic rate of tru-cut biopsy is higher than that of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) especially for benign lesions. In this study, we presented tru-cut transthoracic biopsy (TTB) procedure results and the frequency of TTB complications with related risk factors.

A total of 102 patients were evaluated by CT scan guided tru-cut TTB in the diagnosis of lung lesions between January 2003 and December 2007. The complications due to tru-cut TTB were recorded. The factors such as the lesion depth, the lesion size, and the emphysematous changes that accompany the lesion were evaluated through χ(2) test.

Among the samples, 51% malignancy and 49% benign pathology were observed. Pneumothorax developed in 15.7% of the 102 procedures. It was found that the lesion's distance from the pleura, the size of the lesion, and emphysematous changes around the lesion significantly increased the risk of pneumothorax.

The tru-cut biopsy complications are similar to those of FNAB. In the centers where cytologic examination is insufficient in the diagnosis of lung lesions, tru-cut biopsy should be routinely performed as it is a reliable biopsy technique compared to FNAB.