Computed tomography-guided cutting needle pleural biopsy: Accuracy and complications

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pleural lesions require accurate histopathological analysis for diagnosis.
• Traditional methods like thoracoscopy and closed needle biopsy have limitations.
• Cutting needle biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of computed tomography-guided cutting needle pleural biopsy (CT-CNPB).
• To assess complication rates associated with CT-CNPB.
• To compare CT-CNPB with existing diagnostic techniques for pleural lesions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 92 CT-CNPBs performed on 90 patients.
• Inclusion criteria: patients with pleural lesions evaluated between March 2008 and May 2013.
• Statistical analysis included χ² tests for risk factors affecting diagnostic accuracy.

Main Results:

• Overall diagnostic accuracy was 94.6%.
• Sensitivity for malignant lesions was 90.9%, specificity 100%.
• Complication rates: pneumothorax (6.5%), hemorrhage (8.7%), hemothorax (1.1%).

Conclusions:

• CT-CNPB is a safe and highly accurate diagnostic technique for pleural lesions.
• It can be recommended as a primary diagnostic method for CT-identified pleural abnormalities.
• Achieved high diagnostic rates for both malignant (89.1%) and benign (86.4%) pleural diseases.