CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsies Using 10G Large-Core Needles: Initial Experience

Area of Science:

• Thoracic oncology
• Interventional radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Large-core biopsy needles for CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNB) can yield larger specimens.
• Larger specimens facilitate extensive histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular examination of tumor tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success rate and safety of CT-guided PTNB using 10G large-core biopsy needles.
• To assess the feasibility of obtaining adequate tissue for advanced molecular diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• 35 patients with intrathoracic lesions underwent CT-guided PTNB using 10G large-core biopsy needles.
• Data collected included lesion location, tumor size, pleural passes, number of biopsies, histologic results, and complications (pneumothorax, bleeding).

Main Results:

• The success rate for 10G large-core biopsy was 88.6%.
• Pneumothorax occurred in 40% of patients, and 14 patients experienced minor intraparenchymal bleeding.
• No major complications were recorded, and only one pleural passage was needed per patient.

Conclusions:

• CT-guided PTNB with 10G large-core biopsy needles is technically feasible and safe.
• Complication rates are comparable to existing literature.
• The larger specimens obtained are beneficial for extensive molecular analysis, aiding stratified patient care.