Imaging-guided chest biopsies: techniques and clinical results

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Percutaneous lung biopsy is a primary method for obtaining tissue from lung nodules.
• Histological information from biopsies often guides treatment protocols.
• Biopsy is performed when technically feasible or if other methods are inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the indications, contraindications, and technical aspects of percutaneous lung biopsy.
• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and potential complications of this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Imaging guidance, particularly CT, is crucial for accurate biopsy.
• Two main needle types are used: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB).

Main Results:

• Core-needle biopsy (CNB) demonstrates slightly higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to FNAB.
• Common complications include pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage; rare but fatal complications like air embolism and seeding are possible.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous lung biopsy is generally safe, with diagnostic accuracy influenced by clinical and technical factors.
• CT-guided biopsy offers the highest diagnostic accuracy.
• CNB is more accurate than FNAB for diagnosing lung nodules.