Diagnostic Accuracy of CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Thin-Walled Cavitary Pulmonary Lesions

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the accuracy of and complications with CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) of thin-walled cavitary pulmonary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study involved 32 CNBs in 30 patients who had thin-walled cavitary pulmonary lesions (wall thickness < 5 mm) and underwent CT-guided CNB. After the 30 patient records were evaluated for the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CT-guided CNB, the results were compared with the final diagnosis after surgery or clinical follow-up. Each patient was reviewed for complications including pneumothorax, thoracotomy tube insertion, hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. RESULTS. The final diagnosis indicated 19 malignant and 11 benign lesions. Two lesions with indeterminate biopsy results (anthracofibrosis and focal interstitial thickening) were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of thin-walled cavities were 89.5%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the accuracy, sensitivity, or specificity according to wall thickness, cavity size, or lesion depth. Chest CT immediately after biopsy revealed mild pneumothorax in seven patients and moderate to severe pneumothorax requiring placement of a thoracotomy tube in one patient. CT after biopsy indicated mild parenchymal hemorrhage in 15 patients and hemoptysis in one patient. CONCLUSION. CT-guided CNB is a useful and accurate diagnostic technique for biopsy of a pulmonary thin-walled cavity.