Case series of trans-thoracic nodule aspirate performed by interventional pulmonologists

Percutaneous interventional tissue sampling of pulmonary masses and lymphadenopathy is a means for diagnosis of thoracic malignancy. The user base that can perform this skill with ultrasound guidance is expanding. A retrospective cohort of fine needle aspiration and percutaneous core biopsies was identified to evaluate their safety and efficacy. 47 distinct procedures were performed by a university medical center's Interventional Pulmonary service between 2012 and 2018.39 consecutive procedures were diagnostically successful by percutaneous means, with 34 of the successful diagnoses based on fine needle aspiration alone. In our cohort by percutaneous biopsy the most common diagnosis was Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with 28 samples, followed by Small Cell Lung Cancer with 7 samples as well as additional solitary diagnoses of suspected infection, Hepatocellular Cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma and Malignant Melanoma. 4 procedures had complications, two of which resolved post procedure with observation and two pneumothoracies which resolved with chest tube placement and hospital observation. A wide variety of diagnoses were obtained with percutaneous biopsies with 83% of percutaneous biopsies performed by Interventional Pulmonologists achieving diagnostic success.