Ultrasound-guided tissue-core biopsy of thoracic lesions with Trucut and Surecut needles

The value of ultrasound-guided tissue-core needle biopsy was assessed in 54 patients with thoracic lesions adjacent to the chest wall. Of these, six were apical and two mediastinal. Biopsy was performed with Trucut or Surecut (modified Menghini) needles in 22 patients, and with both in 32 patients in order to compare the two types of needle. Definitive diagnosis was made in 46 patients (85 percent), of whom 41 had malignancy of various cell types, and five had benign lesions. Of the remaining eight, three had apical lesions, and two had consolidation distal to a proximal tumor. There was complete histologic agreement in 25 of 32 patients where biopsy was performed with both needles. Roentgenographic size of the lesion had relatively little influence on the diagnostic yield. Complications comprise moderate hemoptysis in one patient (2 percent), trivial hemoptysis or hemothorax in three, and symptomless pneumothorax in two which resolved spontaneously. We conclude that tissue core needle biopsy of thoracic lesions under ultrasound guidance is an accurate and safe technique which provides specimens adequate for routine histologic examination. The diagnostic yield from Trucut and Surecut biopsies is comparable.