Body mass index and thoracic morphology parameters as predictors of pneumothorax in CT-guided lung biopsies

This study aimed to investigate whether body composition and thoracic morphology parameters could serve as predictors of pneumothorax risk in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsies.

We retrospectively analyzed 147 percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsies performed between January 2019 and December 2023, categorizing patients into groups with and without pneumothorax. Indirect assessment methods for body composition, including body mass index (BMI) and thoracic morphology parameters, were evaluated alongside confounding factors such as access route (AR) through dependent lung areas (DA), patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and procedural details. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests, while univariate and binomial logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of these factors on pneumothorax occurrence.

BMI ≥ 27.5 (p < 0.01), pectus excavatum at the level of the target lesion (PEL) (p = 0.028), transverse asymmetry at the anatomical reference level, defined as the level of the inferior pulmonary vein (TAA) (p < 0.01), and AR through DA (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with a reduced incidence of peri-interventional pneumothorax. Binary logistic regression confirmed BMI ≥ 27.5, AR through DA, TAA, and PEL as significant protective factors (R² = 0.497, p < 0.001).

Constitutional factors such as higher BMI or the identification of subclinical chest deformities on pre-procedural imaging may facilitate stratification into lower-risk categories, facilitating more precise and confident procedural planning. Especially in the absence of these protective factors, ensuring that the AR traverses the DA becomes particularly important for minimizing the risk of pneumothorax during CT-guided lung biopsies.