Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of mediastinal masses. A new approach to diagnosis

In 65 patients presenting with mediastinal masses, fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the mass was carried out for cytological diagnosis. The procedure was performed with the aid of television-monitored fluoroscopy or computed tomography, resulting in an average positive biopsy rate of 83%. The technique of computed-tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy is described and the advantages of this method in diagnosing mediastinal masses are discussed.