[Fine needle punch biopsy of the lung. Results and complications]

The diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of computer tomography (CT)-guided small-caliber cutting needle biopsy were assessed in 103 biopsies in 101 consecutive patients. There were 67 true-positive, 30 true-negative, 3 false-negative and no false positive results. Two specimens were unclassifiable and one was insufficient. Diagnostic accuracy was 94.1%, sensitivity 95.7%, and specificity 100%. In 34% of cases pneumothorax occurred, requiring therapy in 24% of cases. The longer the intrapulmonary biopsy route was, the greater the risk of pneumothorax. Except for transient hemoptysis in two patients, there were no further complications. CT-guided small-caliber cutting needle biopsy of the lung is an effective and safe procedure, comparing well with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). If exact histologic diagnosis is required it should be preferred to FNAB.