[Transthoracic punch biopsy of mediastinal tumors]

48 consecutive patients underwent biopsy of anterior mediastinal tumors under sonographic guidance by the use of cutting needles up to 2.0 mm in diameter. The results of needle biopsies were compared with the final diagnoses, which was proved with pathologic studies or clinicoradiologic follow-up. In 39 (93%) of 42 malignant tumors malignancy could be readily diagnosed. Examinations of the microcylinders of tissue resulted in correct histologic diagnoses in 32 (76%) of 42 malignant tumors including 13 (81%) of 16 Hodgkin's lymphomas, 6 (66%) of 9 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, 2 (66%) of 3 thymomas and 9 (82%) of 11 carcinomas. All 6 benign lesions were correctly identified. No complications such as hemorrhage or pneumothorax were encountered.