CT guided lung biopsy: Diagnostic yield and complications, using 18G coaxial semi-automatic core needle

Abstract

Background: CT guided biopsy is essential for histopathological diagnosis of suspicious lung nodule, which are not amenable for either bronchoscopic or sonography guided sampling.

Material and Methods: Twenty eight patients with suspicious lung nodules not amenable for bronchoscopic or sonography guided sampling who underwent CT guided lung biopsy with 18 G coaxial semiautomatic core biopsy needle in one year were retrospectively studied for diagnostic yield and complications.

Results: Out of 28 patients, who underwent CT guided lung nodule biopsy, 18 were male and 10 were female. The age ranged from 22 to 80 years. Lesion size ranged from 1 cm to 4 cm and depth of lesion from pleura ranged from 0 cm to 5 cm. Diagnostic yield of our core needle biopsy was 92.3 percent. Clinically significant complication was low. Massive pneumothorax which needed intercostal drainage was 7.14% (2 patients). Pulmonary hemorrhage manifesting as hemoptysis was seen in 14.3 %( 2 patients). No hemothorax or air embolism was noted in any of the patient.

Conclusion:  CT guided lung lesion biopsy with 18 G coaxial semi-automatic core biopsy needle is a safe procedure with good diagnostic yield and relatively low incidence of clinically significant complication.