CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions. Diagnostic accuracy, complications and therapeutic impact.

Abstract

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, complications, and therapeutic impact of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions. Seventy-nine patients underwent diagnostic CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions between July 1995 and March 1999. Evaluation included corresponding clinical data, pathologic results, and therapeutic consequences. There were 29 benign and 50 malignant lesions. Percutaneous core biopsy had an overall diagnostic accuracy of 95%. For malignant lesions, core biopsy was positive in 48 patients (sensitivity 96%), and for benign lesions, in 27 (sensitivity 93%). There were no false-positive findings. Pneumothoraces were observed in 19 patients (24%) and 4 of them required a chest drain (5%). There were no hematothoraces or major bleeding complications; however, postinterventional local hemorrhages were observed in 23 patients (29%). No hemoptysis was noted. Percutaneous core biopsies of pulmonary lesions offer excellent diagnostic accuracy for both benign and malignant pulmonary lesions at a low complication rate.