Percutaneous Transthoracic Biopsy for Thoracic Lesions: Comparison of the Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), Percutaneous Cutting Needle Biopsy (PCNB) and Combination of Both Methods

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic role of FNA, PCNB, and a combination of both methods in patients who underwent percutaneous transthoracic biopsy for a malignant or benign intrathoracic lesion. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the findings of 213 patients with an intrathoracic mass or consolidation who underwent FNA (Group A, n=98), PCNB (Group B, n=31) or a combination of both methods (Group C, n=84). Under fluoroscopic guidance, diagnoses were based on the findings of surgery, biopsy at another site or clinical and radiologic follow-up. In the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant disease, and in the diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, non-tuberculous infectious disease and benign mass, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were statistically analysed in each group. Results: Among 213 patients, lesions were malignant in 134 and benign in 79. In group A, sensitivity and specificity were 90.1% and 100% for malignant lesions, and 91.5% and 90.1% for benign, while in group B, the corresponding findings were 90.4% and 100%, and 90.0% and 90.1%. In group C, corresponding rates of 95.1% and 100% (p