CT Fluoroscopic Guidance Research Articles

Diagnostic performance of percutaneous lung biopsy using automated biopsy needles under CT-fluoroscopic guidance for ground-glass opacity lesions

The goal of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of percutaneous lung biopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance for ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions. 85 percutaneous needle lung biopsies were performed in 73 patients. Specimens were obtained by core biopsy utilising an automated cutting needle and were evaluated histologically. Final diagnosis was confirmed by independent surgical pathology, independent culture results or clinical follow-up. Rates of adequate specimens obtained and of precise diagnosis by needle biopsy were 92.9% (79/85) and 90.6% (77/85) of evaluated lung lesions, respectively. Precise diagnosis was achieved in 87.1% (27/31) of lesions ≤10 mm in diameter, 90.0% (36/40) of lesions >10 mm to ≤20 mm and 100.0% (14/14) of lesions >20 mm. Precision in diagnosing GGO lesions according to the GGO component was 73.9% (17/23) for pure GGO lesions and 96.8% (60/62) for part-solid GGO lesions. Obtaining a precise diagnosis did not differ significantly according to the lesion size (p=0.3840), but differences were significant according to the GGO component (p=0.0047). Malignancy was accurately diagnosed in 35 of 36 malignant lesions for which surgery was later performed. The specific cell type determined from specimens obtained by needle biopsy was exactly the same as the final histological diagnosis obtained after surgery in 20 lesions. Tissue-core lung biopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance for a GGO lesion provides a high degree of diagnostic accuracy but is less reliable for determining the specific cell type. Percutaneous lung biopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance for GGO is useful in differentiating malignancy.

Cost comparison of nerve root infiltration of the lumbar spine under MRI and CT guidance

To compare the costs of CT- and MR-guided lumbosacral nerve root infiltration for minimally invasive treatment of low back pain and radicular pain. Ninety patients (54 men, 36 women; mean age, 45.5 ± 12.8 years) underwent MR-guided single-site periradicular lumbosacral nerve root infiltration with 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. A further 91 patients (48 men, 43 women; mean age, 59.1 ± 13.8 years) were treated under CT fluoroscopy guidance. Prorated costs of equipment use (purchase, depreciation and maintenance), staff costs based on involvement times and expenditure for disposables were identified for MR- and CT-guided procedures. Mean intervention time was 20.6 min (14-30 min) for MR-guided and 14.3 min (7-32 min) for CT-guided treatment. The average total costs per patient were €177 for MR-guided and €88 for CT-guided interventions. These consisted of (MR/CT guidance) €93/29 for equipment use, €43/35 for staff and €41/24 for disposables. Lumbosacral nerve root infiltration using MRI guidance is still about twice as expensive as infiltration using CT guidance. Given the advantages of no radiation exposure and possible future decrease in prices for MRI devices and MR-compatible injection needles, MR-guided nerve root infiltration may become a promising alternative to the CT-guided procedure. • MR-guided nerve root infiltration therapy is now technically and clinically established. • Costs using MRI guidance are still about double those for CT guidance. • MR guidance involves no radiation exposure to patients and personnel. • MR-guided nerve root infiltration may become a promising alternative to CT.

CT fluoroscopy guided percutaneous gastrostomy or jejunostomy without (CT-PG/PJ) or with simultaneous endoscopy (CT-PEG/PEJ) in otherwise untreatable patients

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) are substantial for patients with swallowing disorders to maintain enteral nutrition or to decompress palliatively intractable small bowel obstruction. Endoscopic placement can be impossible due to previous (gastric) operation, obesity, hepato-splenomegaly, peritoneal carcinosis, inadequate transillumination, or obstructed passage. Computed tomography (CT)-fluoroscopic guidance with or without endoscopy can enable placement of CT-PG/CT-PJ or CT-PEG/CT-PEJ if endoscopically guided placement fails. In this retrospective study, we will evaluate the feasibility and safety of this method. A total of 101 consecutive patients were referred to our department for feeding support (n = 87) or decompression (n = 14). Reasons were: ENT tumor (n = 51), esophageal cancer (n = 19), mediastinal mass (n = 2), neurological disorder (n = 15). Decompression tubes were placed because of cancer (n = 13) or Crohn's disease (n = 1). The following approaches were chosen: CT fluoroscopy and simultaneous gastroscopy (n = 61), inflation of the stomach via nasogastric tube (n = 29), and direct puncture under CT-fluoroscopic guidance (n = 11). CT fluoroscopy-guided gastrostomy was feasible in 89 of 101 patients. No procedure-related mortality was observed. One tube was misplaced into the colon in a patient with a history of gastrectomy. No complication was seen after removal. Minor complications: dislodgement (n = 17), peristomal leakage (n = 7), wound infection (n = 1), superficial skin infection (n = 6), tube obstruction (n = 2). CT fluoroscopy-guided PG/PJ or PEG/PEJ is feasible and safe and provides adequate feeding support or decompression. It offers the benefits of minimally invasive therapy even in patients with contraindications to established endoscopic methods, combining the advantages of both techniques. Long-term complications-mainly tube-related problems-are easily treated.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Biopsy of Lung

Introduction:Percutanous needle biopsy of the lung (PNBL), under image guidance, has established itself as a safe and effective minimally-invasive method of obtaining a tissue diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, for selected patients with suspected pathologic processes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of percutaneous core biopsy of the lung (PCBL) without Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB), with specific attention to potential risk factors that may predict post-biopsy pneumothorax.Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis of 75 consecutive PCBL procedures between January 2006 to March 2008 involving 72 patients with a documented pulmonary nodule or mass lesion on CT scan of Thorax. The study population included 38 males (52.8%) and 34 females (47.2%) aged 20-85 years (mean age 63.6 years). A co-axial cutting system with a 19-gauge outer needle and a 20-gauge inner automated cutting needle (Temno, Allegiance Healthcare Corporation, Ohio, USA) was used in all patients.Results:Lesions varied in size from 0.7cm to 10.7cm (mean maximum trans-axial diameter 3.1cm). The mean number of core biopsy samples obtained was 3.1 (range 1-5). Of the 75 PCBL procedures, 71 yielded specimens adequate for histopathologic evaluation, consistent with a technical success rate of 95%. Malignancy was detected in 48 specimens (64%) and benign diagnoses were identified in 23 specimens (31%). As mentioned, 4 specimens (5%) were nondiagnostic. The most common biopsy-induced complication was pneumothorax, occurring in 15 patients (20%), with 4 (5.3%) requiring thoracostomy tube placement.Conclusion:PCBL without FNAB, under CT fluoroscopy guidance, has an excellent diagnostic accuracy in obtaining a conclusive histologic diagnosis of thoracic lesions and is comparable to FNAB in terms of safety and rates of occurence of complications.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: Multi-centric results from EVEREST experience in large cohort of patients

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate results and complications of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) performed in 6 different Italian Centres belonging to the European VErtebroplasty RESearch Team (E.VE.RES.T) in a large series of patients. Materials and methodsFollow-up was obtained in 4547 patients (3211 females and 1336 males; mean age 70.2years) that underwent PV for a total of 13.437 treated vertebrae. Procedures were performed by using fluoroscopic guidance or combined CT-fluoroscopic guidance. All patients underwent PV in local anaesthesia except for second cervical vertebrae treated with a trans-oral approach that required general anaesthesia. Results4004 out of 4547 (88.0%) patients reported significant pain relief (difference>or=2 point in pain evaluated with an 11-point visual analogue scale; p<0.0001) within 48h: an average of 7.7±0.4 dropped to 1.8±0.6 in the osteoporotic patients; 8.3±0.4 to 2.4±0.4 in metastases; 8.3±0.4 to 1.7±1.0 in myeloma; 6.2±3.5 to 0.3±0.2 in angioma and 7.4±0.4 to 1.4±0.9 in trauma. 430 osteoporotic patients (13%) were retreated for a subsequent fracture; in 302/430 patients (70.2%), the new fracture occurred in the contiguous vertebra. No major neurologic complications were reported and the most frequent minor complication was venous leakage (20.5%). ConclusionsThis large series of patients confirms that percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of vertebral fractures. Best results are obtained in the treatment of myeloma and trauma.

CT fluoroscopy-guided vertebral augmentation with a radiofrequency-induced, high-viscosity bone cement (StabiliT®): technical results and polymethylmethacrylate leakages in 25 patients

To assess the technical results of CT fluoroscopy-guided, radiofrequency-induced vertebral augmentation (StabiliT®) in terms of vertebral height restoration and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) leakages, occurring in 25 individual patients with vertebral compression fractures and osteolysis. From 07/2010 to 08/2011, 25 patients (16 women, nine men; age 71 ± 14; range 41-89) with painful vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis (n = 19), metastases (n = 2) or multiple myeloma (n = 4) underwent vertebral augmentation with a radiofrequency-activated, high-viscosity polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement (StabiliT® Vertebral Augmentation system; DFINE Europe GmbH, Mannheim) under local anesthesia. Thirty-four vertebrae (Th5-L5) were treated in 27 sessions under CT fluoroscopy guidance (128-row CT, Somatom Definition AS, Siemens, Erlangen) using a unilateral access and a cavity-creating osteotome prior to remote-controlled, hydraulically driven cement injection. 1/2/3 levels were treated in 21/5/1 session(s). Vertebral height change in the midsagittal plane (anterior, midvertebral, posterior endplate distance) and PMMA leaks were retrospectively evaluated using the postinterventional CT. All patients were successfully treated in the first session. Mean (MV ± SD) procedure time and amount of injected PMMA were 56 ± 14 min and 4.5 ± 1.4 ml, respectively. Mean anterior/midvertebral/posterior height gain was +7.1/+9.7/+0.4%. Small local vertebral leaks were observed in 18/34 vertebrae (53%) without any clinical sequelae. No major complications occurred. CT fluoroscopy-guided, RF-induced vertebral augmentation with a high-viscosity bone cement (StabiliT®) was safe and technically successful in all patients. Using a hydraulic cement injection technique, a moderate restoration of anterior and midvertebral height was seen while the system was not markedly superior to standard vertebroplasty regarding the frequency of minor asymptomatic PMMA leaks.

Effect of CT fluoroscopy-guided transpulmonary radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours on the lung

We retrospectively evaluated the effect of transpulmonary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumours on the lung. 16 patients (10 males and 6 females; mean age, 65.2 years) with 16 liver tumours (mean diameter 1.5 cm) underwent transpulmonary RFA under CT fluoroscopic guidance. The tumours were either hepatocellular carcinoma (n=14) or liver metastasis (n=12). All 16 liver tumours were undetectable with ultrasonography. The pulmonary function values at 3 months after transpulmonary RFA were compared with baseline (i.e. values before RFA). In 8 of 16 sessions, minor pulmonary complications occurred, including small pneumothorax (n=8) and small pleural effusion (n=1). In two sessions, major pulmonary complications occurred, including pneumothorax requiring a chest tube (n=2). These chest tubes were removed at 4 and 6 days, and these patients were discharged 7 and 10 days after RFA, respectively, without any sequelae. The pulmonary function values we evaluated were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) and vital capacity (VC). The mean values of FEV1.0 before and 3 months after RFA were 2.55 l and 2.59 l, respectively; the mean values of VC before and 3 months after RFA were 3.20 l and 3.27 l, respectively. These pulmonary values did not show any significant worsening (p=0.393 and 0.255 for FEV1.0 and VC, respectively). There was no significant lung injury causing a fatal or intractable complication after transpulmonary RFA of liver tumours.

Abstract No. 20: Hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe: radiofrequency ablation combined with chemoembolization under the real-time CT-fluoroscopic guidance

To retrospectively evaluate clinical utility of radiofrequency (RF) ablation combined with chemoembolization under the real-time CT-fluoroscopic guidance in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) located in the caudate lobe.

CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty in spinal malignancy: technical results, PMMA leakages, and complications in 202 patients

To retrospectively evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of local polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) leaks and pulmonary cement embolisms occurring under CT fluoroscopy-guided vertebroplasty of symptomatic malignant vertebral osteolyses. From December 2001 to June 2009, 202 cancer patients (116 women, 86 men; age 63.2±8.6 years) with painful malignant vertebral osteolyses underwent vertebroplasty, with or without vertebral compression fracture. A total of 331 vertebrae were treated in 231 sessions under CT fluoroscopy guidance (120 kV; 10–25 mA; single slice, 4-, 16-, and 128-row CT). In the pre-vertebroplasty CT, the following items were assessed: osteolytic destruction (0, ≤25, ≤50, ≤75, or ≤100%) of vertebral cross-sectional area, posterior wall, and circumference; presence of perivertebral and degree of epidural (no, mild, moderate) soft tissue involvement. Local PMMA leaks were analyzed using the post-vertebroplasty CT. Pulmonary cement embolisms were evaluated in all patients having undergone radiography (CR; n053) or CT (n088) of the chest after vertebroplasty due to their underlying disease. Patient charts were reviewed regarding adverse events. Of 331 treated vertebrae, 32, 20.2, and 15.7% showed more than 50% osteolytic involvement of the vertebral cross-sectional area, posterior wall, and circumference, respectively. Mild or moderate epidural involvement was seen in 13.0 and 8.4%. Local PMMA leakage rate was 58.6% (194 of 331 vertebrae). Pulmonary cement embolisms (segmental, n010; central, n01) were seen after 7.8% of the procedures with follow-up imaging of the chest. No major complications occurred within a 30-day period after vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty of spinal malignancy can be safely performed under CT fluoroscopy guidance even in patients with substantial osteolytic involvement. In our patient collective, PMMA leaks and pulmonary cement embolisms visualized in post-procedural radiography and CT images had no clinical impact.

Characterization of small solid renal lesions: can benign and malignant tumors be differentiated with CT?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT in determining whether a small solid renal enhancing mass is benign or malignant. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety-nine biopsies of enhancing solid renal masses 4 cm or smaller without fat on CT scans were performed under CT fluoroscopic guidance. The growth pattern, interface with parenchyma, presence of a scar and segmental inversion enhancement, unenhanced CT histogram, and pattern and degree of enhancement on triphasic MDCT images were independently evaluated by two radiologists. Biopsy and pathology reports were used as the reference standard, and imaging follow-up of benign lesions was performed for at least 1 year. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of CT criteria in differentiating malignant from benign lesions. RESULTS. Of the 99 lesions, 74 (75%) were malignant at biopsy, and 25 (25%) were benign. Lesions with gradual enhancement were more likely to be benign. No significant correlati...

Percutaneous Drainage with a One-Step Technique under Real-Time Computed Tomography Fluoroscopic Guidance

The goal of our study was to determine the usefulness of the percutaneous placement of a drainage catheter using a one-step technique under guidance of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy. Subjects were 11 patients (3 women, 8 men; mean age 65 years) who underwent percutaneous thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic drainage procedures for fluid collections between August 2010 and June 2011. The mean maximum diameter of the lesions was 53.8mm (range 30 to 82 mm) and the mean depth was 37.6mm (range 18 to 70mm). A drainage catheter that can be inserted by a one- step technique without a guide wire was used. The procedures were guided by use of a helical CT scanner that provided real-time fluoroscopic reconstruction. Percutaneous drainage was successfully achieved in every procedure. Use of real-time CT-fluoroscopy and a drainage catheter that can be inserted with a one-step technique allowed rapid assessment of catheter placement. No patient had a serious complication related to the drainage procedure. The mean procedure time required to drain one lesion was 21.1 minutes (range 12 to 41 minutes). Thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic drainage procedures using the one-step technique under CT-fluoroscopy guidance were accurate, safe and easy.

Characterization of Small Solid Renal Lesions: Can Benign and Malignant Tumors Be Differentiated With CT?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CT in determining whether a small solid renal enhancing mass is benign or malignant. Ninety-nine biopsies of enhancing solid renal masses 4 cm or smaller without fat on CT scans were performed under CT fluoroscopic guidance. The growth pattern, interface with parenchyma, presence of a scar and segmental inversion enhancement, unenhanced CT histogram, and pattern and degree of enhancement on triphasic MDCT images were independently evaluated by two radiologists. Biopsy and pathology reports were used as the reference standard, and imaging follow-up of benign lesions was performed for at least 1 year. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of CT criteria in differentiating malignant from benign lesions. Of the 99 lesions, 74 (75%) were malignant at biopsy, and 25 (25%) were benign. Lesions with gradual enhancement were more likely to be benign. No significant correlation was found between other CT features and a malignant or benign diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of progressive enhancement for a diagnosis of benignity were 60%, 73%, 43%, and 84%. In the evaluation of enhancing small solid renal lesions without fat, no CT criteria were of substantial help in differentiating malignant from benign lesions.

Comparison of fully automated and semi-automated biopsy needles for lung biopsy under CT fluoroscopic guidance

The aim of this study was to compare two different automated biopsy needles, a fully automated biopsy needle (Monopty; Bard, Covington, GA) and a semi-automated biopsy needle (Temno; Bauer Medical, Clearwater, FL), for lung biopsy. 50 consecutive percutaneous lung biopsies using the Monopty needle between June 2006 and January 2007 and 66 consecutive lung biopsies for 1 nodule in each session using the Temno needle between February 2007 and August 2008 were performed under CT fluoroscopic guidance followed by histopathological evaluation. In 42/50 lung biopsies performed with the Monopty needle and 54/66 lung biopsies performed with the Temno needle, the final diagnosis was confirmed by independent surgical pathological findings or clinical follow-up. Sufficient samples for histopathological evaluation were obtained in all 50 (100%) biopsies using the Monopty needle and in 55 (83.3%) of the 66 biopsies using the Temno needle (p<0.01). Accurate diagnosis was achieved in 41 (97.6%) of 42 biopsies using the Monopty needle and in 45 (83.3%) of 54 biopsies using the Temno needle (p=0.04). Biopsy-induced complications were pneumothorax, haemoptysis and haemothorax in 44.0%, 10.0% and 6.0% of biopsies, respectively, using the Monopty needle and in 48.3%, 8.3% and 3.3%, respectively, using the Temno needle. There is a possibility that a fully automated biopsy needle such as the Monopty is more useful for CT scan-guided lung biopsy than semi-automated biopsy needles.

Experience of fluoroscopy-aided thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodule localised with Lipiodol in a child

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with a huge liver tumour 20 cm in diameter with multiple lung metastases. Six months after systemic chemotherapy was initiated, all tumours had disappeared with the exception of the liver tumour and a tiny lung tumour 2.5 mm in diameter. Fluoroscopy-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the pulmonary nodule was performed to evaluate whether viable tumour tissue remained in the lung lesion. Before moving the patient to the operating room, the nodule was marked by Lipiodol under CT fluoroscopic guidance with the patient under local anaesthesia. This procedure allowed correct visualisation of the area that should be resected.

Radiofrequency Ablation Combined With Chemoembolization: Treatment of Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinomas After Hepatectomy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment effect and prognostic factors of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with chemoembolization for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) after hepatectomy. Fifty-five consecutive patients who received combination therapy as a curative treatment of recurrent HCCs after hepatectomy were included in this retrospective study. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 2.2 cm (range, 1.0-4.8 cm). Under CT fluoroscopic guidance, RFA was performed 1-2 weeks after chemoembolization. Technique effectiveness rates, complications, local tumor progression rates, survival rates, and prognostic factors were evaluated. Tumor enhancement disappeared on contrast-enhanced CT images in all patients after 72 RFA sessions (technique effectiveness rate, 100%). Pneumothorax requiring chest drainage was the only major complication that developed in one RFA session (1%). Four of 55 patients (7%) showed local tumor progression. New tumors emerged in the untreated liver in 27 patients (49%) during the mean follow-up of 35 months (range, 1-82 months). The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates after combination therapy were 74% (95% CI, 54-87%) and 28% (95% CI, 14-45%), respectively. The presence of a single tumor at initial hepatectomy and a low α-fetoprotein level (≤ 100 ng/mL) at recurrence were significantly favorable independent factors affecting overall and recurrence-free survival. For treatment of recurrent HCCs after hepatectomy, RFA combined with chemoembolization is a useful therapeutic option. This study identified prognostic factors that will help to stratify patients with recurrent HCCs after hepatectomy.

Management of renal tumors in Von Hippel-Lindau disease by percutaneous CT fluoroscopic guided radiofrequency ablation: preliminary results

We evaluated the feasibility and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in patients with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. A total of 12 RCCs were treated by RF ablation in 7 patients with VHL disease. RF electrodes were placed under CT fluoroscopic guidance with conscious sedation. Technical success, technical effectiveness (disappearance of tumor enhancement), local tumor progression, complications and change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated. A total of 9 sessions were undertaken. All procedures were performed with a planned protocol with a technical success rate of 100%. Tumor enhancement disappeared in all 12 tumors indicating a technical effectiveness rate of 100%. Local tumor progression was not found in any patient during the mean follow-up of 22±11months (range 12-46months). There were no complications related to the RF procedures. The mean eGFR decreased from 65.3±10.9ml/min (range 48.5-77.5ml/min) to 60.3±11.3ml/min (range, 45.8-73.4ml/min, P<0.03). The mean percentage decrease in eGFR after the last ablation was 7.6% (range 0-21.6%). Renal RF ablation is a safe and effective treatment for renal tumours that may allow patients with VHL disease to avoid major surgical interventions.

Abstract No. 137: The effect of needle guidance devices on operator hand dose during needle puncture procedures with combined cone-beam CT and real-time fluoroscopy guidance

Abstract No. 137: The effect of needle guidance devices on operator hand dose during needle puncture procedures with combined cone-beam CT and real-time fluoroscopy guidance

Clinical Value of CT-Guided Needle Biopsy for Retroperitoneal Lesions

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the clinical procedural performance of CT-guided needle biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions.Materials and MethodsCT-guided needle biopsy was performed in 74 consecutive patients (M:F = 44:30; mean age, 59.7 years) with retroperitoneal lesions between April 1998 and June 2009. The target lesion ranged from 1.5 to 12.5 cm in size. The biopsy access path ranged from 3.5 to 11.5 cm in depth. A biopsy specimen was obtained using an 18-gauge core needle under a CT or CT-fluoroscopy guidance and with the patient under local anesthesia. The histopathological diagnoses from the biopsies were obtained. The diagnostic confirmation of the subtype of lymphoma was evaluated.ResultsSatisfactory biopsy samples were obtained in 73 (99%) of 74 patients and a pathological diagnosis was made in 70 (95%) of 74 patients. Sixty three lesions were malignant (45 lymphomas, nine primary tumors, nine lymph node metastases) and seven were benign. The subtype of lymphoma was specified in 43 (96%) of 45 patients who were diagnosed with lymphoma. Analysis of the value of CT-guided biopsy in this series indicated 63 true positives, zero false positive, six true negatives and five false negatives. This test had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 100% and an accuracy of 93%. No major complications were seen and minor complications were noted in seven patients (five with local hematomas, two with transient pain at the puncture site).ConclusionCT-guided needle biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions is highly practical and useful, and particularly for determining the subtypes in patients with lymphoma.

CT Fluoroscopy–Assisted Cervical Transforaminal Steroid Injection: Tips, Traps, and Use of Contrast Material

CT fluoroscopy-assisted cervical transforaminal steroid injection is an effective therapeutic option for cervical radiculopathy, yet it is approached with trepidation by some interventionalists. CT fluoroscopy is superior to conventional fluoroscopy for delineating complex anatomic relations in the neck but must be combined with careful technique to avoid rare but serious complications. We describe the anatomy of the neural foramen, our technique of CT fluoroscopy-assisted cervical transforaminal steroid injection, and the CT appearance of appropriate and inappropriate needle positions. Understanding anatomy will help to avoid complications and optimize the therapeutic potential of cervical transforaminal steroid injection. Use of contrast material for CT fluoroscopic guidance facilitates appropriate needle positioning and reduces the risk of complications.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy-Guided Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection of Small Pulmonary Nodules

Video assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) wedge resection of a small non-palpable and non-visible pulmonary nodule (PN) is a commonly encountered clinical challenge. A variety of techniques have been described to mark the pleural surface in the vicinity of a small PN and guide thoracoscopic resection: computerized tomography-guided percutaneous placement of wires, coils, or radio-opaque dye; intraoperative ultrasonography; and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided dye injection ( 1 Hänninen E.L. Langrehr J. Raakow R.R. et al. Computed tomography-guided pulmonary nodule localization before thoracoscopic resection. Acta Radiol. 2004; 45: 284-288 Crossref PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar , 2 Kang D. Kim H.K. Kim Y.K. et al. Needlescopy-assisted resection of pulmonary nodule after dual localization. Eur Respir J. 2010; (Epub ahead of print) Google Scholar , 3 Mayo J.R. Clifton J.C. Powell T.I. et al. Lung nodules: CT-guided placement of microcoils to direct video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection. Radiology. 2009; 250: 576-585 Crossref PubMed Scopus (145) Google Scholar , 4 Kawanaka K. Nomori H. Mori T. et al. Marking of small pulmonary nodules before thoracoscopic resection: Injection of lipiodol under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Acta Radiol. 2009; 16: 39-45 Scopus (42) Google Scholar , 5 Grogan E.L. Jones D.R. Kozower B.D. et al. Identification of small lung nodules: Technique of radiotracer-guided thoracoscopic biopsy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008; 85: S772-S777 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (63) Google Scholar , 6 Santambrogio R. Montorsi M. Bianchi P. et al. Intraoperative ultrasound during thoracoscopic procedures for solitary pulmonary nodules. Ann Thorac Surg. 1999; 68: 218-222 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (115) Google Scholar ). However, each of these techniques has practical limitations. We propose a technique that may circumvent the logistical problems of previously described approaches.