Percutaneous Needle Biopsy Of Lung Research Articles

18F-FDG PET/CT anatomic and metabolic guidance in CT-guided lung biopsies

PurposeTo evaluate the role of Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT as a metabolic guide in increasing the accuracy, diagnostic yield and safety of CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy (PNB). Methods and MaterialsRetrospective analysis of 340 consecutive patients with suspicious lung nodules, masses or extensive disease that underwent lung biopsy over a 3-year period. Patients were divided into three groups; those that had PET/CT prior to the biopsy, those that had PET-CT following the biopsy and those who did not undergo PET-CT. Correlation was made with the histopathological result. Results353 PNBs were performed (median lesion size 30 mm, 7–120 mm) with overall diagnostic rate of 83.9 % (95.8 % malignant). Biopsy success rate was 88.8 % with PET-CT pre-PNB, versus 78.9 % of 175 PNB without PET-CT upfront (p < 0.01 Fisher exact test). Correct targeting to PET-CT-maximum activity area (MAA) was present in 87.1 %. Biopsy success rate was 88.8 % for PNBs targeting the PET-CT-MAA region and only 52.8 % for PNBs not targeting the PET-CT-MAA (p < 0.0001). PET-CT pre-PNB had higher rates of PET-CT-MAA targeting compared to PET-CT post PNB (91.0 % v 80.0 %, p = 0.01). The availability of PET-CT before the PNB lead to significantly increased biopsy success rates in patients with a mass (OR:7.01p = 0.004), compared to a nodule (p = 0.498) or multiple nodules (p = 0.163). Patients with a PET-CT pre-PNB underwent fewer PNB passes (mean 2.6 v 3.1, p < 0.0001 Mann Whitney U). Serious complications were less common in PET-CT pre-PNB group (4.5 % v 10.9 %, p < 0.05). Pre-PNB PET-CT performance improvement applied to all 3 radiologists and was greatest for masses and infiltrative abnormalities. ConclusionMetabolic information provided by 18F-FDG PET/CT and PNB localisation to the PET-CT maximum activity region is associated with higher diagnostic biopsy rates especially in masses and appears to account for improved performance, less needle passes and complications when available pre-biopsy.

Fatal cardiac air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy: medical complication or medical malpractice?

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung is a well-recognized and relatively safe diagnostic procedure for suspicious lung masses. Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare complication of transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsies. Herein, we present a case of an 81-year-old man who underwent CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of a suspicious nodule in the lower lobe of the right lung. Shortly after the procedure, the patient coughed up blood which prompted repeat CT imaging. He was found to have a massive cardiac air embolism. The patient became unresponsive and, despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced dead. The pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, radiological evidence, and autopsy findings associated with SAE are discussed, which may, in light of the current literature, assist with the dilemma between assessing procedural complications and medical liability. Given the instances of SAE in the setting of long operative procedures despite careful technical execution, providing accurate and in-depth information, including procedure-related risks, even the rarest but potentially fatal ones, is recommended for informed consent to reduce medicolegal litigation issues.

Optimizing molecular testing of lung cancer needle biopsy specimens: potential solutions from an interdisciplinary qualitative study

BackgroundMolecular testing can detect actionable genomic alterations and tumor cell surface proteins in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, utilization remains suboptimal, representing missed treatment opportunities. This study aimed to identify challenges and potential solutions to obtaining percutaneous lung needle biopsy specimens for successful molecular testing in patients with advanced NSCLC.MethodsThis interdisciplinary qualitative study included ten radiologists and four pathologists from academic and community settings across the United States who routinely perform and analyze percutaneous lung needle biopsies. Participants underwent semi-structured one-on-one interviews (Phase 1). Interview questionnaires were constructed based on a literature review of key lines of inquiry and conducted by professional market researchers using the theoretical domains framework. Primary barriers to molecular testing were identified using thematic analysis. Subsequently, multidisciplinary focus groups were convened to identify potential solutions (Phase 2).ResultsFour themes emerged as barriers to molecular testing and were matched to the clinical workflow: (1) biopsy request, (2) biopsy procedure, (3) specimen analysis, and (4) communication. The nineteen potential solutions included adding a “checkbox” to indicate molecular testing in the biopsy request, leveraging pre-procedural imaging to guide biopsies, conserving tissue through appropriate allocation strategies and next generation sequencing panels instead of sequential single-gene assays, instituting reflex-molecular testing upon NSCLC diagnosis, tracking and communicating biopsy outcomes at multidisciplinary tumor boards, and improving integration of radiologists and pathologists into oncology care teams.ConclusionsPotential solutions exist to increase successful molecular testing of lung needle biopsy specimens in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Diagnostic and treatment dilemma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a primary pulmonary lymphoma presenting as a cavitary mass in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019: a case report

BackgroundA radiological finding of a cavitary pulmonary lesion in a patient acutely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 early during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic created a diagnostic and treatment dilemma, as invasive procedures with bronchoscopy and percutaneous needle lung biopsy posed an infection hazard to healthcare workers due to the associated risk of viral aerosolization. Available guidelines recommended delay of non-emergent procedures, but timely proceeding with those deemed urgent provided appropriate personal protective equipment and negative pressure isolation were available and exposure risk was not excessive. Thoughtful consideration by clinicians was required to avoid delay in diagnosis of a potential new malignancy and prevent unnecessary healthcare worker exposure to the virus. Additionally, acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection in patients with malignancy complicated timing of oncologic treatment.Case presentationA 26-year-old otherwise healthy Caucasian male initially presented with an enlarging right upper lobe cavitary pulmonary lesion despite antimicrobial therapy. During his hospitalization and evaluation, the patient was found to be acutely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 without hypoxia or viral pneumonia. Bronchoscopy was deemed too high risk for viral aerosolization and healthcare worker infection. He underwent computed-tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lesion by interventional radiology while on mechanical ventilation after elective intubation by anesthesiology. Biopsy revealed classic Hodgkin lymphoma consistent with primary pulmonary Hodgkin lymphoma. After collaboration with oncology, his treatment with combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy was delayed for 3 weeks following diagnosis to allow for viral clearance.ConclusionA careful multidisciplinary strategy is required to expeditiously diagnose and treat aggressive cancers of the respiratory tract in patients acutely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 while observing practices to prevent healthcare worker infection during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Robotics in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.

The diagnosis of peripheral small lung lesions by electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy is still inferior to computed tomography(CT) guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy. Robotic bronchoscopy is a new technology that may be a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis of small lung lesions. Real-time tools such as electromagnetic navigation, radial-endobronchial ultrasound, and cone beam CT may further improve the diagnostic yield rate may further improve the diagnostic yield rate. In this article, we reviewed early experience of robotic bronchoscopy for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.

Enhanced ultrasound-guided versus non-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in tissue cellularity of lung malignancies: a propensity score matched study.

Though ultrasound-guided percutaneous lung needle biopsy (US-PLNB) is a first-line small biopsy method for peripheral lung lesions, quality of cellularity in specimens obtained via US-PLNB is uncertain. This study investigated the accuracy, sensitivity, and cellularity of US-PLNB. It examined the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to improve the effectiveness of US-PLNB. We retrospectively analyzed all data of patients with subpleural lung lesions who underwent US-PLNB. The cellularity of US-PLNB from malignant lesions included the tumor cell number and proportion. The definition of high-quality cellularity (HQC) was concurrently achieving a tumor cell number ≥400 and a proportion ≥20%. The sensitivity, the actual numbers of tumor cell number/proportion, and the rate of HQC were calculated and compared between the CEUS and non-enhanced US groups after propensity score matching (PSM) with subgroup analyses by lesion size (small lesion ≤30 mm and large lesion >30 mm). A total of 345 patients undergoing 345 US-PLNBs were evaluated, with 3.7±1.1 of punctures on average. There were 201 malignant and 144 benign lesions with a mean size of 43.8±24.1 mm. Among the 201 malignant lesions, 124 cases underwent CEUS and 77 underwent non-enhanced US. The quantity of tumor cells, the proportion of tumor cells, and the rate of HQC in 201 cases of US-PLNB from malignant lesions were 2,862.1±2,288.0, 44.6%±24.5%, and 82.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 76.6% to 87.1%], respectively. The quantity of tumor cells, the proportion of tumor cells, and rate of HQC were significantly higher in the CEUS group than that in the non-enhanced US group, both in the analysis of overall malignant lesions and in large malignant lesions (all P<0.05). The US-PLNB has high sensitivity and thereby obtains HQC samples for subpleural lung malignant lesions. The CEUS helps improve the rate of HQC and tissue cellularity of lung malignancies.

Preoperative percutaneous needle lung biopsy techniques and ipsilateral pleural recurrence in stage I lung cancer.

A recent meta-analysis of individual patient data revealed that preoperative percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy (PTNB) was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral pleural recurrence in stage I lung cancer. This study aimed to examine whether particular PTNB techniques reduced the risk of pleural recurrence. We retrospectively included 415 consecutive patients with stage I lung cancer who underwent preoperative PTNB and curative resection from 2009 through 2016. Detailed information was collected, including clinical, PTNB technique, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics of lung cancer. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for pleural recurrence before and after propensity score matching. The overall follow-up period after PTNB was 62.1 ± 23.0months, and ipsilateral pleural recurrence occurred in 40 patients. Before propensity score matching, age (p = 0.063), microscopic pleural invasion (p = 0.065), and pathologic tumor size (p = 0.016) tended to be associated with pleural recurrence in univariate analyses and subsequently were matched using a propensity score. After propensity score matching, multivariate analysis revealed that ipsilateral pleural recurrence was associated with a larger target size on computed tomography (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.498; 95% CI, 1.506-2.125; p = 0.023) and microscopic lymphatic invasion (HR = 3.526; 95% CI, 1.491-8.341; p = 0.004). However, no PTNB techniques such as needle gauge, biopsy, or pleural passage numbers were associated with a reduced risk of recurrence. No particular PTNB techniques were associated with reduced pleural seeding after PTNB in stage I lung cancer. Regardless of the technique, PTNB needs to be cautiously applied when early lung cancer is suspected, followed by curative treatment. • Age, microscopic pleural invasion, and pathologic tumor size tended to be associated with pleural recurrence in stage I lung cancer before propensity matching. • After propensity matching, pre-biopsy CT target size and microscopic lymphatic invasion were associated with pleural recurrence. • No particular PTNB techniques were associated with reduced pleural seeding in stage I lung cancer before and after propensity matching.

Diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of image-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy for subsolid pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) for subsolid pulmonary nodules and sources of heterogeneity among reported results. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries (until November 7, 2020) for studies measuring the diagnostic accuracy of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model. Bivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. Pooled overall and major complication rates were calculated. We included 744 biopsies from 685 patients (12 studies). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB for subsolid nodules were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85-94%) and 99% (95% CI: 92-100%), respectively. Mean age above 65 years was the only covariate significantly associated with higher sensitivity (93% vs 85%, p = 0.04). Core needle biopsy showed marginally higher sensitivity than fine-needle aspiration (93% vs 83%, p = 0.07). Pooled overall and major complication rate of PTNB were 43% (95% CI: 25-62%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0-0.4%), respectively. Major complication rate was not different between fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy groups (p = 0.25). PTNB had acceptable performance and a low major complication rate in diagnosing subsolid pulmonary nodules. The only significant source of heterogeneity in reported sensitivities was a mean age above 65 years. This is the first meta-analysis attempting to systemically determine the cause of heterogeneity in the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules.

Risk Factors for Pneumothorax Development Following CT-Guided Core Lung Nodule Biopsy.

This study aims to correlate nodule, patient, and technical risk factors less commonly investigated in the literature with pneumothorax development during computed tomography-guided core needle lung nodule biopsy. Retrospective data on 671 computed tomography-guided percutaneous core needle lung biopsies from 671 patients at a tertiary care center between March 2014 and August 2016. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify pneumothorax risk factors. The overall incidence of pneumothorax was 26.7% (n=179). Risk factors identified on univariate analysis include anterior [odds ratio (OR)=1.98; P<0.001] and lateral (OR=2.17; P=0.002) pleural surface puncture relative to posterior puncture, traversing more than one pleural surface with the biopsy needle (OR=2.35; P=0.06), patient positioning in supine (OR=2.01; P<0.001) and decubitus nodule side up (OR=2.54; P=0.001) orientation relative to decubitus nodule side down positioning, and presence of emphysema in the path of the biopsy needle (OR=3.32; P<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, the presence of emphysematous parenchyma in the path of the biopsy needle was correlated most strongly with increased odds of pneumothorax development (OR=3.03; P=0.0004). Increased body mass index (OR=0.95; P=0.001) and larger nodule width (cm; OR=0.74; P=0.02) were protective factors most strongly correlated with decreased odds of pneumothorax development. Emphysema in the needle biopsy path is most strongly associated with pneumothorax development. Increases in patient body mass index and width of the target lung nodule are most strongly associated with decreased odds of pneumothorax.

Efficacy and safety of a new disposable percutaneous positioning device invented to facilitate the precision of percutaneous core needle lung biopsies: a prospective, open and randomized controlled study.

BackgroundA new disposable percutaneous positioning device was developed which permits adjustment of the fixing puncture angle while performing a percutaneous core needle lung biopsy (CNLB). The aim of the study was to explore the positioning accuracy and clinical safety of the new device during CT-guided percutaneous CNLB.MethodsA prospective, open and randomized controlled study with two parallel groups was conducted on 150 patients with pulmonary nodules between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 including 101 males and 49 females who were divided (allocation ratio: 1:1) into a standard CNLB group without the percutaneous positioning device (control, n=75) and a new percutaneous positioning device group combined with CNLB (experimental, n=75). The efficacy was determined by the success rate of reaching the target location on the first percutaneous attempt, the number of CT scans performed and the time required for successful puncture positioning. Safety evaluations included complications related to percutaneous surgery and the new positioning device.ResultsThe success rate of reaching the target location on the first percutaneous attempt in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group [96.0% (72/75) vs. 42.7% (32/75), P<0.001]. Patients in the experimental group received 3.05±0.28 times CT scans on average for successful percutaneous positioning, which was significantly lower than for the control group (3.95±1.03) (P<0.001). The time required to complete the percutaneous positioning was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (8.73±3.11 vs. 12.79±4.55 min, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in percutaneous-related complications between the two groups [48.0% (36/75) vs. 61.3% (46/75), P=0.101], except that the bleeding rate in the experimental group was lower than in the control group [26.7% (20/75) vs. 46.7% (35/75), P=0.032].ConclusionsThe use of the optimized percutaneous technology with the new positioning device significantly improved the accuracy and precision of percutaneous lung biopsies.Trial RegistrationChiCTR-INR-17010322.

Accuracy and complications of percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

To determine the accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy (PTNB) for the diagnosis of malignancy and the associated complication rates in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This retrospective study included 91 CT-guided PTNBs performed in 80 patients with IPF from April 2003 through December 2016. Data regarding patients, target lesions, procedures, complications, and pathological reports were collected, and the final diagnosis was made. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, percentage of nondiagnostic results, and complication rates were determined. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for nondiagnostic results and major complications. Three biopsies (technical failure [n = 2] and undetermined final diagnosis [n = 1]) were excluded from the diagnostic accuracy calculation. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 89% (78/88), 90% (62/69), and 84% (16/19), respectively. The percentage of nondiagnostic results was 34% (30/88). Lesion size ≤ 3 cm (odds ratio [OR], 8.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-31.2; p = 0.001) and needle tip placement outside the target lesion (OR, 13.7; 95% CI, 1.4-132.2; p = 0.02) were risk factors for nondiagnostic results. The overall and major complication rates were 51% (46/91) and 12% (11/91), respectively. The presence of honeycombing along the path of the needle (OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 1.4-89.1; p = 0.02) was an independent risk factor for major complications. CT-guided PTNB shows a relatively reasonable accuracy in diagnosing malignancy in patients with IPF. The complication rate may be high, especially when the needle passes through honeycomb lesions. • In patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy (PTNB) showed a relativelyreasonable accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy. • Target lesion size ≤ 3 cm and biopsy needle tip placement outside the target lesion were risk factors for nondiagnostic results of CT-guided PTNB. • The complication rate may be high, especially in cases where the biopsy needle passes through honeycomb lesions.

Abstract No. 226 Comparison of needle exchange methods in percutaneous needle lung biopsy in an in vitro air embolism model

Air embolism during transthoracic biopsy is a rare but dreaded complication with potential catastrophic complications. One suggested mechanism is vein to atmosphere fistula introduced by the coaxial needle. Given the low incidence, assessment of preventative techniques is not clinically feasible. The purpose of this study was to create an in vitro environment to compare the volume of air entering the introducer needle in the presence and absence of a saline seal in between coaxial exchanges.

Biopince Full Core Biopsy Device for Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: A Retrospective Analysis of 184 Procedures Analyzing Complication Rates and Procedure Success

Background: Unlike fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsies allow the collection of intact tissue for pathological and molecular evaluation. In outpatient clinical practice, full core needle lung biopsy may be underused because of concerns that it might be too dangerous. We describe our experience using a full core device for percutaneous lung biopsy in a large cohort of patients. Research Question: Is percutaneous full core needle lung biopsy effective and safe in the outpatient setting? Study Design and Methods: The analyzed population comprised patients with lung masses &gt;1.1 cm who underwent percutaneous lung biopsy with a full core device. Analyzed data included core mass dimensions, distance from pleural edge to mass, lobe location, type, outcomes, and complications. Biopsy success was defined as adequate tissue acquisition for pathological evaluation that yielded a diagnosis. Biopsy procedures with incomplete data were excluded from this analysis. Results: We analyzed data from 184 lung biopsies performed on 182 patients (mean age, 70±11.7 years). Most biopsies were parenchymal (54.9%). The overall diagnostic success rate was 98.4%. No complications were reported for 77.2% of biopsies. Minor complications occurred during 39 biopsies (21.2%) and were primarily pneumothorax (16.8%). Major complications occurred during 4 biopsies (2.1%): 3 patients with pneumothorax required emergency department (ED) management and 1 patient went to the ED for severe pain. All complications resolved within 24 hours without hospitalization or transfusion. Crosstabulation analyses showed no significant differences between the lung lobe locations in terms of rates of disposition and complications, and between the lesion types in terms of rates of disposition and complications. Interpretation: Percutaneous lung biopsy performed using a full core biopsy device demonstrated a high rate of diagnostic success and a low risk of clinically significant procedural complications in an outpatient setting.

Could concurrent biopsy and microwave ablation be reliable? Concordance between frozen section examination and final pathology in CT-guided biopsy of lung cancer

Purpose Microwave ablation combined with concurrent biopsy has been used for lung cancer. Frozen section (FS) diagnosis is an important supplement for the final pathology (FP). Thus, a retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the concordance between FS examination and FP in the computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of lung cancer. Materials and methods Patients who underwent percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsies and were diagnosed using both intraoperative FS examination and FP were retrospectively enrolled. Concordance between FS findings and FP in the diagnosis of malignant lung cancer and the definitive histology types were recorded. Results Overall, 163 patients were enrolled. The concordance rate in the diagnosis of malignant tumors was 96.3%. The definitive histology types were concordant between FS examinations and FP in 112 patients (68.7%). Lung cancers undefined with FS but diagnosed as adenocarcinoma with FP were the most common type, observed in 18 patients. The concordance in the histology type was lower for those requiring immunohistochemistry for FP diagnoses (47.3 vs. 79.6%, p < 0.000). Concordance rates differed for the different histology types diagnosed using FP (adenocarcinoma vs. squamous cell carcinoma vs. small-cell lung cancer vs. others, 76.6 vs. 56.2 vs. 69.2 vs. 0.0%, p < 0.000). Conclusions FS was inferior to FP in the diagnosis of definitive histology types, but had a high concordance with FP in the diagnosis of malignant lung cancer.

Cone-Beam CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy of Juxtaphrenic Lesions: Diagnostic Accuracy and Complications.

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy and complications of cone-beam CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of juxtaphrenic lesions and identify the risk factors for diagnostic failure and complications.Materials and MethodsIn total, 336 PTNB procedures for lung lesions (mean size ± standard deviation [SD], 4.3 ± 2.3 cm) abutting the diaphragm in 326 patients (189 male and 137 female; mean age ± SD, 65.2 ± 11.4 years) performed between January 2010 and December 2014 were included. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PTNB procedures for the diagnosis of malignancy were measured based on the intention-to-diagnose principle. The risk factors for diagnostic failures and complications were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 92.7% (293/316), 91.3% (219/240), 91.4% (74/81), 96.9% (219/226), and 77.9% (74/95), respectively. There were 23 diagnostic failures (7.3%), and lesion sizes ≤ 2 cm (p = 0.045) were the only significant risk factors for diagnostic failure. Complications occurred in 98 cases (29.2%), including 89 cases of pneumothorax (26.5%) and 7 cases of hemoptysis (2.1%). The multivariable analysis showed that old age (> 65 years) (p = 0.002), lesion size of ≤ 2 cm (p = 0.003), emphysema (p = 0.006), and distance from the pleura to the target lesion (> 2 cm) (p = 0.010) were significant risk factors for complications.ConclusionThe diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam CT-guided PTNB of juxtaphrenic lesions for malignancy was fairly high, and the target lesion size was the only significant predictor of diagnostic failure. Complications of cone-beam CT-guided PTNB of juxtaphrenic lesions occurred at a reasonable rate.

Percutaneous core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of lung lesions

Context:Percutaneous needle biopsy of lung (PCNBL) is advantageous over bronchoscopic biopsies to obtain adequate sample for peripheral lung lesions.Objective:The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of image-guided PCNBL in the diagnosis of lung lesions and to classify lung carcinomas as per the recently proposed International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification for small biopsies modified and adopted by the World Health Organization, 2015.Materials and Methods:A total of 280 image-guided PCNBL were analyzed. The radiological findings and routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections along with immunohistochemistry (IHC) were analyzed in all the cases. Molecular testing was done depending on tissue diagnosis and availability.Results:Majority (81%) were diagnosed as malignant lesions, with adenocarcinoma (ADC) being the most common. More than 70% were diagnosed on H&E morphology alone, with thirty cases requiring IHC to categorize as ADC. Nearly 60% were categorized as squamous cell carcinoma on morphology alone and the rest required IHC. Though TTF1 showed higher sensitivity than napsin A, the latter is more specific. Both p63 and p40 were found to be highly sensitive for squamous cell carcinoma, but p40 was more specific than p63. Epidermal growth factor receptor could be evaluated on 94.4% of ADC samples, indicating good yield for molecular testing.Conclusion:PCNBL yields adequate sampling for tissue diagnosis and ancillary testing with minimal complications. The use of IHC markers reduces the number of non-small-cell not otherwise specified cases significantly.

Usefulness of CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsies in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Infection.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits and risks of CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsies (PTNBs) in patients with a suspected pulmonary infection.Materials and MethodsThis study included 351 CT-guided PTNBs performed in 342 patients (mean age, 58.9 years [range, 17–91 years]) with suspected pulmonary infection from January 2010 to December 2016. The proportion of biopsies that revealed the causative organism for pulmonary infection and that influenced patient's treatment were measured. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PTNB that revealed the causative organism or affected the treatment. Finally, the complication rate was measured.ResultsCT-guided PTNB revealed the causative organism in 32.5% of biopsies (114/351). The presence of necrotic components in the lesion (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–2.7; p = 0.028), suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5; p = 0.010), and fine needle aspiration (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.8; p = 0.037) were factors associated with biopsies that revealed the causative organism. PTNB influenced patient's treatment in 40.7% (143/351) of biopsies. The absence of leukocytosis (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0–3.7; p = 0.049), presence of a necrotic component in the lesion (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5–3.8; p < 0.001), and suspected tuberculosis (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0–2.8; p = 0.040) were factors associated with biopsies that influenced the treatment. The overall complication rate of PTNB was 19% (65/351).ConclusionIn patients with suspected pulmonary infection, approximately 30–40% of CT-guided PTNBs revealed the causative organism or affected the treatment. The complication rate of PTNB for suspected pulmonary infection was relatively low.

Stroke after lung biopsy

A 69-year-old man presented with a reduced level of consciousness and left hemiparesis immediately after a percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic needle lung biopsy, performed to investigate an interstitial pulmonary disease. CT...

Diagnostic and prognostic factors for patients with primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A 16-year single-center retrospective study.

Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PP-NHL) is a rare entity with non-specific symptoms and radiographic findings, as well as a difficult preoperative diagnosis. A limited number of studies have described PP-NHL in Chinese patients. The goal of the present study was to improve early diagnosis by examining prognostic factors in patients with PP-NHL. Therefore, a total of 29 patients with PP-NHL were included in the study between January 2001 and June 2017, including 14 with aggressive-type and 15 with indolent-type lymphomas (10 male, 19 female; median age, 50.3 years; range, 19-87 years). Pulmonary nodules and masses (55.2%) were the most common radiographic features. The diagnostic yield was 80% (12/15) by endobronchial biopsy or transbronchial lung biopsy and 100% by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy (11/11) or surgery (8/8). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels and systemic symptoms were observed considerably more often in patients with aggressive disease than in those with indolent disease. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 42, 32, and 21%, respectively, for all patients, 72, 57 and 43%, respectively, for patients with indolent lymphomas, and 13, 6 and 0%, respectively, for patients with aggressive lymphomas. The median OS rate for all patients was 12.0 months; however, the OS rate for patients with aggressive lymphomas was significantly shorter compared with those with indolent lymphomas (7.1 months vs. 16.6 months; P=0.002). Aggressive vs. indolent lymphoma status was indicated to be an independent prognostic factor for poor 5-year OS rate (hazard ratio, 5.98; P=0.014). In conclusion, bronchoscopic and CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsies were the most useful and least invasive procedures for diagnosing PP-NHL. Furthermore, aggressive PP-NHL was highly associated with poor 5-year OS rate and a poor prognosis.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsies: A Multicenter Study.

ObjectiveTo measure the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsies (PTNBs) on the basis of the intention-to-diagnose principle and identify risk factors for diagnostic failure of PTNBs in a multi-institutional setting.Materials and MethodsA total of 9384 initial PTNBs performed in 9239 patients (mean patient age, 65 years [range, 20–99 years]) from January 2010 to December 2014 were included. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PTNBs for diagnosis of malignancy were measured. The proportion of diagnostic failures was measured, and their risk factors were identified.ResultsThe overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.6–91.7%), 92.5% (95% CI, 91.9–93.1%), 86.5% (95% CI, 85.0–87.9%), 99.2% (95% CI, 99.0–99.4%), and 84.3% (95% CI, 82.7–85.8%), respectively. The proportion of diagnostic failures was 8.9% (831 of 9384; 95% CI, 8.3–9.4%). The independent risk factors for diagnostic failures were lesions ≤ 1 cm in size (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.23–2.81), lesion size 1.1–2 cm (1.75; 1.45–2.11), subsolid lesions (1.81; 1.32–2.49), use of fine needle aspiration only (2.43; 1.80–3.28), final diagnosis of benign lesions (2.18; 1.84–2.58), and final diagnosis of lymphomas (10.66; 6.21–18.30). Use of cone-beam CT (AOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.75) and conventional CT-guidance (0.55; 0.32–0.94) reduced diagnostic failures.ConclusionThe accuracy of PTNB for diagnosis of malignancy was fairly high in our large-scale multi-institutional cohort. The identified risk factors for diagnostic failure may help reduce diagnostic failure and interpret the biopsy results.