THORACIC LESIONS - DIAGNOSIS BY ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY

We reviewed the results of US-guided fine-needle biopsies of periphera l pulmonary, pleural, mediastinal and chest wall lesions in 200 patien ts. Sufficient material for cytological analysis was obtained in 95%, 92%, 96% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity was 88%, 94%, 96%, 100% a nd specificity 89%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The ratio of false-ne gative results was 7%. A cutting needle biopsy was additionally perfor med in 24 patients. All but two of the histological samples (92%) were adequate for diagnostic purposes and a correct diagnosis was establis hed in 86% (19/22) Of these. 8 patients (4%) with pleural or pulmonary targets had minor complications (5 pneumothorax, 3 haemoptysis), whic h did not require treatment. Cutting needle biopsies and biopsy of med iastinal lesions proved safe. Due to the many advantages US may be con sidered for guidance in peripheral larger-sized pulmonary lesions, par ticularly those abutting the pleura, and also in pleural, thoracic wal l and mediastinal masses.