SMALL-CALIBER CUTTING NEEDLE-BIOPSY OF TH E LUNG - RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS

The diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of computer tomography ( CT)-guided small-caliber cutting needle biopsy were assessed in 103 bi opsies in 101 consecutive patients. There were 67 true-positive, 30 tr ue-negative, 3 false-negative and no false positive results. Two speci mens were unclassifiable and one was insufficient. Diagnostic accuracy was 94.1%, sensitivity 95.7%, and specificity 100%. In 34% of cases p neumothorax occurred, requiring therapy in 24% of cases. The longer th e intrapulmonary biopsy route was, the greater the risk of pneumothora x. Except for transient hemoptysis in two patients, there were no furt her complications. CT-guided small-caliber cutting needle biopsy of th e lung is an effective and safe procedure, comparing well with fine ne edle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). If exact histologic diagnosis is requir ed it should be preferred to FNAB.