Ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in peripheral pulmonary masses

The value of ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy and abscess drainage wa s assessed in 155 patients with thoracic consolidations adjacent to the che st wall. Biopsies were performed with 18- or 19-gauge tissue core biopsy needles. Co rrect diagnosis was achieved in 91% (92% in neoplasmas, 87% in non-neoplast ic consolidations). Ultrasound guided percutaneous lung abscess drainage wa s successful in 13 cases. Six patients developed complications: one small pneumothorax, two pneumotho races requiring a chest tube, two mild and one moderate hemoptyses. Ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy is an accurate, safe and well-tolera ted procedure. It provides adequate specimens for routine histologic examin ation and also permits successful drainage of pulmonary abscesses.