G. Mathis et O. Gehmacher, Ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in peripheral pulmonary masses, WIEN KLIN W, 111(6), 1999, pp. 230-235
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.