Computed Tomography-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of The Thoracic Lesions: A One Year Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation and diagnosis of the thoracic lesions by conventional methods leads to increased morbidity. Computed tomography (CT)-guided core biopsy is minimally invasive, accurate for needle puncture localization with less post-procedural complications. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the safety, diagnostic accuracy, and the complications of CT-guided core needle biopsy of thoracic lesions. Materials and Methods: All the 60 patients with varied diagnosis of thoracic lesions underwent CT-guided core needle biopsy of the thoraces to procure tissue. The tissue samples were analyzed histopathologically for diagnosing benign and malignant lesions. Patients underwent preliminary investigations and the lung biopsy was performed by automated Cook’s biopsy gun with an 18-gauge needle of length 15 cm and a throw of 2 cm. The vitals were monitored and postprocedural CT of the thorax was performed to identify any complications. Results: Thoracic lesions were predominantly observed in men (40), with most of the patients in the age-group of 51–60 years. Among the 60 patients with thoracic lesions, 59 had malignant lesions, whereas one patient had benign lesion. Most of the lesions were located in the lung parenchyma (52). Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent (44) type of malignant lesion followed by squamous cell carcinoma (7). Thoracic lesions were predominantly in the right upper lobe (15). However, minimal pneumothorax was observed as a postprocedural complication in three patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the procedure were 100%. Conclusion: CT-guided core needle biopsy is a safe and effective method with high sensitivity and specificity. It is a highly accurate technique in the diagnosis and evaluation of benign and malignant thoracic lesions.

Keywords

• benign
• carcinoma
• ct guided-core needle biopsy
• histopathology
• malignant
• sensitivity
• thoracic lesions