Role of computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary mass legion

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications of computed tomography [CT]-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy [PTNLB] of peripheral pulmonary mass lesion. Design: This is a retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study It was conducted in the Department of Chest Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi over a period of two years from January, 1997 to December, 1998. Subjects and We retrospectively reviewed 41 case records of patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy during January, 1997 to December, 1998 having radiological evidence of peripheral pulmonary mass lesion. A special proforma was designed to record demographic data, clinical features, biopsy results and complications of the procedure. Subsequently results were analyzed. Adequate tissue specimens were obtained in 37 patients out of a total of 41, the tissue pickup rate was 90%. In all 37 patients specific histological diagnosis was made, 32 [94%] had primary malignant lesions, 02 [6%] metastatic malignant lesions and 03 [8%] benign lesions. No complications were observed except mild pain at the site of procedure. CT-guided PTNLB is a safe and effective procedure in obtaining specimens for pathological diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary mass lesion