Percutaneous image guided cutting needle biopsy of mediastinal masses: diagnostic yield and complications

ABSTRACT

To evaluate image guided cutting needle biopsy of mediastinal masses for diagnostic yield and complications. This was a descriptive study. Computed Tomography [CT] and ultrasound guided biopsies of mediastinal masses were performed in 30 patients. Tissue core obtained, were preserved in formalin and sent for histological examination. X-ray chest taken for evidence of pneumothorax and mediastinal widening. Hemoptysis, pneumothorax other complication were recorded. Definite histological diagnosis was obtained in all 30 patients. 70% [n=21] were malignant disease and 30% [n=9] were benign pathologies. Sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 100%. Pneumothorax occurred in 7% [n=2] cases. Hemoptysis occurred in 10% [n=3] cases. Chest intubation was not required in cases of pneumothorax. No hemodynamic instability occurred. There was no major complication. Image guided percutaneous transthoracic cutting needle biopsy in mediastinal masses is an accurate procedure for specific histological diagnosis and has a low complication rate