Computed Tomography Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Lung and Mediastinal Lesions

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Computed tomography guided fine needleaspiration cytology is a safe and well established technique forthe diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. This study wascarried out in the department of pathology in the tertiary healthcare and teaching institute where radiology department is wellestablished. The aim was to study the cytomorphology of thespectrum of the lung and mediastinal lesions and to correlatethe cytological diagnosis with the radiological diagnosis.Material and methods: Computed tomography guided fineneedle aspiration cytology was done in 90 pateints after takingwritten consent of the patient. Patients were explained thebenefits and risks of the procedure. The results were analysed.Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study.There were 81 patients of lung lesions and nine patients ofmediastinal lesions. There were 63(70%) males and 27(30%)females. Adequate aspirate was obtained in 77 patientsgiving the adequacy rate of 85.55%. Adenocarcinomawas the most common type of lung malignancy and NonHodgkins Lymphoma was the most common malignancyin the mediastinum. Inflammatory lesions were seen in 13cases. Granulomatous lesions were found in six patients. Oneinteresting case of hydatid with aspergillosis was diagnosedon cytology smears, which on radiology was diagnosed asneoplastic. Pneumothorax was seen in three patients. Nopatient required chest tube insertion.Conclusion: Computed tomography guided fine needleaspiration cytology is a safe and reliable method for thediagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. It can help inearly diagnosis and initiation of the treatment avoiding majorsurgical procedures.