ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Inpatient CT-guided core needle biopsies are an integral diagnostic method to obtain a histology from lesions of unknown dignity in oncology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility, sensitivity, specificity, and complication rate of diagnostic CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsies in oncology outpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of all oncology outpatients who received CT-guided core needle biopsies between August 2001 and March 2005. RESULTS: 432 outpatients received 465 CT-guided core needle biopsies using a 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge coaxial cutting needle. 174 patients (37%) were biopsied for intra-abdominal lesions, 130 (28%) for intrathoracic lesions, 55 (12%) for bone lesions, 40 (9%) for peripheral tumors, 36 (8%) for peripheral lymph nodes, and 30 (7%) for central lymph nodes. 249 (53%) biopsies were performed in local anesthesia, 216 (47%) in general anesthesia. Sensitivity was 94%, specificity 92%, and effective accuracy 92%. Complications occurred after 23 biopsies (4.9%). A pneumothorax occurred after 17 thorax biopsies (13%). 7 patients (1.5%) had to be hospitalized after the biopsy. No patient died due to the procedure. CONCLUSION: CT-guided core needle biopsies are feasible and safe in oncology outpatients. The technique shows a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity with a low complication rate in routine care.
