Transthoracic needle biopsy for suspected thoracic malignancy in elderly patients using CT guidance

Computerised Tomography Guided Transthoracic Aspiration Biopsy

“…The sensitivity of the technique in diagnosis in our series was close to levels reported in literature [3,4]. The incidence of pneumothorax in this study was 21.9%.…”

“…The complications of haemoptysis and pneumothorax are well known. Air embolism and seeding of tumour along the needle track are rare complications [3], not observed in any case during this study. A patient who fails to hold breath on demand or is fidgety should not be considered for the procedure [3,5].…”

“…Air embolism and seeding of tumour along the needle track are rare complications [3], not observed in any case during this study. A patient who fails to hold breath on demand or is fidgety should not be considered for the procedure [3,5]. Patients with bleeding disorders can have coagulation abnormalities corrected as part of pre-procedure work up.…”

“…needle biopsy in patients with suspected chest malignancy is now well established [3]. The complications of haemoptysis and pneumothorax are well known.…”

“…Parenchymal lesions well suited for CT biopsy also include those lesions with ill-defined edges because of the better contrast resolution on CT scans [3]..…”