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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 1/2017

Open Access 01-01-2017 | Interventional

Complication rates of CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy: meta-analysis

Authors: W. J. Heerink, G. H. de Bock, G. J. de Jonge, H. J. M. Groen, R. Vliegenthart, M. Oudkerk

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Objectives

To meta-analyze complication rate in computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy and associated risk factors.

Methods

Four databases were searched from 1/2000 to 8/2015 for studies reporting complications in CT-guided lung biopsy. Overall and major complication rates were pooled and compared between core biopsy and fine needle aspiration (FNA) using the random-effects model. Risk factors for complications in core biopsy and FNA were identified in meta-regression analysis.

Results

For core biopsy, 32 articles (8,133 procedures) were included and for FNA, 17 (4,620 procedures). Pooled overall complication rates for core biopsy and FNA were 38.8 % (95 % CI: 34.3–43.5 %) and 24.0 % (95 % CI: 18.2–30.8 %), respectively. Major complication rates were 5.7 % (95 % CI: 4.4–7.4 %) and 4.4 % (95 % CI: 2.7–7.0 %), respectively. Overall complication rate was higher for core biopsy compared to FNA (p < 0.001). For FNA, larger needle diameter was a risk factor for overall complications, and increased traversed lung parenchyma and smaller lesion size were risk factors for major complications. For core biopsy, no significant risk factors were identified.

Conclusions

In CT-guided lung biopsy, minor complications were common and occurred more often in core biopsy than FNA. Major complication rate was low. For FNA, smaller nodule diameter, larger needle diameter and increased traversed lung parenchyma were risk factors for complications.

Key Points

• Minor complications are common in CT-guided lung biopsy
• Major complication rate is low in CT-guided lung biopsy
• CT-guided lung biopsy complications occur more often in core biopsy than FNA
• Major complication rate is similar in core biopsy and FNA
• Risk factors for FNA are larger needle diameter, smaller lesion size
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Complication rates of CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy: meta-analysis
Authors
W. J. Heerink
G. H. de Bock
G. J. de Jonge
H. J. M. Groen
R. Vliegenthart
M. Oudkerk
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4357-8

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