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Insights into Imaging
Published in: Insights into Imaging 4/2017

Open Access 01-08-2017 | Review

Imaging-guided chest biopsies: techniques and clinical results

Authors: Michele Anzidei, Andrea Porfiri, Fabrizio Andrani, Michele Di Martino, Luca Saba, Carlo Catalano, Mario Bezzi

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Background

This article aims to comprehensively describe indications, contraindications, technical aspects, diagnostic accuracy and complications of percutaneous lung biopsy.

Methods

Imaging-guided biopsy currently represents one of the predominant methods for obtaining tissue specimens in patients with lung nodules; in many cases treatment protocols are based on histological information; thus, biopsy is frequently performed, when technically feasible, or in case other techniques (such as bronchoscopy with lavage) are inconclusive.

Results

Although a coaxial system is suitable in any case, two categories of needles can be used: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB), with the latter demonstrated to have a slightly higher overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Conclusion

Percutaneous lung biopsy is a safe procedure even though a few complications are possible: pneumothorax, pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis are common complications, while air embolism and seeding are rare, but potentially fatal complications.

Teaching points

• Imaging-guided biopsy is one of the main methods to obtain lung nodule specimens.
• CT has the highest accuracy for diagnosis as an imaging guide.
• Compared to FNAB, CNB has a higher accuracy for diagnosis.
• Pneumothorax and parenchymal pulmonary haemorrhage care the most frequent complications.
• Several clinical and technical variables can affect diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
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Metadata
Title
Imaging-guided chest biopsies: techniques and clinical results
Authors
Michele Anzidei
Andrea Porfiri
Fabrizio Andrani
Michele Di Martino
Luca Saba
Carlo Catalano
Mario Bezzi
Publication date
01-08-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Insights into Imaging / Issue 4/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0561-6

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