Computed tomography-guided biopsy of mediastinal lesions: fine versus cutting needles

Authors

  • André Piovesan de Farias Cancer Hospital  &#39A. C. Camargo' Departments of Radiology
  • Daniel Deheinzelin Cancer Hospital  &#39A. C. Camargo' Departments of Radiology
  • Riad N. Younes Cancer Hospital  &#39A. C. Camargo&#39
  • Rubens Chojniak Cancer Hospital  &#39A. C. Camargo' Departments of Radiology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812003000200003

Keywords:

Mediastinal masses, Tomography, computed axial, Needle biopsy

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report the experience of a radiology department in the use of computed tomography guided biopsies of mediastinal lesions with fine and cutting needles, describing the differences between them. The results of adequacy of the sample and histologic diagnoses are presented according to the type of needle used. METHODS: We present a retrospective study of mediastinal biopsies guided by computed tomography performed from January 1993 to December 1999. Eighty-six patients underwent mediastinal biopsy in this period, 37 with cutting needles, 38 with fine needles, and 11 with both types (total of 97 biopsies). RESULTS: In most cases, it was possible to obtain an adequate sample (82.5%) and specific diagnosis (67.0%). Cutting-needle biopsy produced a higher percentage of adequate samples (89.6% versus 75.5%, P = 0.068) and of specific diagnosis (81.3% versus 53.1%, P = 0.003) than fine-needle biopsy. There were no complications that required intervention in either group. CONCLUSION: Because they are practical, safe, and can provide accurate diagnoses, image-guided biopsies should be considered the procedure of choice in the initial exploration of patients with mediastinal masses. In our experience, cutting needles gave higher quality samples and diagnostic rates. We recommend the use of cutting needles as the preferred procedure.

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Published

2003-01-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Computed tomography-guided biopsy of mediastinal lesions: fine versus cutting needles . (2003). Revista Do Hospital Das Clínicas, 58(2), 69-74. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0041-87812003000200003