Computed tomography fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous biopsy of pulmonary nodules ≤ 10 mm: retrospective analysis of procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic by Thiago Franchi Nunes

Radiol Bras. 2023 Jan-Feb;56(1):1-7. doi: 10.1590/0100-3984.2022.0062-en.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in pulmonary nodules ≤ 10 mm during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 2020 and April 30, 2022, a total of 359 CT fluoroscopy-guided PTNBs were performed at an interventional radiology center. Lung lesions measured between 2 mm and 108 mm. Of the 359 PTNBs, 27 (7.5%) were performed with an 18G core needle on nodules ≤ 10 mm in diameter.

RESULTS: Among the 27 biopsies performed on nodules ≤ 10 mm, the lesions measured < 5 mm in four and 5-10 mm in 23. The sensitivity and overall diagnostic accuracy of PTNB were 100% and 92.3%, respectively. The mean dose of ionizing radiation during PTNB was 581.33 mGy*cm (range, 303-1,129 mGy*cm), and the mean biopsy procedure time was 6.6 min (range, 2-12 min). There were no major postprocedural complications.

CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy-guided PTNB appears to provide a high diagnostic yield with low complication rates.

PMID:36926361 | PMC:PMC10013188 | DOI:10.1590/0100-3984.2022.0062-en