CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of lung isolated lesions—accuracy and safety

Objective To evaluate the accuracy and safety of CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of the lung isolated lesions. Methods A total of 145 cases of CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsy using 16-gauge or 18-gauge core biopsy needles were studied. Results The histological examination showed malignancy in 91 biopsies and benign in 54 with 6 false-negative results (4.1%). There were no false-positive results. The specificity of malignant and benign lesions was 100% and 59.3%, respectively. Overall accuracy was 84.8%. Pneumothorax, hemorrhages around the lesions, and hemoptysis occurred in 21 (14.5%), 23 (15.9%), and 8 patients (5.5%), respectively. Conclusion CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of the lung isolated lesions is a reliable and relatively safe diagnostic method.