Computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy of small pulmonary nodules

Objective To appraise the diagnostic accuracy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy of small pulmonary nodules.Methods Fourty-five patients (34 men and 11 women), 31-82 years old (mean age, 61.8 years ) with small solitary pulmonary nodules underwent CT-guided transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and complication rates were analysed. Factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy and pneumothorax rate were statistically evaluated. Results 42.2% (n=19) were malignant and 37.8% (n=17) were benign. Histologically, there were 5 true-negative, one false-negative, and no false-positive. The overall sensitivity was 95% (19/20); and the diagnostic accuracy rate was 91.1% (41/45). Four (8.9%) patients had pneumothorax and two(4.4%) patients complicated with perifocal mild hemorrhage. Patient older than 60 showed a significant increase in occurrence of pneumothorax in comparison with their younger counterparts (P0.01).Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy is an useful diagnostic tool for solitary pulmonary nodule smaller than 2 cm in diameter.