[CT-guided biopsy of small lung nodules: usefulness of frozen-section pathologic diagnosis].

PURPOSE: To improve the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of small lung nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The usefulness of fine-needle core biopsy combined with immediate frozen-section diagnosis by pathologists was prospectively studied. Forty-six biopsies of small lung nodules (less than 3 cm in greatest diameter) were performed under CT guidance in 46 patients with 31 malignant and 15 benign processes. Initial biopsy was always attempted with a 20 or 21G histological needle; tissue samples were sent to the pathology department immediately after biopsy for pathologic diagnosis of the frozen sections. RESULTS: In 41 of 46 lesions (89.1%), sufficient material was obtained for diagnosis, permitting a correct final diagnosis. For malignancy, the sensitivity was 100%, whereas 81.8% of the benign lesions were diagnosed as specifically benign. Pneumothorax occurred in 41.3%. CONCLUSION: Histological diagnosis using frozen sections is a useful adjunct for CT-guided biopsy of the chest.