Evaluation of ultrasonically guided biopsies of mediastinal masses

Diagnostic value and complication rate of ultrasound-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy in mediastinal lesions

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (US-TCNB) is a promising method for establishing the correct diagnosis of mediastinal masses. However, the existing studies in this area are scant and with small samples.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic value and the complication rate of US-TCNB, particularly large bore cutting biopsy in patients with mediastinal lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study includes 566 patients with mediastinal lesions suspicious of malignancy evaluated between March 2004 and December 2018. Inclusion criteria: 1. Patients with mediastinal lesions detected on thoracic CT scan; 2. Lesions more than 15 mm; 3. Negative histological diagnosis after bronchoscopic biopsy; 4. Normal coagulation status; 5. Cooperative patient; 6. Written informed consent. US visualization of the mediastinal lesions was successful in 308 (54.4%). In all of them, US-TCNB was performed. All patients with mediastinal lesions unsuitable for US visualization were evaluated for a CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-TTNB), which was done if the presence of a safe trajectory was available (n = 41, 7.2%). All patients inappropriate for image-guided TTNB were referred to primary surgical diagnostic procedures (n = 217, 38.3%).

RESULTS

The US-TCNB is a highly effective (accuracy 96%, sensitivity 95%) and safe tool (2.6% complications) in the diagnosis of all subgroups mediastinal lesions. It is non-inferior to CT-TTNB (90%) and comes close to the effectiveness of surgical biopsy techniques (98.4%), but is less invasive and with a lower complication rate.

CONCLUSION

US-TCNB of mediastinal lesions is highly effective and safe tool which is particularly helpful in critically ill patients.

Diagnostic Performance of Core Needle Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration Separately or Together in the Diagnosis of Intrathoracic Lesions Under C-arm Guidance

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) of intrathoracic lesions using the same coaxial guide-needle under a C-arm Cone-Beam computed tomography system.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and eighty-eight patients (181 male, 107 female; 65.8 ± 13.3 years) with 293 lesions underwent 300 procedures, in which both FNA and CNB were performed. After inserting the coaxial guide-needle into the target lesion, we performed 18-gauge CNB, followed by 20-gauge FNA through the same coaxial guide-needle. The comparison of the procedures in which both showed adequate sample was performed with McNemar’s test (n = 229).

Results:

Of 300 procedures, 293 were technically successful. Adequate samples were obtained in 248/300 FNA and 288/300 CNB cases. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of malignancy were respectively 84.7% (133/157), 100% (72/72) for FNA, when atypical cells included benign entity; 97.5% (153/157), 100% (72/72) for FNA, when atypical cells included malignancy; 97.6% (162/166), 100% (102/102) for CNB; and 100% (166/166), 100% (102/102) for combined FNA and CNB. Diagnosis of malignancy was significantly higher for CNB than for FNA (p < 0.001); however, it was not significantly higher when atypical cells included malignancy for FNA. Pneumothorax occurred in 50 (16.7%) and hemoptysis in 18 (6.0%) procedures.

Conclusions:

Combined use of CNB and FNA using the same coaxial guide-needle showed better diagnostic performance than using one alone. When comparing CNB and FNA, CNB showed significantly better performance, when atypical cells included a benign entity in FNA.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Improves the Pathological Outcomes of US-Guided Core Needle Biopsy That Targets the Viable Area of Anterior Mediastinal Masses

Based on the option that ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) of the enhanced portion of anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs) identified by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) would harvest viable tissue and benefit the histological diagnoses, a retrospective study was performed to elucidate the correlation between the prebiopsy CEUS and diagnostic yield of AMMs and found that CEUS potentially improved the diagnostic yield of AMMs compared with conventional US with a significant increase in the cellularity of samples. Furthermore, the marginal blood flow signals and absence of necrosis can predict the diagnostic yield of AMM. It was concluded that US-CNB of the viable part of AMMs, as verified by CEUS, was able to harvest sufficient tissue with more cellularity that could be used for ancillary studies and improve the diagnostic yield. And CEUS was recommended to those patients with AMMs undergoing repeated US-CNB, with the absence of marginal blood signals or presence of necrosis.

Diagnostic impact of color Doppler ultrasound-guided core biopsy on fine-needle aspiration of anterior mediastinal masses

Although lymphoma and thymoma are common etiologies of anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs), smaller percentages and numbers of patients with these diseases have been enrolled in previous ultrasound-guided biopsy studies. To date, there has been no study of color Doppler sonographic features to support the differentiation of AMMs. For this retrospective cohort study, a search of the database of the China Medical University Hospital using the clinical coding "ultrasound-guided biopsy" was conducted for the period December 2003 to February 2013. We selected patients diagnosed with AMMs (not cysts) using radiographic records. This search yielded a list of 80 cases. Real-time ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) was performed in all but 5 patients without a sufficient safety range. In 89% (67/75) of these ultrasound-guided CNB cases, the diagnostic accuracy achieved subclassification. Fine-needle aspiration cytology achieved subclassification in only 10% of cases. On color Doppler sonography, 71% of lymphomas were characterized as "rich vascular with central/crisscross collocations" and 29% as "avascular or localized/scattered peripheral vessels." However, decreased proportions of "rich vascular with central/crisscross collocations" were found in lung cancer (4% [1/23], odds ratio = 0.018, 95% confidence interval: 0.002-0.154, p < 0.001) and thymoma/thymic carcinoma (25% [4/16]; odds ratio = 0.133, 95% confidence interval: 0.035-0.514, p = 0.003) compared with the lymphoma group. We conclude that the vessels in lymphoma AMMs have specific patterns on color Doppler sonography. Ultrasound-guided CNB of AMMs had an accuracy of ≤ 89% in diagnosis and subclassification. Fine-needle aspiration cytology itself cannot aid in the diagnosis. Color Doppler sonographic evaluation of AMMs followed by real-time CNB is a more efficient method.

Sonographic characteristics of thymoma compared with mediastinal lymphoma

Thymomas are uncommon neoplasms that are typically located in the cranioventral mediastinum in domestic species, which generally affects older animals. Medical records and sonograms of 50 animals diagnosed with either mediastinal thymoma (n = 35) or lymphoma (n = 15) between January 2005 and February 2012 were reviewed. Cases with definitive cytological and/or histological diagnoses of either thymoma or lymphoma were included in this study. Masses were characterized by echogenicity, presence or absence of cysts, shape, margination, vascularity, and presence of effusion. Many thymomas (57.1%) were sonographically cystic in appearance and nearly all were heterogeneous (94%) in echogenicity compared with lymphoma (P = .0028). Lymphomatous lymph nodes were more likely to be solid (80%) and were equally divided between hypoechoic (47%) and heterogeneous (53%) echogenicities. Sonographic findings of either internal cysts or a heterogeneous echogenicity in mediastinal masses may be suggestive of a thymoma.

Anterior mediastinal masses: A study of 50 cases by fine needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy as a diagnostic procedure

Background:

Mediastinal tumors are an uncommon abnormalities found in clinical practice. Anterior mediastinum is the common site and tissue diagnoses of anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs) are very important for correct therapeutic decision.

Objective:

We evaluate the different malignant AMMs in various age groups and the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB). Cytology smears are reviewed with particular emphasis on pitfalls in the cytological diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study of 50 patients who were consulted for AMMs and underwent FNAC and CNB under guidance of ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan from 2006 to 2011. Cytology smears and histological sections were evaluated in all patients.

Results:

Among 50 cases, 36 were male and 14 were female. Most AMMs (52%) were identified in the fifth and sixth decades of life. Metastatic carcinoma and nonHodgkin's lymphoma are the common AMMs. Adequate tissue material was obtained in 49 of 50 cases by CNB. Of these 49 patients, 35 (71.42%) cases were diagnosed correctly by FNAC, whereas 14 (28.57%) cases were not diagnosed definitely by FNAC. The sensitivity of CNB for AMMs was 97.95%, significantly higher than FNAC (71.42%) (P < 0.05). CNB had statistically significant higher diagnostic rate than FNAC in the noncarcinoma group (100% versus 62.96%) (P < 0.05). There is no significant difference of CNB and FNAC in carcinoma group (P > 0.05). Diagnostic rate of FNAC was higher for carcinomatous lesions (81.81%) than for noncarcinomatous lesions (62.96%).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound or CT scan-guided CNB in combination with FNAC are safe, minimally invasive, and cost-effective procedure, which can provide a precise diagnosis in the AMMs, and may obviate the need for invasive surgical approach. FNAC usually suffice for carcinomatous lesions but CNB should be performed whenever the diagnosis of carcinoma is equivocal or noncarcinoma lesions are suspected.

Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Pleural-based Intrathoracic Lesions

BACKGROUND

Pleural-based intrathoracic lesions pose a diagnostic challenge. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy with fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, and ultrasound (US) have been used to establish a diagnosis. We report the yield of US-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of these lesions at our center.

METHODS

Twenty patients with pleural-based intrathoracic lesions underwent US-guided FNAB. All were considered to have an unresectable malignant process based on clinical evaluation. Nineteen patients had pleural-based parenchymal lesion and 1 had an anterior mediastinal mass touching the chest wall.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent 21 US-guided FNAB procedures. A final diagnosis was established in all the patients: 19 malignancies and 1 benign lesion. US-guided FNAB established a diagnosis of malignancy in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%) in the first attempt. In 1 patient, a diagnosis of malignancy was made on a repeat US-guided FNAB, increasing the overall yield to 18 of 19 (95%). In 1 patient with a nondiagnostic US-guided FNAB, a diagnosis of malignancy was established with CT scan-guided FNAB. US-guided FNAB was able to diagnose 15 of 16 cases of non-small cell carcinoma and 3 of 3 (100%) small cell carcinoma. In 1 patient with benign lesion, US-guided FNAB showed pulmonary macrophages. This patient was diagnosed as having pneumonia after antibiotic therapy and repeat CT scan showed complete resolution. For a diagnosis of malignancy, US-guided FNAB had 94.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 95% diagnostic accuracy, 100% positive predictive value, and 50% negative predictive value. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided FNAB of pleural-based intrathoracic lesions is a rapid, simple, and safe procedure with a high yield for malignancy.

Interventional ultrasonography of the chest: Techniques and indications

Thoracic ultrasonography can be used for diagnostic purposes as well as a guide for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.When the lesion or fluid collection has been located and the patient properly positioned, the angle of the needle is identified with respect to the transducer. The insertion tract should transgress the smallest possible area of aerated parenchyma. The needle can be introduced with a free-hand technique or with the aid of a needle guide. Correct planning of the procedure reduces intervention time and decreases the risk of complications.The main indications are superficial masses that require biopsy, pleural and parenchymal lesions formerly biopsied with CT or fluoroscopic guidance, and fluid collections that need to be drained.Ultrasound, thanks to its widespread use, simple execution, and low costs, represents a safe, manageable guide for thoracic interventions.

Sonographic management of mediastinal syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Mediastinal syndrome is suspected on the basis of clinical symptoms and is generally confirmed by chest radiography or computed tomography (CT). However, also grey scale ultrasound (US) and contrast enhanced US (CEUS) are useful in this hematologic emergency as they provide the possibility to perform US-guided biopsy and histological diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

15 Patients affected by mediastinal syndrome were prospectively studied using B-mode US and CEUS; 13 of these patients, who had no other lesions, were proposed for US-guided biopsy of the mediastinal mass, but only in 12 patients biopsy was technically possible.

RESULTS

In this study, B-mode US reached an excellent sensitivity (100%) in evidencing the lesions but a low specificity which did not exceed 30-40%. CEUS reached an elevated specificity identifying neoplastic pathologies if both the early and the late phases are considered (90-86.6%). US-guided biopsy was possible in 92.3% of lesions showing a diagnostic adequacy of 91.66%.

CONCLUSIONS

B-mode US associated with CEUS and US-guided biopsy reached an elevated accuracy in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses. If these results are confirmed by further studies, this diagnostic procedure could be included in the routine management of mediastinal syndrome.

Dynamic flow US, color Doppler US, and power Doppler US in the assessment of vessel signals of thoracic lesions abutting pulsatile organs

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Dynamic flow ultrasound (DFUS) is a new color Doppler imaging method with better B-mode imaging and fewer blooming effects and color noises. This study was designed to compare the imaging quality of vessel signals in thoracic lesions using DFUS, color Doppler US (CDUS), and power Doppler US (PDUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients with thoracic lesions abutting pulsatile organs [heart (n = 13), aorta (n = 14) and pulmonary artery (n = 7)] and undergoing complete chest US examinations were included to assess the imaging quality about vessel signals, blooming effect, color noise, and the influence of decision in needle biopsy between different US modes.

RESULTS

Our results showed that DFUS, CDUS, and PDUS could all demonstrate the vessel signals clearly (all P > .05). However, when focusing on the blooming effect and color noise, DFUS showed the more superior imaging quality than CDUS and PDUS (all P < or = .001); and acceptable blooming effects/color noise were found with 100% (34/34)/97% (33/34), 35% (12/34)/68% (23/34), and 26% (9/34)/38% (13/34) in DFUS, CDUS, and PDUS, respectively. Especially, in the assessment of decision making for percutaneous needle biopsy, DFUS had the less influence than CDUS and PDUS (3% [1/33] versus 29% [10/34] and 3% [1/33] versus 38% [13/34], both P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that DFUS has a clearly more superior imaging quality than CDUS and PDUS in demonstrating the vessel signals of thoracic lesions, with less blooming effect and color noise.

Echogenic swirling pattern as a predictor of malignant pleural effusions in patients with malignancies

OBJECTIVES

Chest ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of pleural effusions of different etiologies. Our purpose was to determine whether the echogenic swirling pattern identifiable on real-time chest ultrasonographic images is a predictor of malignant pleural effusions in patients with malignancies.

DESIGN

Medical records of patients undergoing chest ultrasonography in the Tri-Service General Hospital (Taiwan) between January 2000 and December 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with an echogenic swirling pattern in the pleural effusion, or with malignant diseases associated with pleural effusions, whose pleural fluids had been examined cytologically or whose pleural tissues had been examined pathologically, were enrolled in this study (n = 140). Malignant pleural effusions were defined by the presence of malignant cells in the pleural fluid identified by thoracentesis or by pleural biopsy. The echogenic swirling pattern was defined as numerous echogenic floating particles within the pleural effusion, which swirled in response to respiratory movement or heartbeat. Correlation between malignant pleural effusions and the echogenic swirling pattern was compared in patients with an underlying malignant disease.

RESULTS

In patients with underlying malignancies, malignant pleural effusions were diagnosed in 81.8% of patients with a positive echogenic swirling pattern and in 48% of those with no echogenic swirling pattern. The presence of echogenic swirling was significantly more predictive of malignant pleural effusions than was the absence of echogenic swirling (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The echogenic swirling pattern is a useful predictor of possible malignant pleural effusions, and may be a good marker for malignant pleural effusions in patients with underlying malignancies.

Real-time chest ultrasonography: a comprehensive review for the pulmonologist

This review discusses real-time pulmonary ultrasonography (US) for the practicing pulmonologist. US supplements chest radiography and chest CT scanning. Major advantages include bedside availability, absence of radiation, and guided aspiration of fluid-filled areas and solid tumors. Pulmonary vessels and vascular supply of consolidations may be visualized without contrast. US may help to diagnose conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural or pericardial effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism in the critically ill patient who is in need of bedside diagnostic testing. The technique of US, which is cost-effective compared to CT scanning and MRI, may be learned relatively easily by the pulmonologist.

Assessment of lymphadenopathy in children

The assessment of lymphadenopathy in children is a common diagnostic problem in pediatrics. An understanding of the wide variety of diseases and conditions that may present as lymphadenopathy is essential to determining the most appropriate work up for an individual patient. Although the majority of these children will prove to have a benign disorder, it is important that the pediatrician also have an appreciation for the malignant diseases that may present with lymphadenopathy, so that in such cases the diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening disease can be made in a timely manner.

Mature mediastinal teratoma: sonographic imaging patterns and pathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the sonographic patterns of teratomas located within the mediastinum and to correlate them with pathologic findings, because there have been few reports concerning the application of sonography in the diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma.

METHODS

Over a 9-year period, we carried out an image analysis of the sonographic findings of 28 mediastinal teratomas whose diagnoses were proved surgically.

RESULTS

Sonography showed that 18 patients had a complex mass of heterogeneous echogenicity, including regional bright echoes (n = 12), acoustic shadows (n = 8), hyperechoic lines and dots (n = 7), soft tissue septa (n = 9), dermoid plugs (n = 6), and hypoechoic areas (n = 11). This type of mediastinal teratoma revealed, in pathologic findings, varying combinations of fat, sebaceous and mucinous materials, hair, mineralized elements, and multiple compartments. Eight patients had a homogeneous hyperechoic mass, and the 2 remaining patients had floating spherules within a cystic mass. Pathologically, the homogeneous mass mainly contained hair and sebaceous material. The floating spherules were also composed of sebaceous tissue and were above the fluid of the cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the evaluation of the sonographic and pathologic findings, we described 3 major patterns of mediastinal teratoma: a complex mass of heterogeneous echogenicity, homogeneous high echogenicity within a solid mass, and floating spherules within a cystic mass. Thus, sonography can improve the diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma. However, additional prospective studies are needed to test the sensitivity and specificity of these sonographic patterns in the diagnosis of mediastinal teratoma.

Value of chest sonography in the diagnosis and management of acute chest disease

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of chest sonography in the diagnosis and management of patients with chest radiograph opacities in an emergency department.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with acute chest complaints whose chest radiographs showed opacities underwent chest sonography. The initial diagnosis (based on clinical manifestations and the chest radiograph), the sonographic diagnosis (before any invasive procedures), and the final diagnosis were compared. The impact of chest sonography on the management of patients with chest opacities was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The initial diagnosis was in concordance with the final diagnosis in 60 (77%) of the 78 patients, while the sonographic diagnosis was in concordance with the final diagnosis in 75 (96%) of the patients. Chest sonography therefore significantly increased the rate of correct diagnoses from 77% (95% confidence interval, 67-87%) to 96% (95% confidence interval, 92-100%; p < 0.0001). Sonography provided new information in 52 patients (67%): a different diagnosis from the initial diagnosis in 18 patients and additional diagnostic information in 34 patients. New information gained from sonography affected the management of 35 patients. Sonography also provided help in guiding 42 (70%) of 60 invasive diagnostic procedures and 22 (73%) of 30 invasive therapeutic procedures for which chest radiography and physical examination had failed to or were unsuitable to provide guidance. Overall, sonography assisted in the management of 64 (82%) of 78 patients. Sonography was of no benefit in 14 patients (18%).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that chest sonography can complement chest radiography and is of value in the diagnosis and management of emergency department patients with acute chest diseases presenting as opacities on chest radiographs.

US-guided transthoracic cutting biopsy for peripheral thoracic lesions less than 3 cm in diameter

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and accuracy of ultrasonography (US)-guided transthoracic cutting biopsy for diagnosing peripheral thoracic lesions (<3 cm).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with peripheral thoracic lesions less than 3 cm in diameter underwent US-guided percutaneous transthoracic cutting biopsy with a modified technique. Fifty lesions (43 parenchymal lung, two pleural, two chest wall, and three anterior mediastinal lesions) were sampled for biopsy. The final diagnosis was based on histopathologic analysis of surgical specimens (n = 18) or clinical follow-up (n = 32).

RESULTS

The histology recovery rate was 98% (49 lesions), and the correct diagnosis was obtained in 48 lesions (96%). Twenty-four (48%) lesions were malignant, and 26 (52%) were benign. The diagnostic accuracy for malignant lesions was 92% (22 of 24 lesions). A specific benign diagnosis was made in 17 (65%) of the 26 benign lesions, and the negative predictive value for malignancy was 93% (26 of 28 lesions). Only two patients (4%) developed postbiopsy pneumothorax, and three (6%) developed postbiopsy hemoptysis. Biopsy helped prevent surgery or thoracoscopy in 32 patients (64%): 18 patients with benign disease and 14 with multiple metastases or inoperable cancer.

CONCLUSION

US-guided transthoracic cutting biopsy appears to be a safe and effective method for diagnosing peripheral thoracic lesions less than 3 cm in diameter. The high diagnostic accuracy for benign lesions and metastatic lung cancer can help prevent surgery in many cases.

Ultrasound-guided transthoracic biopsy of the chest

Recent studies have confirmed that US is a very useful diagnostic tool for various diseases of the chest. The image information provided by US is helpful for etiologic diagnosis and clinical management. US-guided needle biopsy provides a precise and safe approach for transthoracic tissue sampling of lesions. The diagnostic yield is high, and the procedure is relatively easy and very safe. Color Doppler US and amplitude US angiography further extend the diagnostic potential and safety of this invasive procedure. Vascular information can be obtained and the needle shaft can be visualized clearly while conducting a biopsy. US examination and US-guided needle aspiration biopsy have now become indispensable diagnostic tools for various chest diseases.

Transthoracic hilar and mediastinal biopsy

TNB of the mediastinum is an accurate, safe, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for the evaluation of mediastinal masses and lymphadenopathy. The technique is most useful in the staging of carcinoma, where it serves as a less expensive and minimally invasive alternative to mediastinoscopy for establishing unresectability. With recent advances in immunohistochemical and core biopsy techniques, TNB has become more accurate for establishing the initial diagnosis of lymphoma and for confirming recurrent disease. Core-needle biopsy has improved the accuracy of TNB and is particularly useful when fine-needle aspiration fails to yield a specific diagnosis, or when lymphoma or a noncarcinomatous lesion is suspected.

A comparison of biopsy through a parasternal anterior mediastinotomy under local anesthesia and percutaneous needle biopsy for malignant anterior mediastinal tumors

The various methods of treating the numerous types of anterior mediastinal neoplasms are undergoing refinements; however, prior to the commencement of any treatment, an accurate histologic diagnosis must be established. We conducted a retrospective analysis of biopsies performed through a parasternal anterior mediastinotomy (PAM) on 21 patients with an anterior mediastial mass suspected of being malignant by computed tomography (CT) and other clinical information. Patients with possible localized thymomas were excluded. Mediastinotomy, which enables relatively large tissue samples to be taken, was performed through the bed of the second or third costal cartilage under local anesthesia. In 19 of the 21 patients (90%), the histologic diagnosis made from the mediastinotomy biopsy was identical to the final diagnosis. Conversely, although the tissue obtained from needle biopsy was sufficient for a histologic diagnosis in 11 of 12 patients, the histologic diagnosis made from the needle biopsy was the same as the final diagnosis in only 5 of 10 patients (50%). Thus, diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the mediastinotomy biopsies than in the needle biopsies (P = 0.0318). Moreover, the mediastinotomy biopsy specimens revealed subtypes of lymphomas and germ cell tumors. All of the patients from whom a mediastinotomy biopsy had been taken began appropriate therapy without delay according to the histologic diagnosis. These results suggest that the PAM approach should be chosen as the preferred method of biopsy for suspected malignant anterior mediastinal tumors.

Percutaneous core cutting needle biopsy compared with fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral lung malignant lesions: results in 156 patients

BACKGROUND

The authors attempted to determine the utility of percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) compared with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of peripheral lung carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of 156 computed tomography (CT)-guided PCNBs and FNAs of malignant lung lesions between 1988-1996. Both CT-guided FNA and PCNB biopsies were performed sequentially at the same visit for each subject.

RESULTS

The authors reviewed 156 malignant lesions whose specific diagnosis was obtained by FNA in 133 cases (85.3%) and by PCNB in 121 cases (77.6%) (P < 0.05). PCNB confirmed the FNA diagnosis in 90 patients (57.7%), provided additional information in 17 patients (10.9%), and was less informative than FNA in 35 patients (22.4%), mostly those with nonsmall cell carcinoma. The PCNB was marginally superior to FNA only in cases of metastatic carcinoma. The only significant complication encountered was a 24% rate of pneumothorax, which is comparable to the reported rate for FNA alone-induced complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PCNB offers no substantial advantage over FNA in the evaluation of peripheral malignant lung lesions. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of FNA biopsy as the initial diagnostic procedure in all cases of suspected malignancy. The use of the PCNB technique is recommended when the diagnosis of malignancy by FNA is uncertain, or when a more detailed characterization of the lesion is required.

Malignant Thymic Carcinoid in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of thymic carcinoid tumor in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I) and discuss the various manifestations of this syndrome.

METHODS

We present the clinical and laboratory data, including histopathologic and immunocytochemical findings, for our current patient and also review the literature on MEN I syndromes.

RESULTS

In a 46-year-old Caucasian man with no family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, numerous MEN I lesions developed over time. The patient had gastrinoma of the duodenum, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, a nonfunctioning adrenal mass, and foregut carcinoid tumors, including gastric and malignant thymic carcinoids. He sequentially underwent partial gastrectomy in conjunction with Billroth II anastomosis, a four-gland parathyroidectomy, and palliative radiotherapy for malignant carcinoid tumor, as well as endoscopic excision of accessible tumors.

CONCLUSION

The involvement in MEN I can be clinically complex. Early detection of MEN I lesions will facilitate timely implementation of treatment and help minimize complications.

Applications of colour Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of chest diseases

Colour Doppler ultrasound (US) or colour Doppler imaging is a new imaging modality that can simultaneously display blood flow information and Doppler spectral analysis. This new technique provides an opportunity to assess pulmonary blood flow and perfusion non-invasively. Colour Doppler US has many potential applications in diseases of the chest. Colour Doppler imaging is useful in assisting the diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and pulmonary sequestration. The 'fluid colour sign' can be used to detect minimal effusion amenable to thoracentesis. Colour Doppler US can be used to assess the angiogenesis of a lung tumour and may be helpful in differentiating a malignant tumour from a benign one. Colour Doppler US can be used to guide a transthoracic needle biopsy and improve the safety of this invasive procedure. Colour Doppler US can demonstrate the vascular patterns and assess the regional haemodynamic changes of a pulmonary consolidation. The information of spectral wave analysis is helpful for understanding the haemodynamic changes of a pulmonary consolidation. Colour Doppler US is useful in assessing perfusion and reperfusion status of a pulmonary infarction. The recent advent of amplitude US angiography further improved the sensitivity of colour Doppler US in detecting blood flow signal without angle restriction. The potential application of these new techniques in chest diseases may need further exploration.

Value of ultrasonically guided needle biopsy of pleural masses: an under-utilized technique

Thirty-six patients with pleural masses underwent ultrasonically guided needle biopsy (UGNB), including ultrasonically guided aspiration biopsy (UGAB) in all 36 patients and ultrasonically guided cutting biopsy (UGCB) in 13 patients. Using UGAB alone, the diagnostic rate for pleural masses was 64% (23/36); carcinomatous pleural masses were more easily diagnosed than non-carcinomatous pleural masses (87% vs 23%, p < 0.01). If both UGAB and UGCB were used, the diagnostic rate was 89% (32/36); thus, selective UGCB was valuable in improving the diagnostic rate of non-carcinomatous pleural masses (from 23% to 69%). In patients with pleural effusions (n = 19), 11 underwent cytologic examinations of the pleural effusion (3 also undergoing pleural biopsy) without conclusive diagnosis; however, the diagnosis was made from pleural masses by UGAB (n = 7) or UGCB (n = 4). In patients without pleural effusions (n = 17), 12 had only pleural masses (3 also having multiple peripheral pulmonary nodules and 4 having mediastinal tumors) and could not be diagnosed by conventional bronchoscopic and sputum examinations. However, the diagnosis was rapidly confirmed by UGAB (n = 5) or UGCB (n = 3) from the pleural masses in 8 patients. We conclude that UGNB is a useful and valuable diagnostic tool, not only detecting the pleural masses hidden by pleural effusions but also for rapidly diagnosing the pleural masses.

Value of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy for peripheral intrathoracic and mediastinal lesions

To evaluate the value of ultrasound (US)-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) for peripheral intrathoracic and mediastinal lesions. Fourteen patients who had intrathoracic or mediastinal lesions underwent US-guided CNB with 17- or 18-gauge needles. The lesions in this study were seven cases of lung carcinomas including four cases of adenocarcinomas and three cases of squamous cell carcinomas, two cases of thymomas, and one case each of aspergillosis, sarcoidosis, MFH, lung abscess, and lung fibrosis. Diagnosis was possible in 13 of 14 (92.8%) cases histologically. There were three cases of complication (21.4%); one case each of pneumothorax, pleuritis, and hemosputum. They were all cured with medication. We concluded that real-time US-guided CNB is a useful and safe method for the examination of peripheral intrathoracic and mediastinal lesions.

Thoracic sonography for diagnosis and intervention

Many physicians believe that ultrasound has limited usefulness in chest disease. Our clinical experiences and a review of the literature in preparation for this monograph have convinced us that sonography can be a very useful and versatile tool for thoracic diagnosis and intervention. Although there are some limitations caused by interposed ribs and air-containing lung, almost all of the compartments of the chest can be evaluated with ultrasound, which gives unique and clinically useful information. Ultrasound guidance for biopsy and drainage does take some time to learn, but we feel that the effort is very worthwhile. The same advantages ultrasound enjoys for other body regions make it a modality that will see increased use in the chest as well. We hope that this monograph will stimulate our colleagues to explore and expand upon the techniques described.

Thoraxsonography--Part II: Peripheral pulmonary consolidation

In many cases of pulmonary diseases extending up to the pleura, ultrasound (US) helps to identify the etiology of the lesion. There are several sonomorphological criteria to differentiate peripheral pulmonary consolidations. Pneumonic infiltration shows a hypoechoic inhomogeneous echo texture, with multiple air inlets and bronchoaerograms. Fluid bronchogram indicates an obstructive pneumonitis. Pulmonary infarctions are visible in different stages as triangular pleural-based lesions in most cases of pulmonary embolism. The diagnostic accuracy of chest sonography in pulmonary embolism was 85%-90%. US-guided transthoracic biopsy shows a diagnostic yield of > 90% in malignancies and 50%-83% of benign lesions. The overall complication rate is very low: 1%-2% hemoptysis, 2%-4% pneumothoraces and 1%-2% requiring chest tube drainage. Color Doppler US can demonstrate the vascular patterns and may help in the understanding of underlying pathophysiology. Sonographic examinations of the upper and central mediastinum provide good results in 90-95% of cases. Some anatomical limitations of transcutaneous US can be circumvented by endoluminal US.

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lung cancers

One hundred eighty-eight patients with 191 lung cancers were collected retrospectively to evaluate the diagnostic results and to determine the accuracy of cytologic diagnoses obtained from ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-guided FNAB), and to discuss the necessity of large-bore tissue core needle biopsy. All 188 patients underwent US-guided FNAB, and 20 patients with 21 lung tumors also underwent US-guided tissue-core needle biopsy. Using US-guided FNAB alone, the positive cytologic results and correct cytologic diagnoses were 91% (174 of 191) and 71% (37 of 52). If both US-guided FNAB and selected US-guided tissue core needle biopsy (n = 21) were evaluated, the positive cytologic or histologic results and correct cytologic or histologic diagnoses were 94% (180 of 191) and 80% (45 of 57), respectively. Analyzing the disagreement between the cytologic results and histologic diagnoses (n = 15), we found that the disagreement usually occurred in the specimens with poorly differentiated carcinomas (nonspecific cell type) (53% [8 of 15]); of these, two patients (13% [2 of 15], small cell carcinoma) would have a change in treatment. The complications of US-guided FNAB were pneumothorax (n = 3), hemoptysis (n = 1), hemothorax (n = 1), and suspected tract metastasis (n = 1). We conclude that US-guided FNAB has a high diagnostic yield in lung cancers, and US-guided tissue core needle biopsy is only necessary in patients whose cytologic results are negative or who have poorly differentiated carcinomas.

Transthoracic needle biopsy of thoracic tumours by a colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy has recently been used to obtain specimens for histological diagnosis of pulmonary and mediastinal tumours. Conventional real time, grey scale puncture guiding devices cannot differentiate vascular structures, and clear visualisation of the needle shaft or tip within a desired target is not always possible. This study describes a new built-in colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device and assesses the relative safety of transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy of thoracic tumours by grey scale or colour Doppler ultrasound guidance.

METHODS

Thirty patients with radiographic evidence of pulmonary (22 patients) or mediastinal tumours (eight patients) underwent ultrasonographic evaluation and transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy by using the colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device (Aloka UST 5045P-3.5). These tumours were initially examined by grey scale ultrasound, and colour Doppler imaging was then used to evaluate the number of blood vessels surrounding and within the target tumour and the possibility of visualisation of the needle shaft or needle tip during the aspiration biopsy procedure.

RESULTS

The colour Doppler ultrasound guiding device was far superior to the grey scale device for identification of the number of vessels surrounding or within the target tumour (83% v 20%) and for visualisation of the needle shaft or needle tip (80% v 17%).

CONCLUSIONS

By using the colour Doppler ultrasound puncture device, vascular structures surrounding or within the target tumour can be verified. Visualisation of the needle shaft or tip is also better. Biopsy routes can be selected to avoid puncturing vessels. This approach should be particularly helpful for guiding biopsies of mediastinal tumours, where puncturing the heart or great vessels is a potential complication.

Ultrasonically guided needle biopsy of anterior mediastinal masses: comparison of carcinomatous and non-carcinomatous masses

Thirty-three patients with anterior mediastinal masses underwent percutaneous ultrasonically guided needle biopsy (UGNB), including ultrasonically guided aspiration biopsy (UGAB) in all 33 patients and ultrasonically guided cutting biopsy (UGCB) in 13 patients. Using UGAB alone, the diagnostic rate of anterior mediastinal masses was 52% (17/33); if both the UGAB and UGCB methods were used, the diagnostic rate could achieve 79% (26/33). If the anterior mediastinal masses were divided into carcinomatous (n = 15) and non-carcinomatous (n = 18) groups, we found that the carcinomatous group was more easily diagnosed by UGAB than the non-carcinomatous group (87% vs 22%, p < 0.01) and UGCB was more valuable and helpful than UGAB in the diagnosis of non-carcinomatous mediastinal masses (75% vs 22%). One episode of injury to the aortic wall occurred after a UGCB. Our results show that carcinomatous mediastinal masses can be easily diagnosed by UGAB, and UGCB is often necessary in the diagnosis of non-carcinomatous mediastinal masses.

Thoracoscopic removal of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma

Mediastinal parathyroid tissue hyperfunctions in as much as 25% of the patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, and this may be responsible for causing conventional operative procedures to fail in as much as one-third of the cases. When lesions prove to not be accessible through a cervical incision, or when a mediastinal adenoma is diagnosed before cervical procedures, median sternotomy and angiographic ablation have been considered the only options for removal. However, thoracoscopy has theoretic advantages over both. Two patients underwent successful thoracoscopic removal of a hyperfunctioning ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma and their cases are presented here.

Carcinoid tumours of the thymus

BACKGROUND

Carcinoid tumours of the thymus are rare. The clinical manifestations, radiographic findings, and cytological features of eight histopathologically verified thymic carcinoid tumours have been assessed.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty two patients of mean age 52 (range 31-68) years with malignant mediastinal tumours were reviewed retrospectively and eight cases of thymic carcinoid were identified. Four of the eight patients were diagnosed by percutaneous ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy via a parasternal approach.

RESULTS

Two patients had Cushing's syndrome at presentation and four had symptoms and signs secondary to mediastinal compression. Two were asymptomatic. Local extension of the tumour to pleura, pericardium, great vessels, phrenic nerve or regional lymph nodes, or both, were found in seven patients. Only one had the tumour confined to the thymus at diagnosis. Distant metastases were found in two patients, one to both lungs and the other in the iliac bone. Local recurrence or distant metastases developed 15-60 months after surgery in four of the five patients who underwent radical resection of the thymic tumour. Three patients died at 17 months, 34 months, and 10 years after diagnosis. The other five patients are alive at 9-51 months.

CONCLUSION

Thymic carcinoid is a slow growing tumour with a poor prognosis because of its tendency to local and distant spread. Cytological examination of samples obtained by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration may provide a useful method for diagnosis in selected patients.

Thoracoscopic diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal masses

Evaluation of mediastinal masses often involves an array of imaging procedures and percutaneous biopsy techniques. Despite this, surgical intervention with an open biopsy is often required, especially to diagnose mediastinal malignancies. We report 22 patients with mediastinal masses who were managed with thoracoscopic biopsy, as opposed to open biopsy. All of these patients either had unsuccessful fine-needle aspiration or were unacceptable candidates for percutaneous aspiration. The patients ranged in age from 11 months to 67 years with a mean age of 17.2 +/- 3.6 years. Thoracoscopy provided an accurate tissue diagnosis in 19 of the 22 patients (86%) without need for an open diagnostic procedure. In 1 patient, histoplasmosis was suspected from the thoracoscopic biopsy, but open thoracotomy was needed for confirmation. Of the 19 patients with a positive tissue diagnosis, 3 patients had bronchogenic cysts that were completely resected by thoracoscopy. The mean duration of chest tube drainage was 2.3 +/- 0.2 days, and there were no complications or procedure-related deaths. The average length of hospitalization was 6.0 +/- 0.8 days. We believe that thoracoscopy is a safe, rapid, and effective modality for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses. Accurate tissue diagnoses are obtained in most patients without the need for additional procedures. In addition, we have demonstrated that complete excision of certain benign lesions during thoracoscopy is possible.

Percutaneous needle biopsy of the mediastinum: review of 94 procedures

BACKGROUND

A number of reports of radiologically guided percutaneous biopsy of mediastinal masses have been described but techniques have varied, particularly the type of needle used. In this study mediastinal biopsies with fine aspiration needles and cutting needles have been compared, sometimes in the same patient. The results are reviewed with particular emphasis on the choice of biopsy needle and its influence on pathological diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of radiologically guided mediastinal biopsies performed between 1981 and 1991.

RESULTS

Sixty fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNA) and 34 Tru-Cut biopsies of mediastinal masses were performed in 75 patients with fluoroscopic or computed tomographic guidance. Overall sensitivity and specificity in terms of diagnosis of malignant disease were 90% and 100% respectively for FNA biopsies, and 96% and 100% for Tru-Cut biopsies. Diagnostic accuracy in terms of precise diagnosis of the malignant or benign nature of a mass and its origin was 77% for FNA biopsies and 94% for Tru-Cut biopsies. For FNA biopsies sensitivity and accuracy were higher for carcinomatous lesions (96% and 88%) than for noncarcinomatous lesions (81% and 69%). The only significant complication encountered was a pneumothorax following a biopsy which required intercostal drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiologically guided percutaneous needle biopsy is a safe procedure which provides useful diagnostic information in the majority of cases. Fine needle aspiration techniques usually suffice for carcinomatous lesions but a cutting needle biopsy should be performed whenever possible when lymphoma, thymoma, or neural masses are suspected to obtain larger specimens for more accurate histological diagnosis.

Ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy for pulmonary tuberculosis with unusual radiographic appearances

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis can produce unusual radiographic appearances and negative results of sputum and bronchoscopic examinations are common. This study assessed the value of ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with unusual radiographic appearances.

METHODS

Thirteen patients, ultimately diagnosed as having tuberculosis, underwent a chest ultrasonographic examination between June 1984 and August 1991. All had sputum available for examination and nine were also examined by bronchoscopy. Ten patients who had a negative sputum smear and negative bronchoscopic brushing smears underwent ultrasound guided aspiration or biopsy. Percutaneous aspiration was performed with a 22 gauge needle. If the smear did not reveal acid fast bacilli, a biopsy sample was taken with a 16 gauge Tru-cut needle to obtain a histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

The ultrasonographic examination delineated the more complex nature of the lesions better than the chest radiograph. Ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy provided the diagnosis in nine of 10 patients, while the sputum smear and culture provided diagnosis in five of 13, and bronchoscopy in four of nine. In terms of rapid diagnosis, ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy gave the diagnosis in eight of 10 cases. No patient developed a major complication.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography can direct the needle to the most suitable part of a lesion to obtain the relevant specimens. The diagnostic yield is high and the procedure is relatively safe. It is especially helpful in patients with negative results of sputum and bronchoscopic examinations.

Ultrasound study in unilateral hemithorax opacification. Image comparison with computed tomography

The diagnostic capability of chest ultrasonography was assessed for use in evaluation of patients presenting with opacification of unilateral hemithorax on chest radiography. Hemithorax opacification provided an "ultrasonic window" for ultrasonic wave penetration to detect any underlying diseases. Fifty patients were included over a study period of 24 months. All had received both chest ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations, and their underlying diseases had been confirmed by various methods. Comparisons between the findings of chest US and of CT were made in three compartments: pleura, parenchyma, and mediastinum. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of chest US was defined by using CT as the "gold standard." The ability of US to detect underlying diseases was comparable to that of CT in pleural and parenchymal lesions. But US was inferior to CT for demonstration of mediastinal lesions. The diagnostic sensitivity of US was 95.1% in pleural lesions, 82.8% in parenchymal lesions, and only 30% in mediastinal lesions. US missed 14 lesions demonstrated by CT (seven mediastinal lesions, five parenchymal tumors, and two pleural nodules), but it showed six lesions that CT had failed to detect (four focal pleural thickening and two parenchymal tumors). US-related procedures were performed (thoracentesis in 33 patients, pleural biopsy in 10 patients, and US-guided aspiration/cutting biopsy in 11 patients) with a high diagnostic yield and no complications. The conclusion was that chest ultrasonography is useful, particularly as a first-step examination for patients with total or nearly total opacification of the hemithorax.

Diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis by ultrasound guided percutaneous aspiration

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is useful for locating thoracic lesions and guiding biopsy procedures. The use of sonographic appearances and ultrasound guided needle aspiration has led to the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis at this hospital.

METHODS

Six hundred and eight patients who had ultrasound guided lung aspirations were reviewed retrospectively and nine with documented pulmonary cryptococcosis were collected. All patients had nodules or infiltrates on the chest radiograph. The needle aspirates obtained under ultrasound guidance were stained by Riu's or Papanicolaou's method or with India ink, and six were sent for culture. Five patients also underwent bronchoscopy and biopsy.

RESULTS

The nine patients had 18 pulmonary lesions, of which 15 were nodules and three infiltrates. Fifteen lesions were detectable by ultrasound, which showed the nodules to be hypoechoic with eccentrically located air echoes. In eight of the nine cases cryptococci were detected after the lung aspirates had been stained with Riu's or Papanicolaou stain or with India ink. In five of the six aspirates sent for fungal culture Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated. The diagnostic yield was higher than that of bronchoscopy. None developed post-aspiration pneumothorax or any evidence of late dissemination.

CONCLUSIONS

Because they tend to be subpleural pulmonary cryptococcal lesions seem to be identifiable by ultrasound. Ultrasound guided lung aspiration is an effective, rapid, and safe method for diagnosis.

Interventional chest radiology

Radiologically guided percutaneous drainage procedures are commonly performed to manage a variety of intrathoracic collections. As a natural extension of similar procedures performed for abdominal and pelvic collections, these procedures use both the conventional and cross-sectional imaging modalities to detect intrathoracic collections and to guide safe percutaneous diagnostic aspiration and drainage. The high-resolution images obtainable on current computed tomographic and ultrasound units allow detection of lung abscesses, empyemas, malignant effusions, and infected mediastinal fluid collections that are amenable to percutaneous drainage. Advances in catheter design and introduction techniques have allowed drainage of collections previously managed by open procedures. The ease of fluoroscopically guided catheter placement for treatment of spontaneous or biopsy-induced pneumothorax has provided a safe, effective, and comfortable alternative to blind large-bore surgical tube placement. Transthoracic needle biopsy of lung, mediastinal, and pleural or chest-wall masses has resulted from the availability of image intensifiers and cross-sectional imaging modalities useful in guiding needle placement and tissue sampling. Equally important has been the development of cytopathology as a subspecialty that can provide diagnoses of malignant and benign thoracic conditions from needle aspirates. This technique has had a major impact on the preoperative evaluation of the patient with a solitary pulmonary nodule and has eliminated unnecessary surgery in a significant percentage of such patients. Transcatheter arterial embolization has made a significant contribution to the management of the patient with massive hemoptysis and is the procedure of choice for treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. A thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the thorax and expertise in catheterization and embolization techniques are prerequisites for the safe performance of these procedures.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of thoracic tumors

Two hundred and eighteen patients, with thoracic tumors larger than 3 cm in size, underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous transthoracic core biopsy with a large-bore Tru-Cut needle. Fifty-five tumors were in the mediastinum, and 122 tumors were located at subpleural area, and 42 tumors were within the lungs. In 122 subpleural tumors, the sensitivity of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy was 96.8%, and accuracy was 97.5%. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignant tumors located within the lungs was 94.6%, and accuracy was 95.2%. In 54 patients with mediastinal tumors, definite histologic diagnosis could be obtained in 48 patients (88.9%). The sensitivity of ultrasound-guided biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy in these 48 mediastinal tumors was 97.1%, with an accuracy of 97.9%. Three patients had complications with minimal pneumothorax and one with mild hemoptysis. We conclude that percutaneous transthoracic core biopsy with Tru-Cut needle under ultrasound guidance is a safe and sensitive way to obtain specimens for accurate histologic diagnosis of thoracic tumors. The diagnostic yield is high, and the technique, relatively simple, can also be used for outpatients.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for the diagnosis of pulmonary consolidations of unknown aetiology

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound has been used to guide percutaneous aspiration biopsy of thoracic tumours with high diagnostic yield. This study assessed the diagnostic value of ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology.

METHODS

Thirty patients with undiagnosed lobar or segmental consolidation underwent ultrasound guided percutaneous needle aspiration and large bore cutting biopsy. The needle aspirates and biopsy specimens were sent for cytological, microbiological, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Percutaneous needle aspiration provided a diagnosis in nine of 30 patients (30%), whereas cutting biopsy obtained a satisfactory specimen for histological diagnosis in 28 patients (93%) and provided a definite aetiological diagnosis in 17 patients (57%). The combination of needle aspiration with Trucut biopsy provided a diagnostic rate of 63%. The underlying diagnoses were fungal pneumonia (five patients), tuberculosis (five), bacterial pneumonia (one), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (three), lymphoma (two), adenocarcinoma (one), vasculitis (one), acute pneumonia of unknown aetiology (one), and chronic non-specific pneumonia (nine). Two patients, who had necrotic tissue only in the biopsy specimen, were found at thoracotomy to have an adenocarcinoma and aspergillosis. Two patients had complications from the technique, a small pneumothorax in one and a small haemoptysis in another.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy is a valuable method for diagnosing pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology. The diagnostic yield is high and the procedure appears to be relatively safe.

Mediastinal malignancy: ultrasound guided biopsy through the supraclavicular approach

BACKGROUND

Malignancies located in the upper middle mediastinum usually do not have a sufficiently large acoustic window to permit a conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. This study was concerned with an alternative approach whereby ultrasound is applied through the supraclavicular paratracheal window to allow percutaneous biopsy of middle mediastinal malignancies.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who had upper mediastinal malignancies not in contact with the chest wall underwent real time and Doppler ultrasonographic studies by the supraclavicular approach. None of these tumours could be reached by conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. The ultrasound was scanned downwards through the supraclavicular fossa, along the acoustic window of the paratracheal soft tissue space. Percutaneous aspiration biopsy was performed with a 22 gauge needle under ultrasound guidance. If fine needle aspiration could not obtain an adequate tissue smear an 18 gauge Trucut biopsy was performed to obtain a histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twelve of 15 mediastinal malignancies were detected by ultrasound through the supraclavicular approach. These 12 patients underwent percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound guidance. Four of the patients also had a Trucut biopsy because the needle aspirates from the tumours were inadequate. The needle had to pass through the jugular veins in four patients who received fine needle aspiration but in none of the patients who required a Trucut biopsy. Definite histological diagnoses were obtained in all 12 of these patients. Ten of the tumours were malignant and two benign. None of the patients developed any complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy through the supraclavicular paratracheal window provides a new approach for malignancy located in the upper middle mediastinum, which cannot be reached by conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. The diagnostic yield of this technique is high and the procedure is relatively safe.