Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficiency, accuracy, technical features, and relationships among the monitored parameters of CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of focal chest wall lesions. METHODOLOGY: A total of 143 percutaneous biopsy procedures for tumors, ranging in size from 15 to 168 mm (median size 43 mm), were performed in patients with focal chest wall lesions over 12 years. Only local anesthesia using trimecaine was sufficient for the procedures. The duration of the intervention never exceeded 20 minutes. Needles 14 G, 16 G, or 18 G were used for the biopsies. Histological results were extended with subtyping in the vast majority of cases. In 91 interventions (63.6%), malignant disease was present in the patients´ medical history. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy was achieved in 137 (95.8%) biopsies, while six (4.2%) procedures yielded false-negative histological results later confirmed by surgical excision. Metastatic disease of diverse origins represented the most frequent histological diagnosis (46.2%). Hematologic malignancies were revealed in 29.4% of procedures. Primary tumors were verified in only 13 (9.1%) cases. Complications occurred in 3 (2.1%) procedures, all consisting of minor hemorrhage managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of focal chest wall lesions demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with a minimal incidence of complications.