INTRODUCTION: The widespread use of computed tomography (CT) improves detection of pulmonary lesions, which are not only detected at an increased rate but also at a smaller size. CT-guided lung biopsies are now more frequently used than fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsies. The main aim of the present paper was to investigate the outcome and complications of the biopsies. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the results and information from 520 CT-guided thorax biopsies. All biopsies were performed with CT-guided "beam-through" technique, using a 64-slice CT scanner. RESULTS: In 86% of the biopsies, the tissue material was found to be sufficient. In 32% of the biopsies, a complication arose, mostly pneumothorax (30%), but chest drainage was needed in only 15% of the 520 cases. Patients with more than ten cigarette pack-years had a complication risk that was twice as high at that of patients with fewer pack-years. We found that the risk of pneumothorax increased the further the lesion was from the skin surface, the smaller the lesions were and when the patient was biopsied in a lateral position. We also found a higher risk of complications in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided biopsy is an excellent tool for analysing pulmonary lesions. The present study clearly shows that the risk of developing a pneumothorax is significantly increased among smokers and former smokers with more than ten pack-years. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.
INTRODUCTION: The widespread use of computed tomography (CT) improves detection of pulmonary lesions, which are not only detected at an increased rate but also at a smaller size. CT-guided lung biopsies are now more frequently used than fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsies. The main aim of the present paper was to investigate the outcome and complications of the biopsies. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the results and information from 520 CT-guided thorax biopsies. All biopsies were performed with CT-guided "beam-through" technique, using a 64-slice CT scanner. RESULTS: In 86% of the biopsies, the tissue material was found to be sufficient. In 32% of the biopsies, a complication arose, mostly pneumothorax (30%), but chest drainage was needed in only 15% of the 520 cases. Patients with more than ten cigarette pack-years had a complication risk that was twice as high at that of patients with fewer pack-years. We found that the risk of pneumothorax increased the further the lesion was from the skin surface, the smaller the lesions were and when the patient was biopsied in a lateral position. We also found a higher risk of complications in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided biopsy is an excellent tool for analysing pulmonary lesions. The present study clearly shows that the risk of developing a pneumothorax is significantly increased among smokers and former smokers with more than ten pack-years. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.