title: Transthoracic aspiration biopsy of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions.
abstract: Thoracic aspiration biopsy (TAB) constitutes a useful technique in establishing a diagnosis in diseases of the lungs and mediastinum. Results obtained from 1046 fluoroscopically-guided TABs are presented with review of the most important aspects of the technique. Diagnostic accuracy in malignancy detection was 93.8% in lung lesions (n = 984) and 74.5% in mediastinal lesions (n = 62). Sensitivity was higher in peripheral than in central lesions (96% vs. 87%, respectively). Specificity was 100% in both groups. Sensitivity in lesions smaller than 2 cm was 70% and 94% in larger lesions. Aspiration biopsies performed with Chiba and Franseen needles showed a similar sensitivity (95%) higher than with other types of needles. A pneumothorax developed in 138 patients (13.2%). Only eight of these required the use of an endothoracic tube (0.8% of all biopsies).
authors.affiliation: Hospital Clinico Universitario, Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Zaragoza, Spain.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: de Gregorio Ariza
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Alfonso Aguirán
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Villavieja Atance
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Torres Nuez
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Pina Leita
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Abós Olivares
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Benito Arévalo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity