Tumors in the mediastinum: US-guided histologic core-needle biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical utility of ultrasound (US)-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) of the mediastinum performed with a one-hand automatic-sampling technique.


METHODS
Diagnostic or pathologic findings of US-guided CNBs performed with 14- or 18-gauge needles in 62 biopsies of mediastinal lesions were reviewed.


RESULTS
An average of 2.4 punctures were performed at each biopsy session. A specimen sufficient for diagnosis was obtained in 52 of 62 biopsies (84%). There were no serious complications.


CONCLUSIONS
When a mediastinal tumor is visible at US, US-guided CNB of the mediastinum is an accurate and safe technique. The method is a simple and cost-effective alternative to more invasive techniques such as mediastinoscopy or open diagnostic surgery.
Department of Radiology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo.
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Heilo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography