title: Analysis of "dry" mesothelioma with ultrasound guided biopsies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Image-guided sampling of the thickened pleura is a sensitive approach in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma with pleural effusion. Malignant pleural mesothelioma presenting without effusion however is more of a diagnostic challenge. In this study we report the diagnostic yield and complications of ultrasound-guided cutting needle biopsies in this particular category of patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective database analysis from September 2007 until January 2012 was performed in 56 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Clinical characteristics and results of diagnostic evaluations were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 56 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 20 patients presented without pleural effusion of with locular effusion. Ultrasound-guided cutting needle biopsy was performed in 14/20 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 80%. Only 1 patient had mild haemoptysis immediately following biopsies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosing patients with pleural thickenings suspect for malignant mesothelioma without pleural effusion or with loculated pleural effusion is effective and safe with ultrasound-guided cutting needle biopsies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Isala Klinieken, Zwolle, The Netherlands. j.a.stigt@isala.nl
authors.forename: Jos A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stigt
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Boers
authors.forename: Harry J M
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Groen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061705:Image-Guided Biopsy; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography