Percutaneous lung biopsy: technique, efficacy, and complications

Diagnostic accuracy of imaging-guided biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a systematic review

The histologic definition of peripheral pulmonary lesion (PPL) is critical for a correct diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Non-invasive techniques for PPL biopsy are imaging-guided, using endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), computed tomography (CT), and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB). To assess the diagnostic accuracy of PPL biopsy and provide a framework for reporting data for accuracy studies of PPL biopsy. A systematic review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify all the articles assessing the accuracy of EBUS, CT, and ENB between January 2000 and June 2023 basing search queries on keywords emerging from PICO question. Only studies investigating biopsy of PPL and reporting accuracy or necessary data to calculate it independently were included. Risk of bias was based on QUADAS-2 tool. In total, 81 studies were included. Median accuracy was 0.78 (range=0.51-0.94) in the EBUS group, 0.91 (range=0.73-0.97) in the CT group, 0.72 (range=0.59-0.97) in the ENB group, and 0.77 (range=0.61-0.92) in the combined group. Sensitivity and NPV ranges were 0.35-0.94 and 0.26-0.88 in the EBUS group, 0.71-0.97 and 0.46-1.00 in the CT group, 0.55-0.96 and 0.32-0.90 in the ENB group, and 0.70-0.90 and 0.28-0.79 in the combined group. Specificity and PPV were 1.00 in almost all studies. Overall complication rate was 3%, 30%, 8%, and 5% in the EBUS, CT, ENB, and combined groups. CT-guided biopsy was the most accurate technique, although with the highest complication rate. When calculating accuracy, indeterminate results must be considered false negatives according to the "intention-to-diagnose" principle.

Increased lung cancer recurrence following transthoracic needle biopsy

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) could damage lung structures and may disseminate tumor cells into the airway, blood vessels, and pleural cavity, affecting post-operative outcomes. Several studies have investigated the effects of TNB on the prognosis of patients, but the effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether TNB increases the risk of recurrence of resected stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 1,077 patients with stage IA NSCLC who underwent curative resection from 2010 to 2020. Recurrence risk factors were evaluated using Cox regression analyses. A multiple logistic regression model, including age, sex, smoking history, total tumor size, invasive tumor size, histology, histologic differentiation, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, and the number of harvested lymph nodes (LNs), was used to calculate the propensity score.

Results

According to the pre-operative TNB, patients were classified into the no-TNB (n=823) and TNB (n=190) groups. After propensity score matching analysis, 380 patients were included in the no-TNB group (1:2 matching). Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that pre-operative TNB was a negative prognostic factor in patients with surgically resected stage IA NSCLC [hazard ratio (HR), 3.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-6.67; P=0.003]. The 5-year locoregional and overall recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were significantly lower in the TNB group than in the no-TNB group (88.3% vs. 96.8%, P=0.001; and 84.2% vs. 93.7%, P=0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

For patients with stage IA NSCLC, pre-operative TNB was a negative prognostic factor for recurrence. Surgical diagnosis and treatment without pre-operative tissue diagnosis may be considered first in patients with clinically early lung cancer.

Nontraumatic intraoperative pulmonary nodule localization with laser guide stamping in a hybrid operating room

Lung nodule localization using conventional image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery involves lung puncture, which increases the risk of needle-related complications. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a single-stage non-invasive laser-guided stamping localization technique followed by resection under general anesthesia in a hybrid operating room. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery for small pulmonary nodules using laser-guided dye-stamping localization methods in a hybrid operating room between June 2023 and October 2023. During the study period, 18 patients with 20 lesions underwent single-stage intraoperative image-guided stamping video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the hybrid operating room. The median size of the nodules was 7.4 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 5.7-9.8 mm), and median distance from the pleural surface was 9.8 mm (IQR 7.7-14.6 mm). The median localization time was 26 min (IQR 23-34 min), whereas median operation time was 69 min (IQR 62-87 min). The total median operating room time was 146 min (IQR 136-157 min). Twelve patients underwent less than two cone-beam computed tomography scans, while 6 underwent more than two scans. The total median dose area product, including cone-beam computed tomography scans, was 5731.4 uGym2. No localization-related complications were observed, and the postoperative length of stay was 1 day (IQR 1-2 days). The single-stage image-guided pleural stamping technique for localizing small pulmonary nodules in a hybrid operating room is feasible and safe. Future research with larger cohorts is required to further explore the benefits of this workflow.

Lung Needle Biopsy and Lung Ablation: Indications, Patient Management, and Postprocedure Imaging Findings

The clinical role and use of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) and ablation of lung tumors are evolving. Here we discuss important considerations for referring providers, including current and emerging indications supported by guidelines, critical aspects of pre and postprocedure patient management, and expected postprocedure imaging findings.

Image guided lung biopsy

Image guided lung biopsy is vital in the evaluation of pulmonary abnormalities. Various modalities can be used including Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Navigational Bronchoscopy. In this paper, we review the indications, techniques, diagnostic accuracy and complications of image guided biopsies and the role of novel techniques such as navigational and robot-assisted bronchoscopy.

Computed-Tomography-Guided Lung Biopsy: A Practice-Oriented Document on Techniques and Principles and a Review of the Literature

Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy is one of the oldest and most widely known minimally invasive percutaneous procedures. Despite being conceptually simple, this procedure needs to be performed rapidly and can be subject to meaningful complications that need to be managed properly. Therefore, knowledge of principles and techniques is required by every general or interventional radiologist who performs the procedure. This review aims to contain all the information that the operator needs to know before performing the procedure. The paper starts with the description of indications, devices, and types of percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsies, along with their reported results in the literature. Then, pre-procedural evaluation and the practical aspects to be considered during procedure (i.e., patient positioning and breathing) are discussed. The subsequent section is dedicated to complications, with their incidence, risk factors, and the evidence-based measures necessary to both prevent or manage them; special attention is given to pneumothorax and hemorrhage. After conventional CT, this review describes other available CT modalities, including CT fluoroscopy and cone-beam CT. At the end, more advanced techniques, which are already used in clinical practice, like fusion imaging, are included.

Pneumothorax Incidence with Normal Saline Instillation for Sealing the Needle Track After Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy

PURPOSE

To determine whether instillation of normal saline solution for sealing the needle track reduces incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 242 computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsies performed at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed, including 93 biopsies in which the needle track was sealed by instillation of 3-5 ml of normal saline solution during needle withdrawal (water seal group) and 149 biopsies without sealing (control group). Patient and lesion characteristics, procedure-specific variables, pneumothorax and chest tube placement rates were recorded.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in the pneumothorax rate (19.4% [18/93] vs. 40.9% [61/149]; p < 0.001) and a numerically lower chest tube placement rate without significant reduction (4.3% [4/93] vs. 10.7% [16/149]; p = 0.126) with using normal saline instillation for sealing the needle track versus not using sealant material. Using a multiple logistic regression analysis, using normal saline instillation to seal the needle track, having a senior radiologist as operator of the procedure and putting patients in prone position were significantly associated with a decreased risk of pneumothorax. The presence of emphysema along the needle track was significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax. No complication was observed due to normal saline injection.

CONCLUSION

Normal saline solution instillation for sealing the needle track after computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is a simple, low-cost and safe technique resulted in significantly decreased pneumothorax occurrence and a numerically lower chest tube placement rate, and might help to reduce both hospitalization risks and costs for the healthcare system. Level of evidence 3 Non-controlled retrospective cohort study.

Intravenous Opioid Medication with Piritramide Reduces the Risk of Pneumothorax During CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Biopsy of the Lung

PURPOSE

CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of the lung is usually performed under local anesthesia, but can also be conducted under additional systemic opioid medication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of intravenous piritramide application on the pneumothorax rate and to identify risk factors for post-biopsy pneumothorax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-one core biopsies of the lung were included in this retrospective single center study. The incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement was evaluated. Patient-, procedure- and target-related variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of pneumothorax was 39.2% (67/171). The pneumothorax rate was 31.5% (29/92) in patients who received intravenous piritramide and 48.1% (38/79) in patients who did not receive piritramide. In multivariable logistic regression analysis periinterventional piritramide application proved to be the only independent factor to reduce the risk of pneumothorax (odds ratio 0.46, 95%-confidence interval 0.24, 0.88; p = 0.018). Two or more pleura passages (odds ratio 3.38, 95%-confidence interval: 1.15, 9.87; p = 0.026) and prone position of the patient (odds ratio 2.27, 95%-confidence interval: 1.04, 4.94; p = 0.039) were independent risk factors for a higher pneumothorax rate.

CONCLUSION

Procedural opioid medication with piritramide proved to be a previously undisclosed factor decreasing the risk of pneumothorax associated with CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of the lung. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: small study cohort.

Impact of Respiratory Phase during Pleural Puncture on Complications in CT-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy

Purpose

This study investigated whether the respiratory phase during pleural puncture in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) affects complications.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 477 lung biopsy CT scans performed during free breathing. The respiratory phases during pleural puncture were determined based on the table position of the targeted nodule using CT scans obtained during free breathing. We compared the rates of complications among the inspiratory, mid-, and expiratory respiratory phases. Logistic regression analysis was performed to control confounding factors associated with pneumothorax.

Results

Among the 477 procedures, pleural puncture was performed during the expiratory phase in 227 (47.6%), during the mid-phase in 108 (22.6%), and during the inspiratory phase in 142 (29.8%). The incidence of pneumothorax was significantly lower in the expiratory puncture group (40/227, 17.6%; p = 0.035) and significantly higher in the mid-phase puncture group (31/108, 28.7%; p = 0.048). After controlling for confounding factors, expiratory-phase puncture was found to be an independent protective factor against pneumothorax (odds ratio = 0.571; 95% confidence interval = 0.360-0.906; p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that pleural puncture during the expiratory phase may reduce the risk of pneumothorax during image guided PTNB.

Development and Validation of an Electronic Adverse Event Model for Patient Safety Surveillance in Interventional Radiology

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive adverse event (AE) surveillance programs in interventional radiology (IR) are rare. Our aim was to develop and validate a retrospective electronic surveillance model to identify outpatient IR procedures that are likely to have an AE, to support patient safety and quality improvement.

METHODS

We identified outpatient IR procedures performed in the period from October 2017 to September 2019 from the Veterans Health Administration (n = 135,283) and applied electronic triggers based on posyprocedure care to flag cases with a potential AE. From the trigger-flagged cases, we randomly sampled n = 1,500 for chart review to identify AEs. We also randomly sampled n = 600 from the unflagged cases. Chart-reviewed cases were merged with patient, procedure, and facility factors to estimate a mixed-effects logistic regression model designed to predict whether an AE occurred. Using model fit and criterion validity, we determined the best predicted probability threshold to identify cases with a likely AE. We reviewed a random sample of 200 cases above the threshold and 100 cases from below the threshold from October 2019 to March 2020 (n = 20,849) for model validation.

RESULTS

In our development sample of mostly trigger-flagged cases, 444 of 2,096 cases (21.8%) had an AE. The optimal predicted probability threshold for a likely AE from our surveillance model was >50%, with positive predictive value of 68.9%, sensitivity of 38.3%, and specificity of 95.3%. In validation, chart-reviewed cases with AE probability >50% had a positive predictive value of 63% (n = 203). For the period from October 2017 to March 2020, the model identified approximately 70 IR cases per month that were likely to have an AE.

CONCLUSIONS

This electronic trigger-based approach to AE surveillance could be used for patient-safety reporting and quality review.

Optimizing Precision: A Trajectory Tract Reference Approach to Minimize Complications in CT-Guided Transthoracic Core Biopsy

The advent of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy has significantly advanced the diagnosis of lung lesions, offering a minimally invasive approach to obtaining tissue samples. However, the technique is not without risks, including pneumothorax and hemorrhage, and it demands high precision to ensure diagnostic accuracy while minimizing complications. This study introduces the Laser Angle Guide Assembly (LAGA), a novel device designed to enhance the accuracy and safety of CT-guided lung biopsies. We retrospectively analyzed 322 CT-guided lung biopsy cases performed with LAGA at a single center over seven years, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness in improving diagnostic yield and reducing procedural risks. The study achieved a diagnostic success rate of 94.3%, with a significant reduction in the need for multiple needle passes, demonstrating a majority of biopsies successfully completed with a single pass. The incidence of pneumothorax stood at 11.1%, which is markedly lower than the reported averages, and only 0.3% of cases necessitated chest tube placement, underscoring the safety benefits of the LAGA system. These findings underscore the potential of LAGA to revolutionize CT-guided lung biopsies by enhancing procedural precision and safety, making it a valuable addition to the diagnostic arsenal against pulmonary lesions.

Histology profiling of lung tumors: tru-cut versus full-core system for CT-guided biopsies

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the diagnostic yield and procedure-related complications of two different types of systems for percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients with a lung lesion who underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy at our institution, between January 2019 and 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were: (a) Procedures performed using either a fully automated tru-cut or a semi-automated full-core biopsy needle, (b) CT images demonstrating the position of the needles within the lesion, (c) histopathological result of the biopsy and (d) clinical follow-up for at least 12 months and\or surgical histopathological results. A total of 400 biopsy fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

Overall technical success was 100% and diagnostic accuracy was 84%. Tru-cut needles showed a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy when compared to full-core needles (91% vs. 77%, p = 0.0004) and a lower rate of pneumothorax (31% vs. 41%, p = 0.047). Due to the statistically significant different of nodules size between the two groups, we reiterated the statistical analysis splitting our population around the 20 mm cut-off for nodule size. We still observed a significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between tru-cut and full-core needles favoring the former for both smaller and larger lesions (81% vs. 71%, p = 0.025; and 92% vs. 81%; p = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the use of automated tru-cut needles is associated with higher histopathological diagnostic accuracy compared to semi-automated full-core needles for CTLB.

Novel Image-Guided Percutaneous Lung Tissue Excision Device With Integrated Sealing of Blood Vessels and Airways: An In Vivo Preclinical Study

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Minimally Invasive Targeted Resection (MiTR) device, a novel electrosurgical instrument that allows for targeted excision of a lung abnormality while using bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to seal blood vessels and airways.

METHODS

The MiTR system was evaluated in 7 acute and 2 chronic porcine (7-day) models to evaluate the efficacy of tissue excision with bipolar RF sealing of blood vessels and airways and application of an autologous blood patch into the excised tissue cavity. Air leak was recorded for all evaluations. The study was approved by the institutional ethical board.

RESULTS

Nineteen lung tissue samples, measuring 2.5 cm long × 1.2 cm diameter, were excised. In 8 of 9 animals (89%), hemostasis and pneumostasis were observed visually at the completion of the procedure. In 2 of 2 chronic animals (100%), hemostasis and pneumostasis persisted for the 7-day observation period. Histologic examination of the excised samples showed preservation of the core parenchymal architecture without evident tissue damage of the samples that would impair pathologic analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous resection of targeted lung tissue with the MiTR system demonstrated hemostasis and pneumostasis while obtaining a histologically intact sample. After regulatory approval, the use of this device could offer more tissue for analysis than a transthoracic needle biopsy or bronchoscopy and a far less invasive alternative to video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy. This may also expand patient and physician options for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Effects of preoperative needle biopsy for lung cancer on survival and recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Needle biopsy (NB) is used for the diagnosis of lung cancer, but there is still controversy about its effect on the prognosis after surgery. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the prognosis of lung cancer patients who underwent preoperative NB with that of those who did not. We systematically searched seven databases and Google Scholar for eligible studies. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed as primary outcome measures. Nine articles with a collective total of 13,541 patients (NB group, n = 4550; non-NB group, n = 8991) were included in our meta-analysis. OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.43 (0.96, 2.12), p = 0.08] and RFS (HR = 1.59 [1.25, 2.01], p = 0.0001) tended to be better in the non-NB group than in the NB group. Pleural recurrence (risk ratio (RR) = 2.40 [1.42, 4.07], p = 0.001) was significantly lower in the non-NB group than in the NB group. The recurrence analysis data did not reach significance, but the overall trend was better for the non-NB group. These findings demonstrate that NB is detrimental to the survival prognosis of lung cancer patients and increases the chance of pleural recurrence.

Machine-Learned Algorithms to Predict the Risk of Pneumothorax Requiring Chest Tube Placement after Lung Biopsy

PURPOSE

To develop a machine-learned algorithm to predict the risk of postlung biopsy pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (CTP) to facilitate preprocedural decision making, optimize patient care, and improve resource allocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study collected clinical and imaging features of biopsy samples obtained from patients with lung nodule biopsy and included information from 59 procedures resulting in pneumothorax requiring CTP and randomly selected 67 procedures without CTP (convenience sample). The data were divided into 70 and 30 as training and testing sets, respectively. Conventional machine-learned binary classifiers were explored with preprocedural imaging and clinical data as input features and CTP as the output.

RESULTS

There was no single pathognomonic imaging or predictive clinical feature. For the independent test set under the high-specificity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes classifier achieved accuracies of identifying CTP at 0.79, 0.93, and 0.89 and area under receiver operating curves (AUROCs) of 0.68, 0.76, and 0.82, respectively. Under high-sensitivity mode, a decision tree, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes achieved accuracies of identifying CTP of 0.60, 0.45, and 0.60 with AUROCs of 0.71, 0.81, and 0.82, respectively. High importance features included lesion character, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lesion depth, and age. A coarse decision tree requiring 4 inputs achieved comparable performance as other methods and previous machine learning prediction studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the possibility of predicting pneumothorax requiring CTP after biopsy based on an automated decision support, reliant on readily available preprocedural information.

Effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is highly affected by respiratory motion; however, respiratory motion of target nodule during the PTNB and its effect on CT-guided lung biopsy have not been studied.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided PTNB.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the procedural CT scans of 426 pulmonary nodules that underwent PTNB during quiet breathing. Maximal and average respiratory motions were measured using the difference of table position of the targeted nodule between multiple procedural scans. Diagnostic performance, complications, and technical factors of PTNB in nodules with large motion (maximal motion >1 cm) were compared with those in nodules with small motion (≤1 cm).

RESULTS

The mean maximal and average respiratory motions between tidal volume breathing were 5.4 ± 4.4 and 2.7 ± 2.6 mm, respectively. Sensitivity and accuracy were 93.1% and 96.1% in nodules with large motion, compared with 94.7% and 95.9% in nodules with small motion, respectively. Respiratory targeting (P < 0.001), needle modulation (P < 0.001), motion artifact of target (P < 0.001), target disappearance from scans (P < 0.001), and number of performed CT scans (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the large motion group, with no significant difference in radiation dose and complications between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules during CT-guided PTNB may cause technical difficulties but does not affect diagnostic performance nor complications associated with PTNB.

Considering Patient, Family, and Provider Goals and Expectations in a Rapidly Changing Clinical Context: A Framework for Antimicrobial Stewardship at the End of Life

Antibiotic administration is often a part of end-of-life (EOL) care, including among patients who are not critically ill. Guideline-issuing bodies recommend that antimicrobial stewardship providers (ASPs) provide support to prescribers making decisions about whether or not to treat infections in this population. Relatively little is known about the rationale for antimicrobial prescribing during the EOL period in noncritical care settings, although patient and family preferences are often an influencing factor. The effectiveness of antimicrobials in improving quantity or quality of life in this population is unclear and likely context-specific.

Radiomics in Lung Metastases: A Systematic Review

Due to the rich vascularization and lymphatic drainage of the pulmonary tissue, lung metastases (LM) are not uncommon in patients with cancer. Radiomics is an active research field aimed at the extraction of quantitative data from diagnostic images, which can serve as useful imaging biomarkers for a more effective, personalized patient care. Our purpose is to illustrate the current applications, strengths and weaknesses of radiomics for lesion characterization, treatment planning and prognostic assessment in patients with LM, based on a systematic review of the literature.

A Novel Robotic Bronchoscope System for Navigation and Biopsy of Pulmonary Lesions

Transbronchial biopsy sampling, as a minimally invasive method with relatively low risk, has been proved to be a promising treatment in the field of respiratory surgery. Although several robotic bronchoscopes have been developed, it remains a great challenge to balance size and flexibility, while integrating multisensors to realize navigation during complex airway networks. This paper proposes a novel robotic bronchoscope system composed by end effector with relatively small size, relevant actuation unit, and navigation system with path planning and surgical guidance capability. The main part of the end effector is machined by bidirectional groove on a nickel-titanium tube, which can realize bending, rotation, and translation 3 degrees of freedom. A prototype of the proposed robotic bronchoscope system is designed and fabricated, and its performance is tested through several experiments to verify the stiffness, flexibility, and navigation performance. The results show that the proposed system is with good environment adaptiveness, and it can become a promising biopsy method through natural cavity of the human body.

Hematoma-Filled Pneumatocele after CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy: Two Case Reports

CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) plays a key role in the diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities. Although the procedure is considered safe and effective, there exists a potential for complications, such as pneumothorax, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, air embolism, and tumor seeding. However, pneumatoceles after CT-guided PTNB have been rarely reported. Herein, we report two cases of pneumatoceles that developed immediately after PTNB for primary lung cancer. A pneumatocele filled with hematoma should be considered in cases with a newly developed nodule along the needle tract during short-term follow-up CT after PTNB.

Development and validation of a prediction model of pneumothorax after CT-guided coaxial core needle lung biopsy

BACKGROUND

Pneumothorax is the most common complication of computed tomography-guided coaxial core needle biopsy (CCNB) and may be life-threatening. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors and develop a model for predicting pneumothorax in patients undergoing computed tomography-guided CCNB, and to further determine its clinical utility.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for pneumothorax from 18 variables. A predictive model was established using multivariable logistic regression and presented as a nomogram based on a training cohort of 690 patients who underwent computed tomography-guided CCNB. The model was validated in 253 consecutive patients in the validation cohort and 250 patients in the test cohort. The area under the curve was used to determine the predictive accuracy of the proposed model.

RESULTS

The risk factors associated with pneumothorax after computed tomography-guided CCNB were sex, patient position, lung field, lesion contact with the pleura, lesion size, distance from the pleura to the lesion, presence of emphysema adjacent to the biopsy tract, and crossing fissures. The predictive model that incorporated these predictors showed good predictive performance in the training cohort [area under the curve, 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.75)], validation cohort [0.71 (0.64-0.78)], and internal test cohort [0.68 (0.60-0.75)]. The nomogram also provided excellent calibration and discrimination, and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated its clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model showed good performance for pneumothorax after computed tomography-guided CCNB and may help improve individualized preoperative prediction.

Accuracy of CT-Guided Core-Needle Biopsy in Diagnosis of Thoracic Lesions Suspicious for Primitive Malignancy of the Lung: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer represents a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with the highest frequency and mortality in both sexes combined. In a clinical scenario characterized by the widespread of multidetector-row spiral CT, core-needle biopsy under tomographic guidance is one of the main and safest methods to obtain tissue specimens, even though there are relatively high rates of pneumothorax (0-60% incidence) and pulmonary hemorrhage (4-27% occurrence rates). The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided core-needle biopsy in the diagnosis of primary lung malignancies and to compare our results with evidence from the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our analysis included 350 thoracic biopsies, performed from 2017 to 2022 with a 64-row CT guidance and 16/18 G needles mounted on a biopsy gun. We included in the final cohort all samples with evidence of primary lung malignancies, precursor lesions, and atypia, as well as inconclusive and negative diagnoses.

RESULTS

There was sensitivity of 90.07% (95% CI 86.05-93.25%), accuracy of 98.87% (95% CI 98.12-99.69%), positive predictive value of 100%, and negative value of 98.74% (95% CI 98.23-99.10%). Specificity settled at 100% (93.84-100%). The AUC was 0.952 (95% CI 0.924-0.972). Only three patients experienced major complications after the procedure. Among minor complications, longer distances from the pleura, the presence of emphysema, and the lower dimensions of the lesions were correlated with the development of pneumothorax after the procedure, while longer distances from the pleura and the lower dimensions of the lesions were correlated with intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in 51% of true positive cases, showing TTF-1, CK7, and p40 expression, respectively, in 26%, 24%, and 10% of analyzed samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The CT-guided thoracic core-needle biopsy is an extremely accurate and safe diagnostic procedure for the histological diagnosis of lung cancer, a first-level interventional radiology exam for peripheral and subpleural lesions of the lung, which is also able to provide adequate samples for advanced pathologic assays (e.g., FISH, PCR) to assess molecular activity and genetic sequencing.

Amyloid deposition in granuloma of tuberculosis patients: A single-center pilot study

The formation of granuloma is one of the characteristic features of tuberculosis. Besides, elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) protein level is the indicator for chronic inflammation associated with tuberculosis. The linkage between tuberculosis and SAA-driven secondary amyloidosis is well documented. However, SAA-derived amyloid onset and deposition start sites are not well understood in tuberculosis. We hypothesized that granuloma could be a potential site for amyloid deposition because of the presence of SAA protein and proteases, cleaving SAA into aggregation-prone fragments. 150 tuberculosis patients were identified and biopsies were collected from the affected organs. Patients showing eosinophilic hyaline-rich deposits within granuloma and its periphery were further screened for the presence of amyloid deposits. Upon Congo red staining, these hyaline deposits exhibited characteristic apple-green birefringence under polarized light, confirming their amyloid nature in 20 patients. Further upon Immuno-histochemical staining with anti-SAA antibody, the amyloid enriched areas showed positive immunoreactivity. In this pilot study, we have shown granuloma as a potential site for serum amyloid A derived amyloid deposition in tuberculosis patients. This study would expand the clinical and fundamental research for understanding the mechanism of amyloid formation in granuloma underlying tuberculosis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Impact of preoperative biopsy on tumor spread through air spaces in stage I non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity score-matched study

Background

Percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) and bronchoscopic biopsy (BB) are widely used in the preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, but whether PNB or BB may cause tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) has not been reported.

Methods

433 postoperative patients with pathological stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from January 2015 to December 2018 at our hospital were enrolled and divided into PNB group (n = 40), BB group (n = 48) and non-biopsy group (n = 345). The PNB and BB groups were matched using propensity score matched (PSM) separately from the non-biopsy group, after which the effects of PNB and BB on STAS, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

Results

After PSM for 9 confounding factors (gender, age, smoking history, tumor site, scope of surgery, pathology type, stage, maximum tumor diameter and postoperative treatment), 38 cases in the PNB group were successfully matched with 38 cases in the non-biopsy group and 28 cases in the BB group were successfully matched with 28 cases in the non-biopsy group. After PSM, there was no significant difference in the incidence of STAS between the PNB and non-biopsy groups (42.1% vs. 34.2%, P > 0.05) and between the BB and non-biopsy groups (42.9% vs. 46.4%, P > 0.05). The results after PSM showed no significant effect of both PNB and BB on RFS and OS after radical surgery (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative biopsy in patients with stage I NSCLC has not been shown to increase the occurrence of STAS, nor postoperative recurrence and death.

Risk Factors for Pneumothorax Development Following CT-Guided Core Lung Nodule Biopsy

BACKGROUND

This study aims to correlate nodule, patient, and technical risk factors less commonly investigated in the literature with pneumothorax development during computed tomography-guided core needle lung nodule biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective data on 671 computed tomography-guided percutaneous core needle lung biopsies from 671 patients at a tertiary care center between March 2014 and August 2016. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify pneumothorax risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of pneumothorax was 26.7% (n=179). Risk factors identified on univariate analysis include anterior [odds ratio (OR)=1.98; P<0.001] and lateral (OR=2.17; P=0.002) pleural surface puncture relative to posterior puncture, traversing more than one pleural surface with the biopsy needle (OR=2.35; P=0.06), patient positioning in supine (OR=2.01; P<0.001) and decubitus nodule side up (OR=2.54; P=0.001) orientation relative to decubitus nodule side down positioning, and presence of emphysema in the path of the biopsy needle (OR=3.32; P<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, the presence of emphysematous parenchyma in the path of the biopsy needle was correlated most strongly with increased odds of pneumothorax development (OR=3.03; P=0.0004). Increased body mass index (OR=0.95; P=0.001) and larger nodule width (cm; OR=0.74; P=0.02) were protective factors most strongly correlated with decreased odds of pneumothorax development.

CONCLUSION

Emphysema in the needle biopsy path is most strongly associated with pneumothorax development. Increases in patient body mass index and width of the target lung nodule are most strongly associated with decreased odds of pneumothorax.

Lung, Pleural, and Mediastinal Biopsies: From Preprocedural Assessment to Technique and Management of Complications

Biopsies of the lung, pleura, and mediastinum play a crucial role in the workup of thoracic lesions. Percutaneous image-guided biopsy of thoracic lesions is a relatively safe and noninvasive way to obtain a pathologic diagnosis which is required to direct patient management. This article reviews how to safely perform image-guided biopsies of the lung, pleura, and mediastinum, from the preprocedural assessment to reviewing intraprocedural techniques, and how to avoid and manage complications.

A personalized image-guided intervention system for peripheral lung cancer on patient-specific respiratory motion model

PURPOSE

Due to respiratory motion, precise tracking of lung nodule movement is a persistent challenge for guiding percutaneous lung biopsy during image-guided intervention. We developed an automated image-guided system incorporating effective and robust tracking algorithms to address this challenge. Accurate lung motion prediction and personalized image-guided intervention are the key technological contributions of this work.

METHODS

A patient-specific respiratory motion model is developed to predict pulmonary movements of individual patients. It is based on the relation between the artificial 4D CT and corresponding positions tracked by position sensors attached on the chest using an electromagnetic (EM) tracking system. The 4D CT image of the thorax during breathing is calculated through deformable registration of two 3D CT scans acquired at inspiratory and expiratory breath-hold. The robustness and accuracy of the image-guided intervention system were assessed on a static thorax phantom under different clinical parametric combinations.

RESULTS

Real 4D CT images of ten patients were used to evaluate the accuracy of the respiratory motion model. The mean error of the model in different breathing phases was 1.59 ± 0.66 mm. Using a static thorax phantom, we achieved an average targeting accuracy of 3.18 ± 1.2 mm across 50 independent tests with different intervention parameters. The positive results demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of our system for personalized lung cancer intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed system integrates a patient-specific respiratory motion compensation model to reduce the effect of respiratory motion during percutaneous lung biopsy and help interventional radiologists target the lesion efficiently. Our preclinical studies indicate that the image-guided system has the ability to accurately predict and track lung nodules of individual patients and has the potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of early stage lung cancer.

First and repeat rebiopsy for detecting EGFR T790M mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer: CS-Lung-003 prospective observational registry study

PURPOSE

Osimertinib is still essential for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-T790M-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) even in a relapsed setting, which suggests the importance of rebiopsy. The clinical value of repeat rebiopsy in patients with NSCLC who are T790M-negative on a first rebiopsy remains unclear. In this study, we examined the status of the first rebiopsy and evaluated the frequency of repeat rebiopsy of T790M-negative tumors detected by the first rebiopsy.

METHODS

We reviewed 144 patients with NSCLC with major EGFR mutations, but not T790M, who received first- or second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), registered in the prospective, umbrella-type lung cancer patient registry (CS-Lung-003).

RESULTS

Overall, 63 patients (44%) underwent the first rebiopsy. In the first rebiopsy, 51 (81%) and 12 (19%) of 63 underwent histological/cytological rebiopsy and liquid biopsy with the blood sampling, respectively. In the repeat rebiopsy, 23 (85%) and 4 (15%) of 27 underwent histological/cytological rebiopsy and liquid biopsy, respectively. The most frequently rebiopsied site was a pulmonary lesion (n = 24, 38.7%). Overall, 29 (46.0%) of 63 patients harbored the T790M mutation. Interestingly, a high detection rate of cancer cells did not necessarily indicate a high detection rate of the T790M mutation (p < 0.01). Among 34 patients with T790M-negative tumors confirmed on the first rebiopsy, 20 (58.8%) underwent repeat rebiopsies following interval therapy, revealing that seven (36.8%) had T790M-positive tumors. Osimertinib yielded median progression-free survival of 11.8 and 16.2 months in patients with the 790M mutation detected by the first rebiopsy and repeat rebiopsy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our prospective cohort, the T790M mutation was detected in 46% of patients who underwent the first rebiopsy. Repeat rebiopsy may increase the ability to detect the T790M mutation positivity rate.

Associations between Covariates and Pneumothorax Observations in CT-Guided Lung Biopsies

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of nine covariates on the occurrence or absence of stable or symptomatic pneumothorax. Forty-three patients underwent CT-guided lung biopsies from January 2020 to January 2022 (24 m, 19 f, median age 70 years). All the interventions were carried out with a semi-automatic 18G needle and a 17G trocar in a prone or supine position. Different covariates were measured and correlated to the rate and severity of the pneumothoraces observed. Nominal two-sided t-test p-values for the continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test results for the categorical variables were conducted. The data included the lesion size, distance to the pleura, needle-pleura angle, age, gender, position during the procedure, and the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with an observed pneumothorax had an average angle between the needle and the pleura of 74.00° compared to 94.68° in patients with no pneumothorax (p-value = 0.028). A smaller angle measurement correlated with a higher risk of pneumothorax development. The needle-pleural angle plays a vital role in the outcome of a CT-guided lung biopsy. Correctly adjusting the needle-pleural angle can diminish the pneumothorax risk associated with a CT-guided lung biopsy. The study results show that as the needle’s angle deviates from the perpendicular, the pleural surface area experiencing trauma increases, and pneumothorax is more likely to occur.

Is Free Breathing Possible During Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy? The Clinical Experience in 585 Cases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of lung lesions during quiet breathing.

METHODS

We investigated the diagnostic performance and complication rate of 585 procedures in 563 patients (357 men; mean age, 67.7 years), who underwent CT-guided PTNBs during quiet breathing, aided by a respiratory targeting technique from May 2017 to July 2019. Differences between the cases with and without respiratory targeting were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the development of pneumothorax and hemoptysis.

RESULTS

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy samples were successfully obtained in 574 of 585 procedures (98.1%). Final diagnoses included: 410 malignant cases, 119 benign cases, and 45 indeterminate cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis were 94.4%, 100%, and 95.7%, respectively. Use of respiratory targeting was associated with younger age (P = 0.004), smaller lesion size (P < 0.001), peripheral location (P = 0.003), shorter distance from the diaphragm (P < 0.001), lower lobe location (P < 0.001), prone position (P = 0.004), and visible motion artifact (P < 0.001). Pneumothorax and hemoptysis rates were 22.9% and 7.9%, respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, emphysema (P = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax, whereas distance from the pleura greater than 2 cm (P < 0.001), tissue sampling 3 times or more (P = 0.003), and a less experienced operator (P < 0.001) were risk factors for hemoptysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography-guided PTNB during quiet breathing with respiratory targeting yielded high diagnostic performance with a slightly higher rate of complications. Free-breathing PTNB can be applied in clinical practice, based on lesion location and risk factors for complications.

Safety and Effectiveness of Transthoracic Core Needle Biopsy in a Newly Established Interventional Radiology Program in Tanzania

Background Transthoracic core needle biopsy (TTCNB) became a routinely offered procedure in Tanzania in October 2018. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of establishing a TTCNB program in a resource-limited setting.

Methodology A single center, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital on 90 patients who underwent computed tomography-guided TTCNB from October 2018 to May 2021. Patient and procedural data, including demographic information, complications, pathology results, and clinical outcomes, were stored in a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. Follow-up was conducted at 4 weeks postprocedure by phone. Descriptive analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results A total of 90 patients underwent TTCNB. Seven samples were lost or never processed. In total, 68/83 (81.9%) of processed samples were diagnostic, with 89.7% (n = 61) classified as malignant and 10.3% (n = 7) classified as benign. Overall, 82.4% (n = 56) were classified as primary malignancies, 7.4% (n = 5) as metastatic malignancies, 5.9% (n = 4) as benign tumors, and 4.4% (n = 3) as infectious. Reasons for nondiagnostic samples were crashed/insufficient samples in 53.3% (n = 8) and nonspecific chronic inflammation in 46.7% (n = 7). Minor (Society of Interventional Radiology [SIR] class A and B) complications occurred in 8 cases (8.9%), while there was 1 (1.1%) major complication (SIR class F). A total of 44/90 (48.9%) patients could be reached for follow-up at 4 weeks postprocedure. In addition, 31/44 (70.5%) of these patients had a diagnosis of malignancy. Of these, 20 received chemotherapy, 8 died prior to receiving any treatment, 2 declined any further medical or surgical intervention, and 1 was treated with surgical excision and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion Although recently introduced in Tanzania, TTCNB has been performed with 81.9% diagnostic accuracy and a complication rate comparable to existing literature.

Biopsy with Side-Cutting Coaxial Needle—Knowing the “Cutting Length” and “Throw Length”

Image-guided Trucut biopsy is a well-established procedure. The length of the side notch in the stylet is the “cutting length,” which entraps the tissue sample and contributes to the yield. The total distance by which the inner stylet protrudes from the outer cannula with the cutting notch open is the “throw length.” It is inevitably longer than the cutting length does not add to the yield of the sample, but potentially to the complication of the procedure. The authors highlight the importance of knowing this distinction to minimize complications during the procedure.

C-Arm Cone-Beam CT Virtual Navigation versus Conventional CT Guidance in the Transthoracic Lung Biopsy: A Case-Control Study

C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) virtual navigation-guided lung biopsy has been developed in the last decade as an alternative to conventional CT-guided lung biopsy. This study aims to compare the biopsy accuracy and safety between these two techniques and explores the risk factors of biopsy-related complications. A total of 217 consecutive patients undergoing conventional CT- or C-arm CBCT virtual navigation-guided lung biopsy from 1 June 2018 to 31 December 2019 in this single-center were retrospectively reviewed. Multiple factors (e.g., prior emphysema, lesion size, etc.) were compared between two biopsy techniques. The risk factors of complications were explored by using logistic regression. The patients’ median age and male-to-female ratio were 63 years and 2.1:1, respectively. Eighty-two (82) patients (37.8%) underwent conventional CT-guided biopsies, and the other 135 patients (62.2%) C-arm CBCT virtual navigation-guided biopsies. Compared with patients undergoing C-arm CBCT virtual navigation-guided lung biopsies, patients undergoing conventional CT-guided lung biopsies showed higher needle repositioning rate, longer operation time, and higher effective dose of X-ray (52.4% vs. 6.7%, 25 min vs. 15 min, and 13.4 mSv vs. 7.6 mSv, respectively; p < 0.001, each). In total, the accurate biopsy was achieved in 215 of 217 patients (99.1%), without a significant difference between the two biopsy techniques (p = 1.000). The overall complication rates, including pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage/hemoptysis, are 26.3% (57/217), with most minor complications (56/57, 98.2%). The needle repositioning was the only independent risk factor of complications with an odds ratio of 6.169 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the C-arm CBCT virtual navigation is better in percutaneous lung biopsy than conventional CT guidance, facilitating needle positioning and reducing radiation exposure. Needle repositioning should be avoided because it brings about more biopsy-related complications.

Full core technology versus notch sampling technology: evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and the risk of a pneumothorax after transthoracic needle biopsy of suspicious lung lesions

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung (PCBL) under image guidance has become a safe and effective minimal invasive method to obtain a specimen related histological diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of two different coaxial biopsy technologies: full core and notch sampling technology. The former allowing the removal of full punch cylinders and the latter using a cutting-edge mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive PCBL procedures has been carried out for this prognostic study, involving patients with a documented pulmonary nodule or mass lesion on previous computed tomography (CT) scans. The study population included 38 men and 10 women (mean age = 67 years). Of these 48 patients who underwent a procedure with a co-axial cutting system, 24 have been performed with notch sampling technology and 24 with full core technology.

RESULTS

Out of the 48 biopsy procedures, 46 yielded specimens were adequate for histopathological evaluation, consistent with a technical success rate of 96%. The most common induced image-guided biopsy complication was a pneumothorax, occurring in 14 patients (35%). Seven patients with a pneumothorax were attributed to the full core technology and seven to the notch sampling technology (odds ratio = 1, 95% confidence interval = 0.28-3.51, P = 1).

CONCLUSION

In the setting of full core versus notch sampling percutaneous CT-guided coaxial needle biopsy of the lung, no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy and the incidence of pneumothoraces could be shown, while both technologies have an excellent diagnostic performance.

Optimization of the Lung Biopsy Procedure: A Primer

Image-guided lung biopsy plays a very important role in the diagnosis and management of lung lesions. As a diagnostic tool, it demands a high diagnostic yield and a low complication rate. It is imperative to balance the diagnostic yield and patient safety during lung biopsies. The aim of this article is to review the standard practice guidelines of lung biopsy, to describe the techniques used to minimize the complications associated with lung biopsy, and to describe the management of complications.

Efficacy and safety of a new disposable percutaneous positioning device invented to facilitate the precision of percutaneous core needle lung biopsies: a prospective, open and randomized controlled study

Background

A new disposable percutaneous positioning device was developed which permits adjustment of the fixing puncture angle while performing a percutaneous core needle lung biopsy (CNLB). The aim of the study was to explore the positioning accuracy and clinical safety of the new device during CT-guided percutaneous CNLB.

Methods

A prospective, open and randomized controlled study with two parallel groups was conducted on 150 patients with pulmonary nodules between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 including 101 males and 49 females who were divided (allocation ratio: 1:1) into a standard CNLB group without the percutaneous positioning device (control, n=75) and a new percutaneous positioning device group combined with CNLB (experimental, n=75). The efficacy was determined by the success rate of reaching the target location on the first percutaneous attempt, the number of CT scans performed and the time required for successful puncture positioning. Safety evaluations included complications related to percutaneous surgery and the new positioning device.

Results

The success rate of reaching the target location on the first percutaneous attempt in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group [96.0% (72/75) vs. 42.7% (32/75), P<0.001]. Patients in the experimental group received 3.05±0.28 times CT scans on average for successful percutaneous positioning, which was significantly lower than for the control group (3.95±1.03) (P<0.001). The time required to complete the percutaneous positioning was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (8.73±3.11 vs. 12.79±4.55 min, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in percutaneous-related complications between the two groups [48.0% (36/75) vs. 61.3% (46/75), P=0.101], except that the bleeding rate in the experimental group was lower than in the control group [26.7% (20/75) vs. 46.7% (35/75), P=0.032].

Conclusions

The use of the optimized percutaneous technology with the new positioning device significantly improved the accuracy and precision of percutaneous lung biopsies.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR-INR-17010322.

Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy: Optimizing Yield and Mitigating Risk

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is an effective and minimally invasive procedure to achieve tissue diagnosis. Radiologists are key in appropriate referral for further workup, with percutaneous computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy performed by both thoracic and general interventionalists. Percutaneous computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy is increasingly performed for both diagnostic and research purposes, including molecular analysis. Multiple patient, lesion, and technique-related variables influence diagnostic accuracy and complication rates. A comprehensive understanding of these factors aids in procedure planning and may serve to maximize diagnostic yield while minimizing complications, even in the most challenging scenarios.

Comparison of technical success and safety of transbronchial versus percutaneous CT-guided fiducial placement for SBRT of lung tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the technical success and safety of transbronchial (bronchoscopic) fiducial placement compared to percutaneous CT-guided fiducial placement for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of lung tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was performed at a single tertiary institution. Consecutive patients undergoing lung fiducial placement for purposes of guiding SBRT (CyberKnife®, Accuray, Inc.) between September 2005 to January 2013 were included in the study. Fiducial seeds were placed percutaneously with CT guidance or transbronchially with bronchoscopic guidance. We compared procedure-related complications (pneumothorax, chest tube placement), technical success (defined as implantation enabling adequate treatment planning with CT simulation) and migration rate. The need for repeat procedures and their mode was noted. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact and Chi square probability tests.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-four patients with lung tumors and 272 fiducial seed placements were included in the study. Two hundred and twenty-one of the 272 (81.2%) fiducial markers were placed percutaneously and 51/272 (18.8%) were placed transbronchially. Pneumothorax was seen in 73/221 (33%) of percutaneously-placed fiducials and in 4/51 (7.8%) of transbronchial placements (p<0.001). No significant difference was seen in the rate of chest tube placement between the two groups: 20/221 (9%) of percutaneously placed fiducials and 2/51 (3.9%) of transbronchially placed fiducials (p=0.39). Fifteen of the 51 (29%) of fiducial placements with transbronchial approach were unsuccessful, as discovered at radiotherapy planning session, and required a repeat procedure. Nine of the 15 (60%) of repeat procedures were performed percutaneously, 5/15 (33%) were placed during repeat bronchoscopy, and 1/15 (7%) was placed at transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound. No repeat fiducial placements were required for patients who had the fiducials placed percutaneously (p<0.001), with a technical success rate of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Transbronchial fiducial marker placement has a significantly higher rate of failed seed placements requiring repeat procedures in comparison to percutaneous placement. Complication rate of pneumothorax requiring chest drain placement is similar between the two approaches.

CT-guided biopsy of lung nodules with pleural contact: Comparison of two puncture routes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare two puncture routes (transpleural vs. transpulmonary) for computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided cutting needle biopsy of lung nodules with pleural contact.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 102 patients (72 men; mean age, 71.1±9.5 [SD] years) were included and 102 biopsies of 102 lung nodules (mean size, 16.7±5.9 [SD] mm; range, 6.0-29.4mm; mean length of pleural contact, 10.1±4.2 [SD] mm; range, 2.8-19.6mm) were analyzed. All procedures were classified as biopsies via the direct transpleural route or the transpulmonary route. The patient-, lesion-, and biopsy-related variables, diagnostic yields, and incidence of complications were compared between the two routes.

RESULTS

Biopsy was performed via the direct transpleural route (n=59; 57.8%) and transpulmonary route (n=43; 42.2%). In the transpulmonary route group, the mean distance of the intrapulmonary pathway was 17.7±9.4 [SD] mm (range: 4.1-47.6mm; P<0.001) and the introducer needle trajectory angle of<45° was significantly observed (8.5% [5/59] vs. 60.5% [26/43]; P<0.001). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the direct transpleural and transpulmonary routes (93.2% [55/59] vs. 90.7% [39/43]; P=0.718). The frequencies of all complications (64.4% [38/59] vs. 97.7% [42/43]; P<0.001), pneumothorax (33.9% [20/59] vs. 65.1% [28/43]; P=0.003), pneumothorax with chest tube placement (3.4% [2/59] vs. 18.6% [8/43]; P=0.016), and pulmonary hemorrhage (47.5% [28/59] vs. 76.7% [33/43]; P=0.004) were significantly lower in the direct transpleural group.

CONCLUSION

Direct transpleural route is recommended for CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsy of lung nodules with pleural contact because it is safer and yields similar diagnostic accuracy than transpulmonary route.

Safely Shortening the Observation Time After CT-Guided Lung Procedures

OBJECTIVE

To determine safety of shortened observation time without follow-up chest x-ray (CXR) after CT-guided transthoracic procedures (lung biopsy or fiducial placement) in patients without immediate postprocedural pneumothorax (PTX).

METHODS

Consecutive patients that underwent CT-guided procedures between January 5, 2015, and June 19, 2017, were included in this retrospective institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant study. Data regarding postprocedural course, complications, and clinical follow-up of the patients were obtained through a review of electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

There were 441 procedures for 409 patients performed; 82 procedures were excluded because of predefined criteria. In 312 of 336 asymptomatic procedures (92.9%), asymptomatic patients did not undergo CXR after procedure, with 7 of 312 of these patients (2.2%) diagnosed with delayed PTX 2 to 10 days after the procedure. In 24 of 336 procedures (7.1%), asymptomatic patients underwent CXR within 4 hours with no PTX detected, and despite that 1 of 24 of these patients (4.2%) presented with delayed PTX 7 days after procedure. When no immediate postprocedural PTX was present, rate of observation PTX and delayed PTX was 1 of 359 (0.3%) and 8 of 359 (2.2%), respectively. Average duration of monitoring for outpatients (n = 295) was 2.0 hours with median of 1.8 hours. In 23 of 359 (6.4%) procedures, the patient became symptomatic during postprocedural observation with 1 of 23 (4%) developing PTX.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtaining routine postprocedural CXRs in asymptomatic patients without immediate postprocedural PTX after CT-guided transthoracic procedures is likely not necessary given the low likelihood of PTX.

The effectiveness and safety of local pleural anesthesia for pain control in patients undergoing CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pleural anesthesia for CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB).

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed between March 2019 and August 2019 in a tertiary care hospital. Patients undergoing CT-guided TNB received either (a) pleural and skin anesthesia (pleural anesthesia group) or (b) skin anesthesia only (skin anesthesia group). Pain score was reported on a 0-5 numeric rating scale, and pain scores 3-5 were classified as significant pain. The relationship between pleural anesthesia and pain score, significant pain, and pneumothorax was assessed by using multivariable linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (67 men, 66.0 ± 11.4 years) were included (pleural anesthesia group, 38; skin anesthesia group, 73). Pleural anesthesia group reported lower pain score (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and less frequent significant pain (18.4% [7/38] vs. 42.5% [31/73], p = 0.020) than skin anesthesia group. Pain score was negatively associated with pleural anesthesia (β = -0.93, p < 0.001) and positively associated with procedure time (β = 0.06, p < 0.001). Significant pain was negatively associated with pleural anesthesia (p = 0.004, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.21 [95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.61]) and positively associated with procedure time (p < 0.001, adjusted OR = 1.15 [95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.24]). Pleural anesthesia was not associated with pneumothorax or chest tube placement (p = 0.806 and 0.291, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Pleural anesthesia reduces subjective pain without increasing the risk of pneumothorax.

KEY POINTS

• Local pleural anesthesia is a simple method that can be added to the conventional skin anesthesia for CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy. • The addition of local pleural anesthesia can effectively reduce pain compared to the conventional skin anesthesia method. • This procedure is not associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax or chest tube placement.

Significance of indeterminate pulmonary nodules in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma-a review

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unknown. The rate of detection on IPN has risen due to enhanced staging investigations to determine resectability. IPNs detected on preoperative imaging represent a clinical dilemma and complicate decision-making. Currently, there are no recommendations on the management of IPN. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the natural history of IPN detected among patients with resectable PDAC.

METHODS

A systematic review based on a search in Medline and Embase databases was performed. All clinical studies evaluating the significance of IPN in patients with resectable PDAC were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The total patient population was 761. The prevalence of IPN reported ranged from 18 to 71%. The median follow-up duration was 17 months. The median overall survival was 19 months. Patients with pre-operative IPN which subsequently progressed to clinically recognizable pulmonary metastases, ranged from 1.5 to 16%. Four studies found that there was no significant difference in median overall survival in patients with or without IPNs.

CONCLUSION

This is a first review on the significance of IPN in patients with resectable PDAC. The preoperative presence of IPN does not demonstrate an association with overall survival after surgery. The identification of IPN is a significant finding however it should not preclude patients with resectable PDAC from undergoing curative resection.

Tumor Seeding after Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Metastatic Pulmonary Ameloblastoma

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is a minimally-invasive procedure that is an indispensable tool for evaluating pulmonary lesions. Though extremely rare, tumor seeding of the pleura and chest wall can occur as a complication. Given that the breast is located anterior to the thorax, needle tracking through the breast is inevitable when PTNB is performed using the anterior approach. We describe tumor seeding of metastatic pulmonary ameloblastoma in the pectoralis muscle layer of the breast along the needle track of PTNB in a 51-year-old female presenting with a palpable lump in the right breast.

Robotic-assisted computed tomography-guided 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography-directed biopsy for diagnosis of intra thoracic lesions: An experience from a tertiary care centre in North India

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of robotic-assisted computed tomography (CT)-guided F-FDG PET/CT-directed biopsy for the evaluation of intrathoracic space occupying lesions.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients being evaluated for intrathoracic masses were included in the study. The indications were patients with unknown/likely primary detected from PET-CT, suspicious lesions identified from PET-CT in a known primary disease and fine needle aspiration cytology/CT-guided biopsy negative lesions with a high index of suspicion for malignancy. Biopsies were carried out with the help of automated radiology arm (ROBIO-EX) which is essentially a needle positioning and holding device. A two-day protocol was followed in which PET-CT scan was done on the first day, biopsy procedure was done on the next scheduled day. PET images were refused with the CT images done on the second day in the console by using manual alignment and then a biopsy was carried out with the help of a robotic arm. Primary outcome was histopathological yield from the obtained specimens.

RESULTS

Tissue yield was 100% (n = 24) and histopathological diagnosis rate was 96% (n = 23). Out of the 24 lesions biopsied 30% (n = 8) were benign and 70% (n = 16) turned out to be malignant. The complication rates were pneumothorax 4% (n = 1) and haemothorax 4% (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted CT-guided F-FDG PET/CT-directed biopsy is a useful and accurate technique for diagnostic evaluation of intrathoracic neoplasms with minimal complications rates as compared with conventional imaging techniques.

Initial experience of the use of ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH) as an alternative technique for lung nodule localization prior to VATS

Identifying pulmonary nodules for resection that are small or are deep within the lung parenchyma is a frequently encountered challenge during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Several image-guided localizing techniques have been described; however, there is limited literature on using these techniques in pediatric patients. We assessed the feasibility of using a commercially available ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH) as an alternative technique for lung nodule localization prior to VATS. We describe our experience of successful EVOH lung nodule localization in three pediatric patients with an oncologic history presenting with new lung nodules.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of liquid biopsy in non-small cell lung cancer: evaluation of circulating biomarkers

Lung cancer is still one of the main causes of cancer-related death, together with prostate and colorectal cancers in males and breast and colorectal cancers in females. The prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is strictly dependent on feasibility of a complete surgical resection of the tumor at diagnosis. Since surgery is indicated only in early stages tumors, it is necessary to anticipate the timing of diagnosis in clinical practice. In the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for NSCLC, sampling of neoplastic tissue is usually obtained using invasive methods that are not free from disadvantages and complications. A valid alternative to the standard biopsy is the liquid biopsy (LB), that is, the analysis of samples from peripheral blood, urine, and other biological fluids, with a simple and non-invasive collection. In particular, it is possible to detect in the blood different tumor derivatives, such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) with its subtype circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cell-free RNA (cfRNA), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Plasma-based testing seems to have several advantages over tumor tissue biopsy; firstly, it reduces medical costs, risk of complications related to invasive procedures, and turnaround times; moreover, the analysis of genes alteration, such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF is faster and safer with this method, compared to tissue biopsy. Despite all these advantages, the evidences in literatures indicate that assays performed on liquid biopsies have a low sensitivity, making them unsuitable for screening in lung cancer at the current state. This is caused by lack of standardization in sampling and preparation of specimen and by the low concentration of biomarkers in the bloodstream. Instead, routinely use of LB should be preferred in revaluation of patients with advanced NSCLC resistant to chemotherapy, due to onset of new mutations.

Incidence, severity and tolerability of pneumothorax following low-dose CT-guided lung biopsy in different severities of COPD

BACKGROUND

The feasibility of pneumothorax following low-dose CT-guided puncture lung biopsy in different severities of COPD has not been reported.

METHODS

The data of the patients with pulmonary lesion who underwent low-dose CT-guided lung biopsy by one experienced operator in our hospital from January 1st to September 30th in 2019 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into COPD group and non-COPD group. The risk factors, incidence and severity of pneumothorax with the severity of COPD and changes in MMRC score, treatment way and discharge time after pneumothorax were assessed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nineteen patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study with 64 in the COPD group and 155 in the non-COPD group. The average age, MMRC score and the incidence of pneumothorax after biopsy were significantly higher in the COPD group (64.7 ± 1.27 years, 1.02 ± 0.13, 31.3%) than in the non-COPD group (58.8 ± 1.16 years, 0.35 ± 0.06, 17.4%, P < 0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax between I-II and III-IV in COPD did not reach the significant difference (P = 0.863). COPD was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax after biopsy in a multivariable regression (P < 0.05). MMRC score was significantly increased at post-pneumothorax in the two groups (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in diagnostic rate, severity of pneumothorax, the proportion of delayed pneumothorax, the changes in treatment way and discharge time between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of pneumothorax after low dose CT-guided lung biopsy is increased in COPD, there was no difference in the severity of pneumothorax amongst the different severities of COPD and it is well-tolerated without increasing medical burden.

Biopsy of lung lesions under CT control

OBJECTIVES

With the increasing number of detected lung nodules and the need for morphological verification, the number of CT- controlled biopsies is increasing. The aim of this study was to assess the risks and benefits of these biopsies.

METHODS

This is a prospective and observational study. We evaluated 101 punctures performed on a group of 90 consecutive patients in the Department of Radiology.

RESULTS

In patients with a mean age of 66 years, with mostly accidentally detected lung nodules, we observed complications 38 times. The most common were minor pneumothoraxes or insignificant bleedings. In 6 patients, the complications were more serious, 5 times the pneumothoraxes required chest drainage, once massive hemoptysis was recorded. The lesions were successfully biopsied 78 times, the target was missed 23 times. The diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) was confirmed in 60 patients, 49 LCs were verified by puncture under CT control. 42% (25/60) of patients with LC were diagnosed in TNM stages I and II. 23% (14/60) of patients with LC were treated surgically. The remaining 30 patients most often suffered from lung metastazes (13/30), in 8 of them an inflammatory lung disease was diagnosed. 69 patients underwent bronchoscopy, in only 19% (13/69) it contributed to the diagnosis. In a model "screening like" group of 49 patients with only randomly detected lung deposits, we diagnosed LC in 76% (37/49). 49% (18/37) were in TNM stage I and II, 11 were treated surgically.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-controlled biopsy of lung lesions is an effective and safe diagnostic method.

Effectiveness of autologous blood injection in reducing the rate of pneumothorax after percutaneous lung core needle biopsy

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness and safety of autologous intraparenchymal blood patch (IBP) application in reducing the frequency of pneumothorax (PTX) after percutaneous transthoracic pulmonary core needle biopsy.

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent the transthoracic pulmonary core needle biopsy procedure under CT guidance between January 2015 and October 2018 were screened retrospectively. Patients whose traversed pulmonary parenchymal length was ≥20 mm during biopsy were included in the study irrespective of lesion size. The IBP procedure was made a department policy in November 2017; patients who underwent biopsy after this date comprised the IBP group, while those who underwent the procedure before this date comprised the control group. IBP recipients received 2-5 mL of autologous blood injection to the needle tract. Demographic data, procedural reports, tomography images, and the follow-up records of patients were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients were included in the study. Of the 91 patients that received an IBP, PTX developed in 13 (14.1%), with 7 (7.7%) requiring a thoracic tube. Of the 171 patients who did not receive an IBP, PTX developed in 45 (26.3%), with 19 (11.1%) requiring a thoracic tube. Patients who received an autologous IBP showed a significantly lower rate of PTX development versus those who did not (P = 0.01). Similarly, a significantly lower number of patients who received the blood patch required chest tube placement (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Autologous IBP is a safe, inexpensive and easy to use method that reduces the rate of PTX development and thoracic tube application after percutaneous core needle biopsies of the lung.