Diagnostic accuracy and complications of CT-guided core needle lung biopsy of solid and part-solid lesions

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy: a narrative review of systems

Background and Objective

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) has emerged as an advanced technology for lung cancer diagnosis. This review explores the three approved robotic bronchoscopy systems: Ion™ Endoluminal (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), Monarch™ (Johnson & Johnson, Redwood City, CA, USA), and Galaxy System™ (Noah Medical, San Carlos, CA, USA), and their different operational systems. This narrative review aims to summarize their findings and outcomes for sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) suspected of lung cancer.

Methods

A search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted for articles and abstracts published between January 2018 to May 2024 using the terms "robotic bronchoscopy" or "robotic-assisted bronchoscopy" for biopsy of PPL.

Key Content and Findings

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The introduction of RAB aims to improve the feasibility and safety of sampling PPL. Current literature describes high diagnostic yields with low risk of complications, allowing concurrent hilar and mediastinal staging within the same procedure. RAB can potentially improve early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary malignancies and survival rate in long term, while progressing towards therapeutic applications in the near future.

Conclusions

As RAB evolves, its potential as a "one-stop shop" for diagnosis, staging, and treatment can positively impact lung cancer detection, focusing on improved patient-centered outcomes and reducing multiple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Safety of Nonsurgical Biopsy for Diagnosing Pulmonary Ground-Glass Opacities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Previous meta-analyses have explored the diagnostic accuracy and safety of computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy of ground-glass opacities (GGOs). However, no research investigated the role of nonsurgical biopsies (including transbronchial approaches). Additionally, studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of GGOs with different characteristics are scarce, with no quantitative assessment published to date. We performed a systematic review to explore the diagnostic accuracy and safety of nonsurgical biopsy for diagnosing GGOs, especially those with higher ground-glass components and smaller nodule sizes.

METHODS

A thorough literature search of four databases was performed to compile studies evaluating both or either of the diagnostic accuracy and complications of nonsurgical biopsy for GGOs. A bivariate random-effects model and random-effect model were utilized for data synthesis. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

RESULTS

Nineteen eligible studies with a total of 1,379 biopsy-sampled lesions were analyzed, of which 1,124 were confirmed to be malignant. Nonsurgical biopsy reported a pooled sensitivity of 0.89, a specificity of 0.99, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 60.3%. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and NPV of nonsurgical biopsy for diagnosing GGOs according to GGO component were 0.90, 0.99, and 77.2% in pure GGOs; 0.87, 0.99, and 67.2% in GG-predominant lesions; and 0.89, 1.00, and 44.1% in solid-predominant lesions, respectively. Additionally, the diagnostic sensitivity was better in lesions ≥20 mm than in small lesions (0.95 vs. 0.88). Factors that contributed to higher sensitivity were the use of a coaxial needle system and CT fluoroscopy but not the needle gauge. The summary sensitivity of core needle biopsy (CNB) was not significantly higher than fine needle aspiration (FNA) (0.92 vs. 0.84; p = 0.42); however, we found an increased incidence of hemorrhage in CNB compared with FNA (60.9 vs. 14.2%; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Nonsurgical biopsy for diagnosing GGOs shows high sensitivity and specificity with an acceptably low risk of complications. However, negative biopsy results are unreliable in excluding malignancy, necessitating resampling or subsequent follow-up. The applicability of our study is limited due to significant heterogeneity, indirect comparisons, and the paucity of data on bronchoscopic approaches, restricting the generalizability of our findings to patients requiring transbronchial biopsies.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy for Ground-Glass Opacities and Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules

Purpose The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) imaging has led to the detection of more ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and subsolid nodules (SSNs), which may be malignant and require a biopsy for proper diagnosis. Approximately 75% of persistent GGNs can be attributed to adenocarcinoma in situ or minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. A CT-guided biopsy has been proven to be a reliable procedure with high diagnostic performance. However, the diagnostic accuracy and safety of a CT-guided biopsy for GGNs and SSNs with solid components ≤6 mm are still uncertain. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a CT-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) for GGN and SSNs with solid components ≤6 mm. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent CT-guided CNB for the evaluation of GGNs and SSNs with solid components ≤6 mm between February 2020 and January 2023. Biopsy findings were compared to the final diagnosis determined by definite histopathologic examination and clinical course. Results A total of 22 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 74 years (IQR: 68-81). A total of 22 nodules were assessed, comprising 15 (68.2%) SSNs with a solid component measuring ≤6 mm and seven (31.8%) pure GGNs. The histopathological examination revealed that 12 (54.5%) were diagnosed as malignant, nine (40.9%) as benign, and one (4.5%) as non-diagnostic. The overall diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for malignancy were 86.36% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion A CT-guided CNB for GGNs and SSNs with solid components measuring ≤6 mm appears to have a high diagnostic accuracy.

Shape-Sensing Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy versus Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Biopsy for the Evaluation of Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Subsolid nodules (SSN), including ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and part-solid nodules (PSNs), are slow-growing but have a higher risk for malignancy. Therefore, timely diagnosis is imperative. Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) has emerged as reliable diagnostic procedure, but data on SSN and how ssRAB compares to other diagnostic interventions such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy (CTTB) are scarce. In this study, we compared diagnostic yield of ssRAB versus CTTB for evaluating SSN.

METHODS

A retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent either ssRAB or CTTB for evaluating GGN and PSN with a solid component less than 6 mm from February 2020 to April 2023 at Mayo Clinic Florida and Rochester. Clinicodemographic information, nodule characteristics, diagnostic yield, and complications were compared between ssRAB and CTTB.

RESULTS

A total of 66 nodules from 65 patients were evaluated: 37 PSN and 29 GGN. Median size of PSN solid component was 5 mm (IQR: 4.5, 6). Patients were divided into two groups: 27 in the ssRAB group and 38 in the CTTB group. Diagnostic yield was 85.7% for ssRAB and 89.5% for CTTB (p = 0.646). Sensitivity for malignancy was similar between ssRAB and CTTB (86.4% vs. 88.5%; p = 0.828), with no statistical difference. Complications were more frequent in CTTB with no significant difference (8 vs. 2; p = 0.135).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic yield for SSN was similarly high for ssRAB and CTTB, with ssRAB presenting less complications and allowing mediastinal staging within the same procedure.

Pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage after C-arm cone-beam computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy: incidence, clinical significance, and correlation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the incidence and clinical significance of pneumothorax (PTX) and pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (PTLB) guided by C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Furthermore, this study aimed to examine the relationships between PTX and PH with demographics, clinical characteristics, imaging, and PTLB parameters.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 192 patients who underwent PTLB at our hospital between January 2019 and October 2022. Incidences of PTX and PH were recorded. PTX was considered clinically significant if treated with chest tube insertion (CTI), and PH if treated with bronchoscopes or endovascular treatments. The various factors on PTX and PH were analyzed using the Chi-squared test and Student t-test. Logistic regression analyses were then used to determine these factors on the correlation to develop PTX and PH.

RESULTS

PTX occurred in 67/192 cases (34.9%); CTI was required in 5/67 (7.5%). PH occurred in 63/192 cases (32.8%) and none of these cases required bronchoscopes or endovascular treatments. Lesion diameter (ORPTX = 0.822; ORPH = 0.785), presence of pulmonary emphysema (ORPH = 2.148), the number of samples (ORPH = 1.834), the use of gelfoam (ORPTX = 0.474; ORPH = 0.341) and ablation (ORPTX = 2.351; ORPH = 3.443) showed statistically significant correlation to PTX and PH.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT-guided PTLB is a safe and effective method for performing lung biopsies. The use of gelfoam has been shown to reduce the occurrence of PTX and PH. However, caution should be exercised when combining radiofrequency ablation with PTLB, as it may increase the risk of PTX and PH.

Percutaneous core-needle biopsy before and immediately after coaxial microwave ablation in solid non-small cell lung cancer: the comparison of genomic testing from specimens

PURPOSE

To compare the genomic testing based on specimens obtained from percutaneous core-needle biopsy (CNB) before and immediately after coaxial microwave ablation (MWA) in solid non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to investigate the diagnostic performance of CNB immediately after coaxial MWA in solid NSCLC.

METHODS

Coaxial MWA and CNB were performed for NSCLC patients, with a power of 30 or 40 watts (W) in MWA between the pre- and post-ablation CNB, followed by continuous ablation after the second CNB on demand. The paired specimens derived from the same patient were compared for pathological diagnosis and genomic testing. DNA/RNA extracted from the paired specimens were also compared.

RESULTS

A total of 33 NSCLC patients with solid lesions were included. There were two patients (6.1%) without atypical cells and three patients (9.1%) who had the technical failure of genomic testing in post-ablation CNB. The concordance rate of pathological diagnosis between the twice CNB was 93.9% (kappa = 0.852), while that of genomic testing was 90.9% (kappa = 0.891). For the comparisons of DNA/RNA extracted from pre- and post-ablation CNB in 30 patients, no significant difference was found when the MWA between twice CNB has a power of 30 or 40 W and ablation time within five minutes (P = 0.174).

CONCLUSIONS

If the pre-ablation CNB presented with a high risk of pneumothorax or hemorrhage, the post-ablation CNB could be performed to achieve accurate pathological diagnosis and genomic testing and the maximum effect of ablation, which might allow for the diagnosis of genomic testing in 90.9% of solid NSCLC.

Diagnostic Yield of Shape-Sensing Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy for Ground-Glass Nodules and Subsolid Nodules with a Solid Component Less than 6 mm

BACKGROUND

Ground-glass pulmonary nodules (GGNs) are most commonly sampled by percutaneous transthoracic biopsy. Diagnostic yield for ground-glass nodules using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy has been scarcely described, with a reported yield of 70.6%.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess diagnostic yield for GGNs using shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB).

METHOD

A retrospective study of patients who underwent ssRAB for evaluation of GGNs, from September 2021 to April 2023. Primary outcome was diagnostic yield of ssRAB for GGNs, secondary outcomes were sensitivity for malignancy, and complications that required admission or intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 23 nodules were biopsied from 22 patients. Median age was 71 years (IQR 66-81), 63.6% were female, and 40.9% had a previous history of cancer. Forty-three percent of nodules were in the right upper lobes, and the median lesion size was 1.8 × 1.21. Twelve were subsolid nodules (SSNs), and 11 were pure GGNs. Overall diagnostic yield was 87%, with a sensitivity for malignancy of 88.9%. Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignancy diagnosed (70%). No procedure-related complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

The use of ssRAB shows a high diagnostic yield for diagnosing GGN and SSN with less than 6 mm solid component with a low risk for complications.

Predictive Factors of Nonmalignant Pathological Diagnosis and Final Diagnosis of Ultrasound-Guided Cutting Biopsy for Peripheral Pulmonary Diseases

This study aimed to explore the predictive factors of nonmalignant pathological diagnosis and final diagnosis of ultrasound-guided cutting biopsy for peripheral pulmonary diseases. A total of 470 patients with peripheral lung disease diagnosed as nonmalignant by ultrasound-guided cutting biopsy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2017 to May 2020 were included. Ultrasound biopsy was performed to determine the correctness of pathological diagnosis. Independent risk factors of malignant tumor were predicted by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Pathological biopsy results showed that 162 (34.47%) of the 470 biopsy data were specifically benign, and 308 (65.53%; malignant lesions: 25.3%, benign lesions: 74.7%) were nondiagnostic findings. The final diagnoses were benign in 387 cases and malignant in 83 cases. In the nondiagnostic biopsy malignant risk prediction analysis, lesion size (OR = 1.025, P = 0.005), partial solid lesions (OR = 2.321, P = 0.035), insufficiency (OR = 6.837, P < 0.001), and presence of typical cells (OR = 34.421, P = 0.001) are the final important independent risk factors for malignant tumors. In addition, 30.1% (25/83) of patients with nonmalignant lesions who were finally diagnosed with malignant tumors underwent repeated biopsy, and 92.0% (23/25) were diagnosed during the second repeated biopsy. 59.0% (49/83) received additional invasive examination. Nondiagnostic biopsy predictors of malignant risk include lesion size, partial solid lesions, insufficiency, and presence of atypical cells. When a nonmalignant result is obtained for the first time, the size of the lesion, whether the lesion is subsolid, and the type of pathology obtained should be reviewed.

Feasibility analysis of CT-guided thermal ablation of multiple pulmonary nodules combined with intraoperative biopsy

Purpose

To analyze the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT)-guided thermal ablation of multiple pulmonary nodules combined with intraoperative biopsy.

Methods

The data of 431 patients with 540 lung nodules undergoing CT-guided biopsy or ablation were retrospectively analyzed. Biopsy-only group (A): 107 patients (107 lesions) received CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy only; Ablation-only group (B): 117 cases (117 lesions) only received CT-guided thermal ablation; Single focal ablation combined with biopsy group (C): 103 patients (103 lesions) received CT-guided thermal ablation combined with intraoperative immediate biopsy; Multifocal ablation combined with biopsy group (D): 104 patients (213 lesions) received CT-guided thermal ablation combined with intraoperative biopsy. The success rate of this technique was calculated, the complications were recorded, and the positive rate of pathological diagnosis of the specimens was evaluated (the tissue specimens could be confirmed as positive by pathological diagnosis).

Results

All 431 patients with pulmonary nodules successfully completed the operation, and the technical success rate was 100% (431/431). In group A, hemoptysis occurred in seven cases after operation, while no hemoptysis was observed in the other groups. Pneumothorax occurred in 8 cases in group A, 14 cases in group B, 11 cases in group C, and 13 cases in group D. Hydrothorax occurred in 4 cases in group A, 7 cases in group B, 5 cases in group C and 9 cases in group D, and there were no significant differences between the groups. The positive rate of pathological diagnosis was 84.1% (90/107) in group A, 81.5% (84/103) in group C, and 82.6% (176/213) in group D, and there was no significant difference among the groups (P > 0.05). A total of 15 cases in group C and 23 cases in group D underwent gene testing and analysis, and the biopsy tissue samples all met quality control standards.

Conclusion

CT-guided thermal ablation of multiple pulmonary nodules combined with intraoperative biopsy does not prolong the length of hospital stay or increase the risk of postoperative complications. It can meet the requirements of clinical, pathological and genetic testing, and is safe and reliable.

The diagnostic value of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of pulmonary ground-glass nodules: a meta-analysis

Background

More and more pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are screened with the extensive usage of low-dose computed tomography (CT). The need of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of GGN remains controversial.

Purpose

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy of GGNs.

Material and Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI. Included studies reported the puncture biopsy results of pulmonary GGNs, including the number of true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN) cases. After evaluating the studies, statistical analysis, and quality assessment, the pooled diagnostic sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to whether spiral CT or fluoroscopy-guided CT was used in the study.

Results

This meta-analysis included 14 studies with a total of 759 patients (702 samples). The pooled SEN, SPE, and DOR of CT-guided puncture biopsy of pulmonary GGNs were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.94), 0.99 (95% CI = 0.95–1.00), and 138.72 (95% CI = 57.98–331.89), respectively. The AUC was 0.97.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that CT-guided puncture biopsy of GGNs has high SEN, SPE, and DOR, which proved that CT-guided puncture biopsy was a good way to determine the pathological nature of GGN.

Older Age and Abnormal Pulmonary Ventilation Function Do Not Increase the Risk of Pulmonary Hemorrhage Caused by CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage in elderly and young patients with percutaneous computed tomography-guided needle biopsies (PCNBs). The correlations between the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary function indicators before CT-guided PCNB were also discussed.

Methods

Between January 2018 and December 2019, 1,100 consecutive patients underwent CT-guided PCNBs at Qilu Hospital. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hemorrhage.

Results

The occurrence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 22.1% in elderly patients and was 22.6% in young patients. In elderly patients, pulmonary hemorrhage was significantly influenced by needle depth to the lesion and dwell time, while in young patients, pulmonary hemorrhage was independently associated with lesion size, needle depth to the lesion, and dwell time. However, pulmonary function parameters, including FVC (% pred), FEV₁ (% pred), FEV₁/FVC ratio (%), small airway function parameters (FEF_50%, FEF_75%, and FEF_25–75%), and large airway function parameters (MVV, PEF, and FEF_25%), were not risk factors for hemorrhage. Furthermore, the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was not associated with different types of pulmonary dysfunctions. The risk of pulmonary hemorrhage did not increase with the severity of pulmonary dysfunctions.

Conclusions

In this study, age is no longer a risk factor in evaluating pulmonary hemorrhage. Longer needle depth to the lesion and longer dwell time were significantly high risk factors of hemorrhage in both elderly patients and young patients. Patients with severe pulmonary dysfunctions did not show increased risks of pulmonary hemorrhage here.

Small (≤ 20 mm) ground-glass opacity pulmonary lesions: which factors influence the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy?

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) for small (≤ 20 mm) ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions has not been reported in detail.

Objectives

To evaluate factors that affect the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous CNB for small (≤ 20 mm) GGO pulmonary lesions.

Methods

From January 2014 to February 2018, 156 patients with a small (≤ 20 mm) GGO pulmonary lesion who underwent CT-guided CNB were enrolled in this study. Factors affecting diagnostic accuracy were evaluated by analyzing patient and lesion characteristics and technical factors. Significant factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous CNB was 90.4% for small (≤ 20 mm) GGO pulmonary lesions. The diagnostic accuracy was higher for larger lesions (72.5% for lesions ≤ 10 mm, 96.6% for lesions between 11 and 20 mm [P < 0.001]). The diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided percutaneous CNB was 74.5% for lesions with > 90% GGO components and 97.2% for lesions with 50–90% GGO components (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the significant factors influencing diagnostic accuracy were lesion size (P = 0.022; odds ratio [OR] for a lesion between 11 and 20 mm in size was approximately 5 times higher than that for a lesion ≤ 10 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 18.5), and GGO component (P = 0.015; OR for a lesion with 50–90% GGO components was approximately 6 times higher than that for a lesion with > 90% GGO components; 95% CI: 1.4 to 25.7).

Conclusions

Lesion size and GGO component are factors affecting diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic accuracy was higher for larger lesions and lesions with 50–90% GGO components.

Effectiveness of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Biopsy Combined With Tissue Culture for the Diagnosis of Sputum Smear-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background

Microorganisms of tuberculosis (TB) are frequently difficult to identify from the airway specimen; therefore, lung biopsy for further histologic and microbiologic study is required. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB) is used for the diagnosis of pulmonary malignancy, but is rarely in the TB population. The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness and safety of EBUS-TBB with histologic study and tissue culture in the diagnosis of sputum smear-negative pulmonary TB.

Methods

Patients who underwent EBUS-TBB with histologic study and TB tissue culture for clinically suspected, but sputum smear-negative pulmonary TB from January 2016 to December 2018, were included. The accuracy of each diagnostic modality was calculated, respectively. Factors that might influence the positive rate of TB culture (washing fluid and tissue specimen) were also evaluated.

Results

One hundred sixty-one patients who underwent EBUS-TBB for clinically suspected, but sputum smear-negative pulmonary TB, were enrolled, and 43 of them were finally diagnosed as having pulmonary TB. The sensitivity of washing fluid (a combination of smear, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for TB) and tissue specimen (a combination of pathology and tissue culture) via EBUS-TBB for TB diagnosis were 48.8 and 55.8%, respectively. The sensitivity for TB diagnosis would be elevated to 67.4% when both washing fluid and tissue specimens are used. The positive TB culture rate would not statistically increase with a combination of tissue specimens and washing fluid. Univariate analysis revealed that TB microorganisms would be more easily cultivated when lesions had an abscess or cavity on the computed tomography (CT) image (presence vs. absence; 62.5 vs. 26.3%, p = 0.022), heterogeneous echogenicity on the EBUS finding (heterogeneous vs. homogeneous; 93.3 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.001), or a necrotic pattern via histologic study (presence vs. absence; 70.6 vs. 30.8%, p = 0.013). Heterogeneous echogenicity in the EBUS finding was the independent predictor according to the results of multivariate analysis. None of our patients encountered major adverse events or received further intensive care after EBUS-TBB.

Conclusion

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy is safe and effective for use in diagnosing sputum smear-negative pulmonary TB. EBUS echoic feature is also a predictor of the positive TB culture rate in pulmonary TB. However, tissue culture via EBUS-TBB has little effect in improving the positive TB culture rate.

Differential diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in pulmonary carcinoids versus hamartomas

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

To assess the possibility of differentiating pulmonary carcinoids from hamartomas and typical from atypical carcinoids by means of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 139 patients with pathologically proven pulmonary carcinoids and hamartomas who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT before surgical resection. Receiver operating characteristics curves were calculated to determine the potential of SUVmax to discriminate between pulmonary carcinoids and hamartomas, typical and atypical carcinoids. The correlation between SUVmax and tumor size was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

SUVmax was significantly higher in pulmonary carcinoids than in hamartomas (p<0.001), and also higher in atypical carcinoids than in typical carcinoids (p = 0.034). With a SUVmax of 2.0 as a cutoff, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT to differentiate pulmonary carcinoids from hamartomas were 85.3%, 82.9%, 61.7%, and 94.6%, respectively. The cutoff value of SUVmax for differentiating atypical carcinoids from typical carcinoids was 4.1. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of SUVmax was 0.900 for carcinoids and hamartomas, and 0.722 for typical and atypical carcinoids. SUVmax was correlated with maximum tumor size in pulmonary carcinoids (r = 0.658, p <0.001) and in pulmonary hamartomas (r = 0.672, p <0.001).

CONCLUSION

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT might be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of carcinoids and hamartomas, and can also distinguish atypical from typical carcinoids. This may facilitate improved selection of patients for surgical resection and radiological follow-up.

Comparison of CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsy in Pulmonary Ground-Glass and Solid Nodules Based on Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) between pulmonary ground-glass and solid nodules using propensity score matching (PSM) method and determine the relevant risk factors. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study using data from 665 patients who underwent CT-guided CNB of pulmonary nodules in our hospital between May 2019 and May 2021, including 39 ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and 626 solid nodules. We used a 1:4 PSM analysis to compared the diagnostic yields and complications rates of CT-guided CNB between 2 groups. Results: After PSM, 170 cases involved in the comparison (34 GGNs vs 136 solid nodules) were randomly matched (1:4) by patient demographics, clinical history, lesion characteristics, and procedure-related factors. There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic yields and complications rates between 2 groups. Significant pneumothorax incidence increase was noted at small lesion size, deep lesion location, and traversing interlobar fissure (P < .05). Post-biopsy hemorrhage was a protective factor for pneumothorax (P < .05). The size/proportion of consolidation of GGN did not influence the diagnostic accuracy and complication incidence (P > .05). Conclusions: The accuracy and safety of CT-guided CNB were comparable for ground-glass and solid nodules and the size/proportion of consolidation of GGN may be not a relevant risk factor. The biopsy should avoid traversing interlobar fissure as far as possible. Smaller lesion size and deeper lesion location may lead to higher pneumothorax rate and post-biopsy hemorrhage may be a protective factor for pneumothorax.

Diagnostic yield of CT-guided lung biopsies: how can we limit negative sampling?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether lesion imaging features may condition the outcome of CT-guided lung biopsy (CTLB) and to develop a scoring system of biopsy outcome prediction.

METHODS

This is a single center retrospective study on 319 CTLBs that were performed in 319 patients (167 males/152 females, mean age 68 ± 12.2). Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed aiming to assess the imaging features that are likely to be correlated to a negative biopsy outcome and patients were stratified in groups accordingly.

RESULTS

Technical success was 100%. 78% of the biopsies (250/319) led to a concrete histology report (218 malignant/32 benign). The remaining lesions led to concrete histology at a second attempt that occurred on a later time. Multivariate analysis revealed increased risk of inconclusive result for nodules with low fludeoxyglucose uptake [odds ration (OR) = 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-4.97; p = 0.003], for nodules with diameter smaller than 18 mm (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.14-3.62; p = 0.017) and for nodules that are located in one of the lung bases (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.06-3.62; p = 0.033). Three different groups of patients were identified accordingly with low (<30%), medium (30-50%) and high (>50%) probability of obtaining an inconclusive biopsy sample.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that percutaneous CT-guided biopsy in nodules that are either small in diameter or present low positron emission tomography-fludeoxyglucose uptake or are in one of the lung bases may lead to inconclusive histology. This information should be factored when planning percutaneous biopsies of such nodules in terms of patient informed consent and biopsy strategy.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Inconclusive histology after lung biopsy may be subject to factors irrelevant to technical success. Lung biopsy histology outcomes may be predicted and avoided after adequate planning.

Diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of image-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy for subsolid pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) for subsolid pulmonary nodules and sources of heterogeneity among reported results.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries (until November 7, 2020) for studies measuring the diagnostic accuracy of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model. Bivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. Pooled overall and major complication rates were calculated.

RESULTS

We included 744 biopsies from 685 patients (12 studies). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB for subsolid nodules were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85-94%) and 99% (95% CI: 92-100%), respectively. Mean age above 65 years was the only covariate significantly associated with higher sensitivity (93% vs  85%, p = 0.04). Core needle biopsy showed marginally higher sensitivity than fine-needle aspiration (93% vs  83%, p = 0.07). Pooled overall and major complication rate of PTNB were 43% (95% CI: 25-62%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0-0.4%), respectively. Major complication rate was not different between fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy groups (p = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

PTNB had acceptable performance and a low major complication rate in diagnosing subsolid pulmonary nodules. The only significant source of heterogeneity in reported sensitivities was a mean age above 65 years.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is the first meta-analysis attempting to systemically determine the cause of heterogeneity in the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules.

Advances in study of the sequence of lung tumor biopsy and thermal ablation

Percutaneous thermal ablation is an important treatment for lung cancer and is widely used in hospitals. Puncture biopsy is generally required for pathological diagnosis before or after thermal ablation. Pathological diagnosis provides both evidence of benign and malignant lesions for ablation therapy and is of important significance for the next step in disease management. Furthermore, the sequence of ablation and biopsy affects the accuracy of pathological diagnosis, the complete ablation rate of thermal ablation, and incidence of surgery‐related complications. Ultimately, it may affect the patient's benefit from local treatment. This article reviews the research progress of traditional asynchronous biopsy followed by ablation, the emerging methods of synchronous biopsy followed by ablation, and synchronous ablation followed by biopsy in the last decade.

Key points

The sequence of ablation and biopsy affects the accuracy of pathological diagnosis, the complete ablation rate of thermal ablation, and the incidence of surgical‐related complications.

This article reviewed the recent 10 years' literature on the surgical sequence of biopsy and ablation for lung tumors, the advantages, disadvantages and indications of different orders were analyzed.

Shades of Gray: Subsolid Nodule Considerations and Management

Subsolid nodules are common on chest CT imaging and may be either benign or malignant. Their varied features and broad differential diagnoses present management challenges. Although subsolid nodules often represent lung adenocarcinomas, other possibilities are common and influence management. Practice guidelines exist for subsolid nodule management for both incidentally and screening-detected nodules, incorporating patient and nodule characteristics. This review highlights the similarities and differences among these algorithms, with the intent of providing a resource for comparison and aid in choosing management options.

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.

Surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures for benign disease are rare in a large low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening program

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography improves survival. However, concerns about overdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions persist. We reviewed our lung cancer screening program to determine the rate of surgery and invasive procedures for nonmalignant disease.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients undergoing lung cancer screening from January 2012 to June 2017 with follow-up through January 2019. Patients with suspicious findings (Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System 4) were referred for further evaluation.

RESULTS

Of 3280 patients screened, 345 (10.5%) had Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System 4 findings. A total of 311 patients had complete follow-up, of whom 93 (29.9%) were diagnosed with lung cancer. Eighty-three patients underwent lung surgery (2.5% of screened patients). Forty patients underwent lobectomy (48.2%), 3 patients (3.6%) underwent bilobectomy, and 40 patients (48.2%) underwent sublobar resection. Fourteen patients underwent surgery for benign disease (0.43% of screened patients). Fifty-four patients, 5 with benign disease, had at least 1 invasive diagnostic procedure but never underwent surgery. The incidence of any invasive intervention for nonmalignant disease was 0.95% (31/3280 patients). There were no postprocedural deaths within 60 days. Twenty-five patients (0.76%) underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy; 19 patients (76%) had presumed lung cancer without pretreatment pathologic confirmation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection for benign disease occurred in 0.43% of patients undergoing lung cancer screening. The combined incidence of any invasive diagnostic or therapeutic intervention, including surgical resection, for benign disease was only 0.95%. Periprocedural complications were rare. These results indicate that concern over unnecessary interventions is overstated and should not hinder adoption of lung cancer screening. A multidisciplinary team approach, including thoracic surgeons, is critical to maintain an appropriate rate of interventions in lung cancer screening.

The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yields numerous tumor-related incidental findings (IFs) which may trigger diagnostics such as biopsies. To clarify these effects, we studied how whole-body MRI IF disclosure in a population-based cohort affected biopsy frequency and the detection of malignancies. Laboratory disclosures were also assessed. Data from 6753 participants in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) examined between 2008 and 2012 were utilized. All underwent laboratory examinations and 3371 (49.9%) a whole-body MRI. Electronic biopsy reports from 2002 to 2017 were linked to participants and assigned to outcome categories. Biopsy frequency 2 years pre- and post-SHIP was investigated using generalized estimating equations with a negative-binomial distribution. Overall 8208 IFs (laboratory findings outside reference limits: 6839; MRI: 1369) were disclosed to 4707 participants; 2271 biopsy reports belonged to 1200 participants (17.8%). Of these, 938 biopsies occurred pre-SHIP; 1333 post-SHIP (event rate/100 observation years = 6.9 [95% CI 6.5; 7.4]; 9.9 [9.3; 10.4]). Age, cancer history, recent hospitalization, female sex, and IF disclosure were associated with higher biopsy rates. Nonmalignant biopsy results increased more in participants with disclosures (post-/pre-SHIP rate ratio 1.39 [95% CI 1.22; 1.58]) than without (1.09 [95% CI 0.85; 1.38]). Malignant biopsy results were more frequent post-SHIP (rate ratio 1.74 [95% CI 1.27; 2.42]). Biopsies increased after participation in a population-based cohort study with MRI and laboratory IF disclosure. Most biopsies resulted in no findings and few malignancies were diagnosed, indicating potential overtesting and overdiagnosis. A more restrictive policy regarding IF disclosure from research findings is required.

Exosomal miR-21/Let-7a ratio distinguishes non-small cell lung cancer from benign pulmonary diseases

Aim

To assess the exosomal miR‐21/Let‐7a ratio, a noninvasive method, in distinguishing non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from benign pulmonary diseases.

Methods

The exosomes were extracted from the peripheral blood serum using serum exosomal extraction kit. miR‐21 and Let‐7a levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We found that miR‐21/Let‐7a ratio of NSCLC patients was significantly higher than that of healthy people, patients with pulmonary inflammation diseases, and benign pulmonary nodules, respectively. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis revealed that as compared with healthy controls, miR‐21/Let‐7a produced the area under the curve (AUC) at 0.8029 in patients with NSCLC, which helped to distinguish NSCLC from healthy controls with 81.33% sensitivity and 69.57% specificity. In addition, the AUC of miR‐21/Let‐7a in NSCLC patients was 0.8196 in comparison to patients with pulmonary inflammation diseases. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity were 56.00% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with patients with benign pulmonary nodules, the AUC of miR‐21/Let‐7a in NSCLC patients was 0.7539. The sensitivity and specificity were 56.00% and 82.61%, respectively.

Conclusion

In the present study, our findings revealed that exosomal miR‐21/Let‐7a ratio holds considerable promise as a noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of NSCLC from benign pulmonary diseases.

Pericardial fluid levels of growth differentiation factor 15 in patients with or without coronary artery disease: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has already been reported as a novel efficient biomarker in patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD). However, very little is demonstrated about the potential impact of pericardial fluid GDF-15 accumulation on CAD. The aim of this study was to evaluate pericardial fluid and plasma GDF15 levels in patients with ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

In this study, 42 consecutive patients (21 patients with significant CAD; 21 patients without CAD) undergoing open heart surgery were recruited in this study. Pericardial fluid were obtained at the time of surgery, and GDF15 levels in the samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma glucose, creatinine, CK-MB, cTnI and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements were performed.

RESULTS

The plasma GDF15 levels were markedly higher than the pericardial fluid levels both in the CAD group and non-CAD group (1,174.0±148.7 vs. 677.8±77.2 pg/mL, P<0.01; 925.8±127.4 vs. 617.4±76.2 pg/mL, P<0.01). The levels of pericardial fluid GDF15, was not statistically different between the CAD and non-CAD groups (P>0.05). An obvious correlation was observed between plasma and pericardial fluid GDF15 concentration both in the CAD group and non-CAD group (R=0.53, P<0.01; R=0.54, P<0.01). An obvious positive correlation was found between pericardial fluid GDF15 and plasma creatinine levels in CAD patients but not in non-CAD patients (R=0.65, P<0.01). In the CAD group, an obvious correlation was also observed between pericardial fluid GDF15 levels and NT-ProBNP (R=0.63, P<0.01), while no relationship was found in non-CAD group. There was a positive correlation between pericardial fluid GDF15 and LVEF in non-CAD group but not in CAD group patients (R=-0.44, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study first revealed an association between pericardial fluid GDF15 and baseline characteristics. Pericardial fluid GDF15 levels are associated with cardiac and kidney function in patients with coronary artery disease and may be a valuable marker for assessing CAD severity and predicting its complications.

Lobar location of lesions in computed tomography-guided lung biopsy is correlated with major pneumothorax: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study with 1452 cases

Pneumothorax is a common complication in computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy (CPLB). Whether the lobar location of lesions contributes to the incidence of pneumothorax should be further clarified.A total of 1452 consecutive patients who underwent CPLB between January 2010 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of pneumothorax was compared among 5 different lobe biopsies. Minor pneumothorax was defined as pneumothorax without chest tube placement and major pneumothorax was defined as pneumothorax with chest tube placement.The positive diagnosis rate of pathology for this cohort was approximately 84%, with 22.5% (326/1452) of the patients experiencing pneumothorax. The rates of pneumothorax were 19.5%, 24.5%, 33.9%, 21.4%, and 23.9% for the right upper lobe, right lower lobe, right middle lobe, left upper lobe, and left lower lobe, respectively (P = .09). Chest tube placement was necessary in 19.0% (62/326) of the patients with pneumothorax. The rates of major pneumothorax were 5.3%, 2.6%, 10.2%, 4.7%, and 2.6% for the right upper lobe, right lower lobe, right middle lobe, left upper lobe, and left lower lobe biopsies, respectively (P = .02). This result was further confirmed by the propensity score-matching method. Moreover, 8.7% (127/1452) of the patients experienced puncture of fissure, the rates of which were 13.5%, 5%, 10.2%, 9.1%, and 4.3% for the right upper lobe, right lower lobe, right middle lobe, left upper lobe, and left lower lobe, respectively (P < .001). Within the pneumothorax patient group, the rate of lobe fissure puncture (15.2%) was significantly lower in patients with minor pneumothorax than (51.6%) in those with major pneumothorax (P < .001).Upper and middle lobe lesion biopsies show a significantly high rate of major pneumothorax, which may be due to more puncture of fissure. It is crucial to carefully distinguish the fissure around lesions and bypass it to avoid major pneumothorax.

Transthoracic computed tomography-guided lung biopsy in the new era of personalized medicine

Computed tomography-guided lung biopsy is a valid and safe procedure for characterizing pulmonary nodules. In the past years, this technique has been mainly used to confirm the malignant nature of undetermined pulmonary lesions; however, today its role has been completely renewed. With the advent of target therapy and immunotherapy, it has arisen for lung cancer, in inoperable patients, the necessity to obtain adequate bioptical material to perform a correct molecular characterization of the lesion. Moreover, the possibility of acquired drug-resistance mechanisms makes it necessary in some cases to rebiopsy these lesions over time. For these reasons, it is likely that the request of computed tomography-guided lung biopsy will increase in the future, therefore every radiologist should be confident with its most important aspects.