Contrast-enhanced sonography as guidance for transthoracic biopsy of a peripheral lung lesion with large necrotic areas

Clinical Applications of Contrast-Enhanced Thoracic Ultrasound (CETUS) Compared to Standard Reference Tests: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

 Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is utilized in an increasing array of medical fields, including thoracic medicine. However, the technique is still relatively new and only sporadically mentioned in current guidelines and recommendations. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a literature overview and to critically appraise the current clinical applications of contrast-enhanced thoracic ultrasound (CETUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A systematic literature search using major electronic databases and in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies with a primary focus on CETUS of thoracic disorders compared to a standard reference test were included. The QUADAS-2 tool was used for quality assessment of the studies.

RESULTS

 The search identified 43 articles: 1 randomized controlled study, 6 non-randomized controlled studies, 16 non-randomized non-controlled studies, 5 case series, 10 single case reports, and 5 animal studies. The overall risk of bias was judged to be high. Diagnostic accuracy measurements of noninvasive applications of CETUS were only reported in a few studies and they were too dissimilar for meta-analysis. Six studies compared CETUS-guided versus ultrasound-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of thoracic masses. They individually reported a significant increase in diagnostic accuracy in favor of CETUS guidance but were too heterogeneous for meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

 The current literature on CETUS is overall heterogeneous with a few high evidence level studies, small study populations and a high risk of bias. CETUS-guided biopsy is the most frequent clinical application and increases diagnostic accuracy compared to ultrasound guidance by an average of 14.6 percentage points.

Ultrasound-guided interventional radiology procedures in the chest

Ultrasonography is a very good tool for guiding different interventional procedures in the chest. It is the ideal technique for managing conditions involving the pleural space, and it makes it possible to carry out procedures such as thoracocentesis, biopsies, or drainage. In the lungs, only lesions in contact with the costal pleura are accessible to ultrasound-guided interventions. In this type of lung lesions, ultrasound is as effective as computed tomography to guide interventional procedures, but the rate of complications and time required for the intervention are lower for ultrasound-guided procedures.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for needle biopsy of thoracic lesions

Two-dimensional ultrasound (US) and color doppler flow imaging are associated with certain limitations in the preprocedural evaluation and design of the puncture path for biopsies of thoracic lesions, such as a poorly defined boundary between the tumor and the atelectatic lesions in central lung cancer with atelectasis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be valuable in the preoperative evaluation of the biopsy site and in increasing the accuracy of the biopsy. The present study investigated the value of clinical application of CEUS in US-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) in improving the diagnostic accuracy in thoracic lesions. A total of 120 patients with first-stage thoracic lesions from the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University who underwent US-CNB were recruited and randomnly assigned to a conventional US group (n=66) and a CEUS group (n=54). All patients underwent preoperative evaluation and US-guided puncture of thoracic lesions. The intergroup differences in sonographic features, biopsy duration, biopsy success rate and complications were assessed. The CEUS group had a higher rate of detection of necrotic tissue (40.7% vs. 16.7%; χ²=8.633; P=0.003) and change of initial puncture path (48.1%) compared with the US group. In central lung cancer with atelectasis, the ability to distinguish between tumor and atelectasis was higher in the CEUS group compared with the conventional US group (31.5 vs. 7.6%; χ²=11.336; P=0.001). In addition, the CEUS group had a higher puncture success (96.3 vs. 80.3%; χ²=6.946; P=0.008) and a lower complication rate (3.7% vs. 18.2%; χ²=6.041; P=0.014) compared with the US group. CEUS can identify necrotic areas and occult tumors within atelectatic lung tissue and can be used for guiding puncture biopsy of thoracic lesions to improve the diagnostic accuracy with greater comparative clinical utility than conventional US. Pre-biopsy CEUS is especially useful for patients undergoing repeated US-CNB and those with hypovascular lesions, atelectasis or necrosis.

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of Pleural-Based Pulmonary Lesions by Injection of Contrast-Enhancing Drugs

In this study, a total of 58 patients with single subpleural pulmonary lesions (males: 36, females: 22, mean age: 63 ± 16.2 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and had a definite diagnosis (benign lesions:25, malignant lesions:33) were enrolled. The number of biopsies, diagnostic accuracy rate, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The nodules were divided into two size subgroups: ≥5 cm (group 1), and <5 cm (group 2). The display rate of internal necrosis and change of pre-scheduled puncture paths were compared between subgroups. Also, the arrival times, intensity and uniformity of enhancement after the contrast agent injection, as well as the display rate of internal necrosis were recorded and compared between malignant and benign lesions. Finally, the average number of punctures was 2.9 ± 0.7 times. The total diagnosis rate was 98.3%. Local pneumothorax occurred in 2 patients. Hemoptysis occurred in 1 patient. No serious complications occurred. Internal necrosis was demonstrated in 20 of 58 lesions (34.5%). Sixteen of them had changed the planned puncture path due to the large necrosis area (80%, 16/20). For lesions in group 1, necrosis was found in 15 lesions and there was a statistically significant difference in the necrosis rate between the two subgroups (15/26 vs 5/32, p = 0.001). The change in the pre-scheduled puncture path occurred in 12 patients in group 1 while 4 patients in group 2 exhibited a change in the planned puncture path (p = 0.004). There was a statistically significant difference in the arrival times and intensity of enhancement between benign and malignant lesions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CEUS guided biopsy is an effective, sensitive, and safe method for the diagnosis of pleural-based pulmonary lesions by facilitating a distinction between necrosis and active tissue. The current findings indicated that CEUS before a biopsy may be especially vital in lesions ≥5 cm.

Prospective Evaluation of Unprocessed Core Needle Biopsy DNA and RNA Yield from Lung, Liver, and Kidney Tumors: Implications for Cancer Genomics

Context

Targeted needle biopsies are increasingly performed for the genetic characterization of cancer. While the nucleic acid content of core needle biopsies after standard pathology processing (i.e., formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE)) has been previously reported, little is known about the potential yield for molecular analysis at the time of biopsy sample acquisition.

Objectives

Our objective was to improve the understanding of DNA and RNA yields from commonly used core needle biopsy techniques prior to sample processing.

Methods

We performed 552 ex vivo 18 and 20G core biopsies in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. DNA and RNA were extracted from fresh-frozen core samples and quantified for statistical comparisons based on needle gauge, biopsy site, and tissue type.

Results

Median tumor DNA yields from all 18G and 20G samples were 5880 ng and 2710 ng, respectively. Median tumor RNA yields from all 18G and 20G samples were 1100 ng and 230 ng, respectively. A wide range of DNA and RNA quantities (1060–13,390 ng and 370–6280 ng, respectively) were acquired. Median DNA and RNA yields from 18G needles were significantly greater than those from 20G needles across all organs (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Core needle biopsy techniques for cancer diagnostics yield a broad range of DNA and RNA for molecular pathology, though quantities are greater than what has been reported for FFPE processed material. Since non-formalin-fixed DNA is advantageous for molecular studies, workflows that optimize core needle biopsy yield for molecular characterization should be explored.

Contrast-enhanced US-guided percutaneous biopsy of anterior mediastinal lesions

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in guidance of percutaneous biopsy of anterior mediastinal lesions.

METHODS

Ninety patients with solitary anterior mediastinal lesions (55 males, 35 females; mean age, 46±4 years) were included. Patients were randomly divided into CEUS group (n=45) and conventional ultrasonography (US) group (n=45). Real-time US-guided core needle (16 G) percutaneous biopsies were performed in all lesions. The display of internal mammary arteries, internal necrosis, and active areas were recorded and compared. Biopsy success rate and diagnostic accuracy were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Display rate of unenhanced internal necrosis was higher in the CEUS group than in the US group (88.9% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.041). With real-time CEUS guidance, internal mammary arteries were effectively displayed and avoided during biopsies in 68.9% of the lesions (31/45). Of the lesions, 88.9% (80/90) were histologically proven, including 13 benign lesions and 67 malignancies. There was a significant difference in the rate of successful puncture attempts between the two groups (P = 0.041). CEUS group had a higher biopsy success rate (100% vs. 95.5%, P = 0.045) and higher diagnostic accuracy (97.8% vs. 82.2%, P = 0.035) compared with the US group (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

CEUS guidance is a promising technique in depicting internal necrotic areas, viable areas, and internal mammary arteries during percutaneous biopsy of anterior mediastinal lesion, with satisfying safety, accuracy, and success rates.

The feasibility of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of non-cardiac thoracic disorders of dogs and cats

BACKGROUND

This study describes the feasibility of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnostic work-up of non-cardiac thoracic disorders of small animals. The second aim is to assess the usefulness of CEUS as a direct guide for sample procedures.

RESULTS

Forty animals, 28 dogs and 12 cats, were included in the study. Thoracic disorders included 23 pulmonary lesions [primary carcinoma (14), lymphoma (1), sarcoma (1), histiocytic sarcoma (1), abscess (1) and pneumonia (5)] and 17 mediastinal lesions [lymphoma (8), thymoma (3), mesothelioma (1), melanoma (1), carcinomatous lymphadenopathy (1), mixsosarcoma (1), lipoma (1), and abscess (1)]. The majority of neoplastic pulmonary lesions showed an inhomogeneous distribution of contrast medium, whereas inflammatory lesions had a homogenous distribution with typical pulmonary vessels ramification. The majority of mediastinal malignant lesions showed an inhomogeneous distribution pattern. The lung and mediastinal abscesses had peripheral enhancement of the wall with an avascular center. All cytological and biopsy samples obtained after CEUS were diagnostic. Quantitative analysis, performed in 19/23 pulmonary lesions, showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the arrival time of the malignant (7.27 s - range 4.46-13.52 s) and benign (4.52 s - range 2.87-6.06 s) pulmonary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS may be a useful tool for the evaluation of non-cardiac thoracic lesions. The contrast medium allows for the precise definition of lesion edges, the presence of necrotic areas, and the distribution of pulmonary vessels. Based on our preliminary results, the use of ultrasonographic contrast medium can be recommended for improving the diagnostic usefulness of cytology and biopsy sampling, because CEUS may help to define necrotic areas from viable tissue.

Clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in improving diagnostic accuracy rate of transthoracic biopsy of anterior-medial mediastinal lesions

Objective

To evaluate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in transthoracic biopsy of anterior-medial mediastinal lesions.

Methods

A total of 123 patients with anterior or middle mediastinum lesions required ultrasound guided transthoracic biopsy for pathological diagnosis. Among them, 72 patients received CEUS examinations before biopsy. After CEUS, 8 patients were excluded from biopsy and the rest 64 patients underwent biopsy (CEUS group). During the same period, 51 patients received biopsy without CEUS examination (US group). The ultrasonography characteristics, the number of biopsy puncture attempts, diagnostic accuracy rate and the incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

A large portion of necrosis area or superficial large vessels was found in 8 patients, so the biopsy was cancelled. The internal necrosis was demonstrated in 43.8% of the lesions in CEUS group and in 11.8% of US group (P>0.001). For thymic carcinoma, CEUS increased the detection rate of internal necrosis and pericardial effusion than conventional ultrasound (62.5% vs. 18.8%, P=0.012; 56.3% vs. 12.5%, P=0.023). The average number of punctures in CEUS group and US group was 2.36±0.70 and 2.21±0.51 times, respectively (P>0.05). The diagnostic accuracy rate of biopsy in CEUS group (96.9%, 62/64) was significantly higher than that in US group (84.3%, 43/51) (P=0.022). In US group, 2 patients suffered from mediastinal bleeding (3.9%), while no major complications occurred in CEUS group.

Conclusions

CEUS examination provided important information before transthoracic mediastinum biopsy and improved diagnostic accuracy rate in biopsy of anterior and middle mediastinum lesions than conventional ultrasound.

The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Selection Indication and Improveing Diagnosis for Transthoracic Biopsy in Peripheral Pulmonary and Mediastinal Lesions

Objective. To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in transthoracic biopsy of peripheral lung and mediastinal lesions. Methods. Of 142 patients, 82 patients received CEUS before biopsy and were defined as CEUS group. The remaining 60 patients only underwent conventional ultrasound (US) before biopsy and were served as US group. The information of CEUS was used for selecting indication and instructing biopsy. The imaging features, number of punctures, diagnostic successful rate, and complication rate between the two groups were compared. Results. Necrosis was demonstrated in 43.9% of the lesions in CEUS group and in 6.7% of US group (P < 0.001). Detection rate of lesion hidden in pulmonary atelectasis in CEUS group was 13.4%, which was statistically higher than 1.7% of US group (P = 0.013). The diagnostic success rate was 96.3% for CEUS group and 80% for US group, respectively (P = 0.002). The average number of punctures was 2.5 ± 0.7 and 2.6 ± 0.6, respectively. There was no significant difference in complications between CEUS group and US group. Conclusions. CEUS could play an important role in selecting proper indication and improving diagnostic accuracy rate of lung biopsy.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and CEUS-guided biopsy in the diagnosis of lung abscess in a patient with achalasia: Case report

Primary achalasia is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by dysfunction of esophageal motility secondary to degeneration of esophageal neurons. Some diseases, in particular neoplastic diseases, can cause symptoms similar to achalasia, and this condition is called pseudoachalasia. Pseudoachalasia can be indistinguishable from primary achalasia, and many investigations are often necessary to detect or exclude an underlying neoplasia. We report a case in which thoracic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and percutaneous CEUS-guided lung biopsy played a central role in differentiating aspiration pneumonia secondary to achalasia and complicated by lung abscess from pseudoachalasia secondary to lung carcinoma, after computed tomography (CT) yielded inconclusive findings. US contrast agent SonoVue® has an exclusively intravascular distribution, and its ability to discriminate between contrast vascular signal and tissue signal is greater than that of CT, making CEUS superior to CT in distinguishing perfused, viable tissues from avascular necrotic tissues. Although its use in pleuropulmonary pathology is still off-label, CEUS can play a useful role in characterizing peripheral pulmonary masses in selected cases.

Sonographically guided transthoracic biopsy of peripheral lung and mediastinal lesions: role of contrast-enhanced sonography

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of contrast-enhanced sonography on sonographically guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions.

METHODS

A total of 121 patients underwent sonographically guided transthoracic needle cutting biopsy. Of the 121 patients, 62 (contrast-enhanced sonography group) underwent contrast-enhanced sonography before biopsy, and the information from contrast-enhanced sonography was used to optimize the biopsy procedure. The remaining 59 patients constituted the non-contrast-enhanced sonography group. The enhancement patterns and echogenicity were evaluated by the consensus of 2 sonographers. The diagnostic efficacy was compared between the contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced sonography groups.

RESULTS

The enhancement intensity and extent varied greatly among different thoracic lesions, and an anechoic area (necrosis) was revealed in 26 of 62 lesions (41.9%) lesions after administration of the contrast agent. The overall diagnostic accuracy of sonographically guided transthoracic biopsy in this study was 85.9% (104 of 121). In the contrast-enhanced sonography group, the initial biopsy led to correct diagnosis in 58 of 62 lesions (93.6%). In the non-contrast-enhanced sonography group, the initial biopsy led to correct diagnosis in 46 of 59 lesions (78.0%). The difference in the diagnostic accuracy between the contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced sonography groups was statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast-enhanced sonography enables differentiation of viable from necrotic portions of thoracic lesions and has a positive impact on the diagnostic efficacy of sonographically guided transthoracic needle biopsy.