The nodular form of hepatic tuberculosis: contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings with pathologic correlation

Comments and Illustrations of Ultrasound Findings in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Manifestations

This review describes the appearance of extrapulmonary tuberculosis manifestations in comprehensive and multiparametric ultrasound imaging. The aim is to increase awareness of typical ultrasound findings regarding extrapulmonary tuberculosis, correlate those with pathological features, and facilitate differential diagnosis. Point of care ultrasound protocols can be used as a screening method in high-risk populations, although the negative findings do not exclude tuberculosis. Conversely, the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis can never be made using ultrasound alone, as many ultrasound findings in extrapulmonary tuberculosis are non-specific. However, ultrasound-based sampling techniques can significantly facilitate the collection of samples for microbiological or molecular proof of tuberculosis, as well as facilitating the establishment of alternative diagnoses.

Case report: Hepatic tuberculosis mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with cirrhosis induced by hepatitis B virus

Hepatic tuberculosis (TB), which is secondary to post-hepatitis B cirrhosis, is extremely rare. We report the case of a 69-year-old man with post-hepatitis B cirrhosis complicated by primary isolated hepatic TB who was initially misdiagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient was hospitalized with complaints of 2 weeks of fever. He had a 20-year history of post-hepatitis B cirrhosis. The laboratory tests suggested that his serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was markedly elevated to 1210 ng/ml. From the abdominal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, we confirmed the presence of cirrhosis and discovered a space-occupying lesion of the hepatic left lobe as well as portal vein-filling defects. These results led us to consider primary liver cancer and portal vein tumor thrombus combined with decompensated cirrhosis. Biopsy and histology may be considered the ultimate diagnostic tests, but we excluded needle biopsy because of his high risk of bleeding, in addition, the patient declined the procedure. To cope with his fever, the patient was given broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment initially, followed by intravenous vancomycin. After antibiotic treatment had failed, the patient was treated with anti-TB for 10 days; after that, the patient maintained a normal temperature. The patient continued to receive tuberculostatic therapy for 6 months following his discharge. AFP completely returned to the normal level, and the aforementioned mass disappeared. Finally, hepatic TB secondary to post-hepatitis B cirrhosis with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was considered to be the final diagnosis. More than two imaging techniques discover a space-occupying liver lesion and that the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is extremely elevated, which means that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could be diagnosed. However, some exceedingly rare diseases should not be excluded. This case illustrated that the non-invasive diagnostic criteria for liver cancer should be considered carefully when discovering a space-occupying liver lesion in a patient with cirrhosis and an elevated AFP level. In addition, primary hepatic TB should be considered and included in the differential diagnosis, and a biopsy should be performed promptly.

Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Ultrasound Classification of Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the ultrasound (US) classification of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 70 patients diagnosed with CTL. All patients underwent both conventional US and CEUS. Both methods were compared to determine their agreement with pathological CTL results.

Results

The results of conventional US classification were as follows: 18 patients (25.7%) were type I, 25 patients (35.7%) type II, 21 patients (30.0%) type III, and 6 patients (8.6%) type IV, respectively. The results of CEUS classification were as follows: 9 patients (12.9%) were type I, 33 patients (47.1%) type II, 22 patients (31.4%) type III, and 6 patients (8.6%) type IV. Conventional US classification and pathological results showed moderate agreement in terms of US classification results for CTL (Kappa = 0.693); the accuracy of conventional US classification was 78.6% (55/70), and the accuracy of types II and III were 71.0% (22/31) and 82.6% (19/23), respectively. CEUS classification and pathological results showed strong agreement (Kappa = 0.871); the accuracy of CEUS classification was 91.4% (64/70), and the accuracy of types II and III were 93.6% (29/31) and 87.0% (20/23), respectively.

Conclusion

In combined with conventional US, CEUS could provide more information on blood flow enhancement patterns and identify the area of lymph node necrosis in CTL. This could contribute to a more accurate US classification of CTL.

The value of multimodal ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of tuberculous and non-tuberculous superficial lymphadenitis

Background

To investigate the value of multimodal ultrasonography in differentiating tuberculosis from other lymphadenopathy.

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients with superficial lymphadenopathy treated at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 were categorized into four types based on the color Doppler ultrasound, five types based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and five types based on elastography. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated of all the three imaging, including color Doppler examination, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and one individual multimodal method, for detecting lymph nodes.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included in the final analysis. Of those, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive in 38 patients and negative in 22 patients. Among the 38 patients who were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, of which 23 had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, accounting for 60.53% of the positive cases, and the remaining patients did not combine lesions of other organs. Among the 60 superficial lymph nodes, 63.3% presented with tuberculous lymphadenitis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the color Doppler examination were 73.68%, 68.18%, and 71.67%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound were 89.47%, 63.64% and 80.00%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the elastography were 63.16%, 63.64% and 63.33%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of one individual multimodal method were 42.11%, 95.45% and 61.67%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of all modes combined were 100.00%, 27.27% and 73.33%, respectively.

Conclusion

Multimodal ultrasonography has high predictive value for the differential diagnosis of superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Features of Focal Splenic Tuberculosis

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize the contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging features of focal splenic tuberculosis.

Material/Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging features of 22 patients with splenic TB confirmed by surgical histopathology or biopsy.

Results

Conventional US demonstrated that 15 of the 22 patients had a single lesion, while 7 had multiple lesions. The maximum diameter of the lesions ranged from 1.0 to 3.7 cm. Of the 22, 17 were detected with hypoecho and 5 were detected with complex echo by conventional US. Seven (7/22) were detected with blood flow signals by color Doppler flow image (CDFI). CUES demonstrated that 18 cases (81.8%, 18/22) began to enhance in the arterial phase, mostly followed by slow wash-out in the intermediate or late parenchymal phase, and 4 (18.2%, 4/22) presented with non-enhancement during all phases. The enhancement patterns were categorized into 4 types: Type I, homogeneous enhancement (2/22); Type II, rim-like enhancement (12/22); Type III, septation-like enhancement (4/22); and Type IV, non-enhancement (4/22).

Conclusions

CEUS showed that splenic TB lesions were enhanced in the arterial phase, followed by slow washed out or persistent enhancement in the intermediate and late parenchymal phases. The rim- or septation-like enhancement may be helpful for diagnosing splenic TB. The splenic lesions presenting round hypoecho by conventional US and complete non-enhancement by CEUS are highly suspicious of splenic TB.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound LI-RADS LR-5 in Hepatic Tuberculosis: Case Report and Literature Review of Imaging Features

Background: The liver is involved in disseminated tuberculosis in more than 80% of cases while primary liver involvement is rare, representing <1% of all cases. Hepatic tuberculosis (TB) can be treated by conventional anti-TB therapy; however, diagnosing this disease remains a challenge. The diagnosis might be particularly difficult in patients with a single liver lesion that could be misdiagnosed as a tumor or other focal liver lesions. Although computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been described, there is a paucity of literature on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of hepatic TB. Case Summary: herein, we describe a case of a patient with tuberculous lymphadenopathy and chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-related liver disease who developed a single macronodular hepatic TB lesion. Due to the finding of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) highly suggestive CEUS pattern, specifically a LR5 category according to the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS), and a good response to antitubercular therapy, a non-invasive diagnosis of HCC was made, and the patient underwent liver resection. We also review the published literature on imaging features of hepatic TB and discuss the diagnostic challenge represented by hepatic TB when occurs as a single focal liver lesion. Conclusions: this report shows for the first time that the CEUS pattern of hepatic TB might be misinterpreted as HCC and specific imaging features are lacking. Personal history and epidemiological data are mandatory in interpreting CEUS findings of a focal liver lesion even when the imaging pattern is highly suggestive of HCC.

Primary isolated hepatic tuberculosis mimicking small hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious threat in developing countries. Primary isolated hepatic tuberculosis is extremely rare. Because of its non-specific imaging features, noninvasive preoperative imaging diagnosis of isolated hepatic tuberculoma remains challenging.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due for suspected liver neoplasm during health examination.

DIAGNOSES

The tests for blood, liver function, and tumor markers were within normal range. Preoperative ultrasonography (US) showed a hypoechoic lesion with a longitudinal diameter of 2.5 cm in segment six of liver. It exhibited early arterial phase hyperenhancement and late arterial phase rapid washout in contrast-enhanced US. It demonstrated hyperintensity in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and partly restricted diffusion in diffusion-weighted imaging. For this nodule, the preoperative diagnosis was small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed. Intraoperative extensive adhesion in the abdominal cavity and liver was found. The lesion had undergone expansive growth.

OUTCOMES

Microscopically, a granuloma with some necrosis was detected. With both acid-fast staining and TB fragment polymerase chain reaction showing positive results, TB was the final histology diagnosis. After surgery, the patient declined any anti-TB medication. During the follow-up, he had no symptoms. In the sixth month after surgery, he underwent an upper abdominal US. It showed no lesions in the liver.

LESSONS

Because of non-specific imaging findings and non-specific symptoms, a diagnosis of isolated hepatic TB is difficult to make, especially for small lesions. A diagnosis of HCC should be made cautiously when small isolated lesions in the liver are encountered, especially in patients without a history of hepatitis and with negative tumor markers.

Guidelines and Good Clinical Practice Recommendations for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Liver - Update 2020 - WFUMB in Cooperation with EFSUMB, AFSUMB, AIUM, and FLAUS

The present, updated document describes the fourth iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), first initiated in 2004 by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB). The previous updated editions of the guidelines reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines not only for hepatic but also for non-hepatic applications.The 2012 guideline requires updating as previously the differences of the contrast agents were not precisely described and the differences in contrast phases as well as handling were not clearly indicated. In addition, more evidence has been published for all contrast agents. The update also reflects the most recent developments in contrast agents, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as well as the extensive Asian experience, to produce a truly international perspective.These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) and are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis to improve the management of patients.

Guidelines and Good Clinical Practice Recommendations for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Liver-Update 2020 WFUMB in Cooperation with EFSUMB, AFSUMB, AIUM, and FLAUS

The present, updated document describes the fourth iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, first initiated in 2004 by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. The previous updated editions of the guidelines reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines not only for hepatic but also for non-hepatic applications. The 2012 guideline requires updating as, previously, the differences in the contrast agents were not precisely described and the differences in contrast phases as well as handling were not clearly indicated. In addition, more evidence has been published for all contrast agents. The update also reflects the most recent developments in contrast agents, including U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and the extensive Asian experience, to produce a truly international perspective. These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) and are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCAs in liver applications on an international basis to improve the management of patients.

Effect of contrast-enhanced ultrasound on differential diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and arterial phase enhanced hepatic inflammatory lesions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differential diagnosis between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and arterial phase enhanced hepatic inflammatory lesions in patients without liver cirrhosis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

METHODS

ICC and hepatic inflammatory lesions cases with CEUS and pathological diagnosis between Sep 2013 and Oct 2016 were investigated retrospectively. Imaging features of conventional ultrasound and CEUS were analyzed. The parameters of time intensity curve (TIC), including the arrival time, peak intensity (PI) in the lesions, the starting time for washout, and the intensity difference at 3 min (ΔI3) after contrast agent infection between the lesion and the liver parenchyma, were compared between ICC and hepatic inflammatory lesions.

RESULTS

Twenty-five ICC and fifteen inflammatory patients were included in this study. Seventeen ICC (68.0%) and two inflammatory cases (13.3%) showed bile duct dilatation on conventional ultrasound. Using CEUS, three ICC cases (12.0%) were misdiagnosed as inflammatory lesions and three inflammatory lesions (20.0%) as ICC; two ICC (8.0%) and one inflammatory case (6.7%) could not be made definite diagnosis. Washout started at 34.5±3.5 s and 61.5±12.9 s for ICC and inflammatory lesions respectively (P<0.001). The intensity difference between lesion and liver parenchyma at 3 min after contrast agent injection was 10.8±3.1 dB in ICC and 4.2±2.3 dB in inflammatory group (P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity differentiating ICC and inflammatory lesions were 76% and 87% if the cut-off value of the intensity difference was 7.7 dB.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined with TIC analysis, and particularly with the characteristic of the early-starting and obvious washout in ICC, CEUS can be useful in differential diagnosis between hepatic inflammatory lesions and ICC.

Localized Hepatic Tuberculosis with Imaging Changes Caused by the Progression of Tuberculosis

Localized hepatic tuberculosis (LHTB) is difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and most cases of LHTB are diagnosed based on pathological findings. A relationship between imaging features and the pathological stage of hepatic tuberculosis (TB) has recently been reported, which could aid in the diagnosis of hepatic TB. We herein present a case study of a patient with LHTB diagnosed postoperatively who demonstrated imaging changes due to the progression of TB. An awareness of the presence of LHTB might have permitted a preoperative diagnosis. This is the first report of an LHTB patient who exhibited imaging changes during the course of the disease.

Hepatic tuberculosis: a multimodality imaging review

OBJECTIVES

We aim to illustrate the multimodal imaging spectrum of hepatic involvement in tuberculosis (TB). Whilst disseminated tuberculosis on imaging typically manifests as multiple small nodular lesions scattered in the liver parenchyma, isolated hepatic tuberculosis remains a rare and intriguing entity.

METHODS

Indubitably, imaging is the mainstay for detection of tubercular hepatic lesions which display a broad spectrum of imaging manifestations on different modalities. While sonography and computed tomography (CT) findings have been described in some detail, there is a paucity of literature on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Due to a significant overlap with other commoner and similar appearing hepatic lesions, hepatic tuberculosis is often either misdiagnosed or labelled as indeterminate lesions. This article is a compendium of cases highlighting the spectrum of imaging patterns that can be encountered in patients with isolated primary hepatic tuberculosis as well as disseminated (secondary) disease. Rare patterns of primary disease such as tubercular cholangitis, hypervascular liver masses, and those with vascular complications are also illustrated and discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging plays a valuable role in the detection of tubercular hepatic lesions. Also, imaging can be helpful in their characterisation and for assessing associated complications.

TEACHING POINTS

• Hepatic TB has myriad imaging manifestations and is often confounded with neoplastic lesions. • Imaging patterns include miliary TB, macronodular TB, serohepatic TB and tubercular cholangitis. • Concurrent splenic, nodal or pulmonary involvements are helpful pointers towards the diagnosis. • Miliary calcifications along the bile ducts are characteristic of tubercular cholangitis. • Histological/microbiological confirmation is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Hepatic Tuberculosis Mimicking Biliary Cystadenoma: A Radiological Dilemma

Primary involvement of liver in tuberculosis is a rare entity. It is difficult to diagnose in absence of previous history of tuberculosis or concurrent pulmonary involvement. It is usually misdiagnosed as neoplastic liver lesion, which misdirects the treatment protocol and delays proper treatment. Here we are presenting a case of 36-year-old male patient with vague right upper quadrant abdominal pain. All the laboratory values were within normal limits. Radiological investigations were in favor of biliary cystadenoma but final diagnosis was primary focal involvement of liver in tuberculosis which was histopathologically proven to be tuberculous granulomas on biopsy of the resected mass.

A systematic review of hepatic tuberculosis with considerations in human immunodeficiency virus co-infection

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection of the liver, known as hepatic TB, is an extrapulmonary manifestation of TB. Hepatic TB has become more prevalent, likely as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic. We sought to review case series to characterize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatic TB and to comment on the impact of HIV co-infection on these characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles pertaining to hepatic TB with human subjects from 1960 to July 2013.

Results

We obtained data on 618 hepatic TB patients from 14 case series. The most common reported signs and symptoms were hepatomegaly (median: 80%, range: 10-100%), fever (median: 67%, range: 30–100), respiratory symptoms (median: 66%, range: 32-78%), abdominal pain (median: 59.5%, range: 40-83%), and weight loss (median: 57.5%, range: 20-100%). Common laboratory abnormalities were elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) were sensitive but non-specific. On liver biopsy, smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli had a median sensitivity of 25% (range: 0-59%), histology of caseating granulomas had a median sensitivity of 68% (range: 14-100%), and polymerase chain reaction for TB had a median sensitivity of 86% (range: 30-100%). Standard anti-tuberculous chemotherapy for 6 to 12 months achieved positive outcomes for nearly all patients with drug-susceptible TB.

Conclusions

Clinicians in TB-endemic regions should maintain a high index of suspicion for hepatic TB in patients presenting with hepatomegaly, fever, respiratory symptoms, and elevated liver enzymes. The most sensitive imaging modality is a CT scan, while the most specific diagnostic modality is a liver biopsy with nucleic acid testing of liver tissue samples. Upon diagnosis, 4-drug anti-TB therapy should promptly be initiated. HIV co-infected patients may have more complex cases and should be closely monitored for complications.

Tuberculosis--the great mimicker

Tuberculosis is an immense health problem in the developing world, and it remains a health care challenge in the developed world. It can affect virtually any organ system in the body. Diagnosis of tuberculosis is often difficult. Many patients with tuberculosis present with nonspecific symptoms, negative purified protein derivative skin test result, and negative findings on culture specimens. Cross-sectional imaging with ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis demonstrates a variety of radiologic features depending on the organ involved and can mimic a number of other disease entities. Cross-sectional imaging alone is insufficient in reaching a conclusive diagnosis. Tuberculosis is a great mimicker as its radiologic manifestations can simulate numerous other diseases across the body systems. However, recognition and understanding of the common and uncommon radiologic manifestations of tuberculosis should alert considering tuberculosis in the high-risk population and correct clinical setting to enable appropriate treatment.

Imaging of tuberculosis of the abdominal viscera: beyond the intestines

There is an increasing incidence of both intra- and extra-thoracic manifestations of tuberculosis, in part due to the AIDS epidemic. Isolated tubercular involvement of the solid abdominal viscera is relatively unusual. Cross-sectional imaging with ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis and post treatment follow-up of tuberculosis. Specific imaging features of tuberculosis are frequently related to caseous necrosis, which is the hallmark of this disease. However, depending on the type of solid organ involvement, tubercular lesions can mimic a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic conditions. Often, cross-sectional imaging alone is insufficient in reaching a conclusive diagnosis, and image-guided tissue sampling is needed. In this article, we review the pathology and cross-sectional imaging features of tubercular involvement of solid abdominopelvic organs with a special emphasis on appropriate differential diagnoses.

Guidelines and good clinical practice recommendations for Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the liver - update 2012: A WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative in cooperation with representatives of AFSUMB, AIUM, ASUM, FLAUS and ICUS

Initially, a set of guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004 dealing only with liver applications. A second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some non-liver applications. Time has moved on, and the need for international guidelines on the use of CEUS in the liver has become apparent. The present document describes the third iteration of recommendations for the hepatic use of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using contrast specific imaging techniques. This joint WFUMB-EFSUMB initiative has implicated experts from major leading ultrasound societies worldwide. These liver CEUS guidelines are simultaneously published in the official journals of both organizing federations (i.e., Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology for WFUMB and Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for EFSUMB). These guidelines and recommendations provide general advice on the use of all currently clinically available ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). They are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of UCA in liver applications on an international basis and improve the management of patients worldwide.

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.