COAXIAL TRANSTHORACIC FINE-NEEDLE BIOPSY IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF MALIGNANT-LYMPHOMA RADIOLOGY Wittich, G. R., Nowels, K. W., Korn, R. L., Walter, R. M., Lucas, D. E., Dake, M. D., Jeffrey, R. B. 1992; 183 (1): 175-178

Abstract

Efficacy and safety of coaxial transthoracic fine-needle biopsy were evaluated in 54 patients with a history of malignant lymphoma and new chest lesions. Twenty-one patients had recurrent lymphoma. Correct diagnosis was made in 17 of the 21 patients (81%) after one biopsy. The sensitivity increased to 95% with repeat needle biopsy in three patients. Immunophenotyping (determining phenotype by means of immunologic examination) was essential for a definitive diagnosis of lymphoma in three patients. Non-lymphomatous malignancies were correctly diagnosed in 14 patients. An infectious organism was identified in 11 of 19 patients (58%) with benign lesions. Pneumothorax occurred in eight patients (15%), necessitating placement of a chest tube in two (4%). Mild hemoptysis was observed in four patients (7%). The authors conclude that coaxial transthoracic fine-needle biopsy in patients with a history of lymphoma is safe and accurate. The use of large cutting needles or surgical biopsy can be restricted to patients with false-negative findings at percutaneous biopsy and to patients in whom histologic transformation of lymphoma is suspected.

View details for Web of Science ID A1992HJ87400033

View details for PubMedID 1549668