PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic biopsy of small lung nodules (≤20 mm) adjacent to the pericardium or great vessels.

METHODS

This retrospective study examined the safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous CT-guided biopsy for small lung nodules (≤20 mm) located within 10 mm of the pericardium or great vessels. Technical aspects and factors influencing complications were assessed, and diagnostic accuracy was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 168 biopsies were performed in 168 patients. The complications were mainly pneumothorax (34.5%; 58 of 168 patients), chest tube insertion (5.3%; 9 of 168 patients), and pulmonary hemorrhage (61.3%; 103 of 168 procedures), with no patient mortality. One patient (0.6%) was admitted because of hemorrhage complications. Significant independent risk factors for pneumothorax were nodules resided in upper or middle lobes and lateral patient position, and for hemorrhage, longer distance from structures and longer needle trajectory through the lung parenchyma. Overall, the sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity were 91.0%, 92.2%, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic biopsy was highly accurate in small lung nodules (≤20 mm) adjacent to the pericardium or great vessels. Complications are common, but most were minor and self-limited.