Needle Biopsy of the Lung

Abstract

The results of 126 percutaneous needle biopsies of the lung in 112 patients with diffuse pulmonary disease are discussed. Indications, contra-indications and the biopsy procedure itself are outlined. In addition, the results of 6 patients who underwent both open surgical biopsy and percutaneous needle biopsy are compared. In the group as a whole, tissue adequate for histologic study was returned in 108 instances (86%), and the histologic findings were diagnostically useful in 66% of the patients. Complications occurred in 24 patients. Three experienced gross hemoptysis, self limited in each instance, and 21 patients developed pneumothorax. Of these 21 patients only 7, or 6% of the total, needed surgical chest wall intubation for control of the air leak. It is concluded from this study and a review of the literature that percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung in diffuse pulmonary disorders is a preferred diagnostic procedure if no contraindication to biopsy are present. In addition, the results obtained in this study appear comparable with those obtained by open surgical biopsy.