Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous image-guided cutting-needle biopsy of pleural thickening in the presence of a suspected malignant pleural effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three adult patients with diffuse or focal pleural thickening (median, 1.0 cm; range, 0.2-6.0 cm), pleural effusion, and suspected pleural malignancy underwent percutaneous image-guided cutting-needle biopsy. Biopsy guidance was performed with computed tomography in 24 patients and ultrasonography in nine patients. A final diagnosis of benign or malignant disease was established with radiologic and clinical follow-up findings and with other histologic or cytologic findings, when available. RESULTS: A correct histologic diagnosis of malignant disease was made in 21 of 24 patients (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 100%), including 13 of 14 patients with mesothelioma (sensitivity, 93%). A correct histologic diagnosis of benign pleural disease was made in nine patients. Positive and negative predictive values for malignant disease were 100% and 75%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 91%. Complications comprised a chest wall hematoma in one patient. CONCLUSION: Image-guided percutaneous cutting-needle biopsy of pleural thickening in the presence of a pleural effusion is a safe procedure, with an overall accuracy of 91% in the diagnosis of malignancy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1148/radiology.219.2.r01ma07510

Type

Journal article

Journal

Radiology

Publication Date

05/2001

Volume

219

Pages

510 - 514

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Biopsy, Needle, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pleura, Pleural Effusion, Malignant, Predictive Value of Tests, Radiography, Interventional, Sensitivity and Specificity, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Ultrasonography, Interventional