Comparison of Computed Tomography and Ultrasonography as A Guide Method in 20-Gauge Transthoracic Fine Needle Biopsies

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study is to compare computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (USG) in transthoracic biopsies as a guide method.
METHODS: A total of 152 patients, consisting of 121 men and 31 women, underwent a 20-Gauge (20-G) fine needle aspiration biopsy. CT in 83 patients and USG in 69 patients were chosen as the guide method. The mean age of the patients was 66±10 (CT guidance group was 67±9, USG guidance group was 64±11), and the median lesion size was 65 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 45-80 mm). All lesions were chosen pleural-based and larger than 2 cm. Thus, the risks of major complications, especially pneumothorax and hemorrhage, and the difficulties in reaching the lesion were minimized, and it was aimed to investigate the contribution of the chosen guide method to the diagnosis. The advantages and disadvantages of both techniques were investigated.
RESULTS: While CT-guided biopsies had a diagnostic accuracy rate of 87.9%, a sensitivity of 87.3%, and a specificity of 100%, USG-guided biopsies had a diagnostic accuracy rate of 82.6%, a sensitivity of 82.1%, and a specificity of 100%.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The necrosis content of the lesion is the primary factor reducing the success rate of both techniques. It causes more failures under ultrasonography guidance.