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Complications and Yield of Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Core Needle Biopsy of Lung Nodules at a High-Volume Academic Center in an Endemic Coccidioidomycosis Area

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies with small sample sizes have shown a wide range of complication rates and no study has investigated the yield of computed tomography-guided transthoracic core needle biopsies (CTTCB) for coccidioidomycosis. To better assess the safety, accuracy, and risk factors for complications of CTTCB of pulmonary nodules, we conducted a retrospective study at a high-volume academic center in an endemic coccidioidomycosis area.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 203 patients who underwent CTTCB of pulmonary nodules between December 2010 and May 2013. We collected demographics, clinical, and radiographic data. Each case was reviewed for complications. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by comparing CTTCB with final diagnoses.

Results

The overall complication rate was 25 %. Pneumothorax accounted for 24 % of complications with 7 % of pneumothoraces requiring chest tube. 1.5 % were complicated by hemoptysis but none required blood transfusions. There was an association between complications and age, presence of emphysema on CT, traversed lung length, and lesion depth. The overall sensitivity of the CTTCB for all types of lung cancer was 93 %, and specificity of 100 %. The positive predictive value of CTTCB for lung cancer was 100 %. The sensitivity and specificity of CTTCB for a coccidiomycosis lung nodule was 83 % with a specificity of 100 % with a PPV of 100 %.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that CTTCB is a relatively safe method for evaluating lung nodules and highly accurate in evaluating lung nodules due to coccidioidomycosis in an endemic area. The primary risk factors for complications from CTTCB are the presence of emphysema on CT scan, lesion depth, and traversed lung length.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco – Fresno Educational Program, 155N Fresno St., Fresno, CA, 93701, USA

    Mickey Sachdeva, Reza Ronaghi, Paul K. Mills & Michael W. Peterson

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  1. Mickey Sachdeva
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  2. Reza Ronaghi
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  3. Paul K. Mills
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  4. Michael W. Peterson
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Correspondence to Mickey Sachdeva.

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The authors wish to declare that there is no conflict of financial or personal interest related to this manuscript.

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Sachdeva, M., Ronaghi, R., Mills, P.K. et al. Complications and Yield of Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Core Needle Biopsy of Lung Nodules at a High-Volume Academic Center in an Endemic Coccidioidomycosis Area. Lung 194, 379–385 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-016-9866-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-016-9866-3

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