Ultrasonically guided percutaneous mediastinal cytology and biopsy
Chen, C.R.; Lee, L.N.; Kuo, S.H.; Luh, K.T.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 85(6): 561-566
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0371-7682 PMID: 3531391 Document Number: 272632
Thirteen patients with mediastinal tumors, which included 9 malignant and 4 benign tumors, underwent ultrasonically guided percutaneous aspiration and cutting biopsy. Adequate cytological specimens were obtained in 12 cases. Histological specimens were taken successfully in all of the 13 cases. Twelve patients yielded the specific diagnosis. The histological examination of cutting biopsy was superior to cytological examination by fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of benign lesions . Only 2 patients experienced minimal hemoptysis. We used ultrasonical guidance to ensure proper placement of the biopsy needle within the tumor and simplify the biopsy procedure. Furthermore, we could obtain adequate histological specimens without the risk of injuring the adjoining cardiovascular organ. This new technique appeared to be valuable for tissue diagnosis of mediastinal tumors which were close to the chest wall.