Risk assessment of pneumothorax and pulmonary haemorrhage complicating percutaneous co-axial cutting needle lung biopsy

SummaryIntroductionThe primary aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of radiologists to accurately estimate pneumothorax and pulmonary haemorrhage during percutaneous co-axial cutting needle CT-guided lung biopsy.MethodologyPatients undergoing cutting needle lung biopsy during the study period were identified; the path taken by the cutting needle marked on each pre-biopsy staging CT scan. Each scan was then reviewed independently by two thoracic radiologists blinded to clinical details and complications; pneumothorax and pulmonary haemorrhage risk estimated with a percentage Visual Analogue Scale.ResultsIn 134 patients, pneumothorax occurred in 24%. The radiologists differed in the estimation of pneumothorax risk in 55% (74 episodes). When pneumothorax risk was estimated