Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Scientific e-PosterAbstract No. 523 Biopsy-gauge size, patient, and lesional factors affecting iatrogenic pneumothorax rates for lung biopsies
Section snippets
Purpose
To determine iatrogenic pneumothorax rates affected by biopsy gauge size, patient and lesional factors for lung biopsies performed at a small university hospital.
Materials
An analytical search for all lung biopsies performed between 2009-2019 was obtained from a searchable database. Overall, 227 patients were selected. The patient population was composed of 108 males with an average age of 61.8 years. The patients were subdivided into either 18-gauge (with 17-gauge coaxial needle) or 20-gauge (with 19-gauge coaxial needle) biopsies. Then, medical records, imaging, and procedural reports were reviewed to determine outcomes.
Results
Of the patient population, 180 subjects underwent 18-gauge biopsies and 47 subjects underwent 20-gauge biopsies. The average number of biopsies obtained for each procedure was 4.0. Overall, 51 patients (22%) had iatrogenic pneumothorax, of which 13 patients (5.7%) underwent chest tube placement. Pneumothoraces were observed in 43 patients (24%) for 18-gauge biopsies and 8 patients (17%) for 20-gauge biopsies (P = 0.315). Intervention was required in 12/43 (28%) patients in the 18-gauge group
Conclusions
The rate of lung biopsy induced pneumothorax is not significantly different between 18-gauge and 20-gauge biopsies. Smaller lesions and those requiring a longer needle trajectory increased pneumothorax rates.