Negative Predictive Value of Transthoracic Core-Needle Biopsy: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Specimens collected by CT scan-guided transthoracic core-needle biopsy (TTNB) are frequently used for the diagnosis of lung nodules, but the clinical value of negative results has not been sufficiently investigated. We sought to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of TTNB specimens and investigate predictive factors of negative results.

Methods: All consecutive TTNBs performed in three centers between 2006 and 2012 were included.