[CT-guided cutting needle biopsies of thoracic lesions in patients with negative bronchoscopic findings].

Purpose: The usefulness and the complication rate of CT-guided core biopsies for obtaining specimens for histopathological examinations in patients with uncertain thoracic lesions were evaluated.

Materials And Methods: Under local anesthesia CT-guided core biopsies were performed in 121 patients using tru-cut systems (14-18 gauge). Prior to CT all patients underwent bronchoscopy without obtaining sufficient material for a definite histopathological diagnosis.