Diagnostic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinum.

Interpreting a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) from the mediastinum is challenging as this location may harbor many lesions, including primary and metastatic tumors. Image-guided transthoracic (percutaneous) FNAB is less invasive than mediastinoscopy or endoscopic-guided FNAB. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB performed percutaneously for evaluating mediastinal lesions.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the central nervous system performed freehand under computed tomography guidance without stereotactic instrumentation.

Background: Biopsy of the central nervous system (CNS) has been reported previously using relatively large-caliber (12-17-gauge) biopsy instruments with or without stereotactic guidance. In this series, fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) were performed using a smaller diameter needle to evaluate mass lesions of the CNS.

Methods: One hundred thirty FNABs were performed freehand under computed tomography (CT) guidance without stereotactic instrumentation guidance using a 22-gauge needle.