Diagnostic value and complication rate of ultrasound-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy in mediastinal lesions.

Background: Ultrasound-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (US-TCNB) is a promising method for establishing the correct diagnosis of mediastinal masses. However, the existing studies in this area are scant and with small samples.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value and the complication rate of US-TCNB, particularly large bore cutting biopsy in patients with mediastinal lesions.