CT-guided biopsy of lung lesions: defining the best needle option for a specific diagnosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of fine and cutting needles in computed tomography guided-biopsy of lung lesions suspicious for malignancy and to determine which technique is the best option for a specific diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the data from 362 (71.6%) patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy and from 97 (19.7%) patients who underwent cutting-needle biopsy between January 2006 and December 2011. The data concerning demographic and lesion characteristics, procedures, biopsy sample adequacy, specific diagnoses, and complications were collected. The success and complication rates of both biopsy techniques were calculated. RESULTS: Cutting-needle biopsy yielded significantly higher percentages of adequate biopsy samples and specific diagnoses than did fine-needle aspiration biopsy (

Pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas occur in 20-50% of these(the issue is about metastases, not lung cancer )patients, and 70% of these patients will present disease limited only to the lungs. Surgical resection is well accepted as a standard approach to treat metastases from soft tissue sarcomas isolated in the lungs, and many studies investigating this technique have reported an overall 5-year survival ranging from 30-40%. The most consistent predictor of survival in these patients is complete resection. The aim of the present study was to determine the demographics and clinical treatment-related variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted in the Thoracic Surgery Department with lung metastases who underwent thoracotomy for resection following treatment of the primary tumor. Data regarding primary tumor features, demographics, treatment, and outcome were collected. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two thoracotomies and 273 nodules were resected from 77 patients with previously treated soft tissue sarcomas. The median follow-up time of all patients was 36.7 months (range: 10-138 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.1%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The 90-month overall survival rate for all patients was 34.7%. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors for overall survival: the number of metastases resected, the disease-free interval, and the number of complete resections. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after lung resection

Diffuse bronchiolitis pattern on a computed tomography scan as a presentation of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy is a rare complication of malignant diseases. The diagnosis is extremely difficult and is most often performed after death. Invariably, patients develop acute pulmonary hypertension causing right heart failure, shortness of breath and death in a few days. We describe the clinical and radiological findings of a patient who presented with this complication.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 28-year-old Caucasian woman with a previous history of pelvic tumor resection two months previously, suggestive of metastatic adenocarcinoma, presented with intense shortness of breath. A computed tomography scan showed signs of acute cor pulmonale and diffuse nodular opacities associated with a tree-in-bud pattern disseminated through her lungs, suggestive of bronchiolitis. Our patient's condition worsened and she underwent a surgical biopsy. Pathologic analysis of the biopsied specimens revealed pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy. Our patient's tumor evolved from a gastric origin (Krukenberg tumor). She underwent progressive clinical deterioration and died less than 24 hours after the biopsy. None of the cases described previously in the literature had diffuse centrilobular nodular opacities associated with a tree-in-bud pattern disseminated through the lungs, as in our case.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy should be considered in cancer patients with rapidly progressing dyspnea, chest computed tomography findings compatible with pulmonary hypertension and typical findings of inflammatory bronchiolitis.</p

Predictive complication factors for ct‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVE: Distinct aspects can influence the complication rates of computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions. The purpose of the current study is to determine the influence of radiological techniques and clinical characteristics in predicting complications from this procedure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was developed involving 340 patients who were submitted to a consecutive series of 362 computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions between July 1996 and June 2004, using 22-gauge needles (CHIBA). Variables such as the radiological characteristics of the lesions, secondary pulmonary radiological findings, co-morbidities, and aspects concerning the procedure were studied. RESULTS: The diameters of the lung lesions varied from 9 to 140 mm, with a mean of 51.5 ± 24.3 mm and median of 40mm. The depth of the lesions varied from 10 mm to 130 mm, with a mean of 44 ± 20.9mm, and median median of 52 mm. Complications occurred in 52 (14.4%) cases, pneumothorax being the most frequent, with 40 (11.1%) cases, followed by hemoptisis with 7 (1.9%) cases, and hematoma with 4 (1.1%) cases. Lesions that did not contact the pleura, with normal pulmonary tissue interposition between lesion and pleura, had higher complication rates, with 22 (22%) cases, than lesions that contact the pleura, with 6 (9%) cases, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions had a lower rate of complications in our study and presented more rates of complications on lesions that lack pleural contact

Predictive complication factors for ct-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVE: Distinct aspects can influence the complication rates of computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions. The purpose of the current study is to determine the influence of radiological techniques and clinical characteristics in predicting complications from this procedure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was developed involving 340 patients who were submitted to a consecutive series of 362 computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions between July 1996 and June 2004, using 22-gauge needles (CHIBA). Variables such as the radiological characteristics of the lesions, secondary pulmonary radiological findings, co-morbidities, and aspects concerning the procedure were studied. RESULTS: The diameters of the lung lesions varied from 9 to 140 mm, with a mean of 51.5 ± 24.3 mm and median of 40mm. The depth of the lesions varied from 10 mm to 130 mm, with a mean of 44 ± 20.9mm, and median median of 52 mm. Complications occurred in 52 (14.4%) cases, pneumothorax being the most frequent, with 40 (11.1%) cases, followed by hemoptisis with 7 (1.9%) cases, and hematoma with 4 (1.1%) cases. Lesions that did not contact the pleura, with normal pulmonary tissue interposition between lesion and pleura, had higher complication rates, with 22 (22%) cases, than lesions that contact the pleura, with 6 (9%) cases, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions had a lower rate of complications in our study and presented more rates of complications on lesions that lack pleural contact

Câncer de pulmão não pequenas células metastático: heterogeneidade do tratamento na prática clínica de rotina no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer related deaths. Approximately three quarters of these tumors are non-small cell carcinomas. When diagnosed the majority of patients show the disease locally advanced or metastatic. The chemotherapy is the chosen therapy for patients with advanced lung cancer. The majority of published studies with chemotherapy are performed in academic centers under a strict control of research protocols. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the usual management of metastatic NSCLC patients outside of a clinical trial setting in three different oncologic centers in Brazil. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer admitted for treatment in three different Cancer Centers in Brazil. 564 patients from Brazilian public heath system and private/health insurance system were considered for the present study. RESULTS: Among 564 patients in this study, 335 (59.4%) received chemotherapy. For all patients, 47 different regimens of chemotherapy were identified. The median follow-up time was eight months and the overall median survival of all patient population submitted to chemotherapy was 9.7 months. DISCUSSION: There was a great heterogeneity in the regimens of drugs to treat metastatic NSCLC patients. The overall survival was significantly better for patients treated with first line chemotherapy compared to patients that only received best supportive care. Results of prospective randomized clinical trials should be carefully analyzed before transferred to the daily clinical practice.INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de pulmão é uma das principais causas de morte relacionadas ao câncer. Aproximadamente três quartos destes tumores são carcinoma não pequenas células. Ao diagnóstico, a maioria dos pacientes se apresenta com doença avançada localmente ou metastática. A quimioterapia é o tratamento de escolha para pacientes com câncer de pulmão em estadiamento avançado. A maioria dos estudos publicados com quimioterapia é realizada em centros acadêmicos sob controle rígido de protocolos de pesquisa. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os resultados do tratamento rotineiro de pacientes com carcinoma de pulmão não pequenas células metastático, fora de protocolos de pesquisa clínica em três centros oncológicos brasileiros. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com câncer de pulmão não pequenas células metastático, admitidos para tratamento em três diferentes centros oncológicos no Brasil. Foram avaliados 564 pacientes neste estudo provenientes do sistema de saúde público e privado. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 564 pacientes deste estudo, 335 (59,4%) receberam quimioterapia. Considerando todos os pacientes, foram identificados 47 esquemas diferentes de quimioterapia. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de oito meses e a sobrevida global mediana de todos os pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia foi de 9,7 meses. DISCUSSÃO: Havia uma grande heterogeneidade de esquemas de drogas para o tratamento de pacientes com câncer de pulmão não pequenas células metastático. A sobrevida global foi significativamente melhor para pacientes tratados com quimioterapia de primeira linha comparado com pacientes que receberam somente tratamento de suporte clínico. Resultados de estudos clínicos prospectivos randomizados deverão ser cuidadosamente analisados antes de serem transferidos para a prática clínica diária

Improving CT-guided transthoracic biopsy of mediastinal lesions by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the preliminary results obtained using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and the apparent diffusion coefficient for planning computed tomography-guided biopsies of selected mediastinal lesions. METHODS: Eight patients with mediastinal lesions suspicious for malignancy were referred for computed tomography-guided biopsy. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient measurement were performed to assist in biopsy planning with diffusion/computed tomography fused images. We selected mediastinal lesions that could provide discordant diagnoses depending on the biopsy site, including large heterogeneous masses, lesions associated with lung atelectasis or consolidation, lesions involving large mediastinal vessels and lesions for which the results of biopsy using other methods and histopathological examination were divergent from the clinical and radiological suspicion. RESULTS: In all cases, the biopsy needle was successfully directed to areas of higher signal intensity on diffusion-weighted sequences and the lowest apparent diffusion coefficient within the lesion (mean, 0.8 [range, 0.6-1.1]×10-3 mm2/s), suggesting high cellularity. All biopsies provided adequate material for specific histopathological diagnoses of four lymphomas, two sarcomas and two thymomas. CONCLUSION: Functional imaging tools, such as diffusion-weighted imaging and the apparent diffusion coefficient, are promising for implementation in noninvasive and imaging-guided procedures. However, additional studies are needed to confirm that mediastinal biopsy can be improved with these techniques

Estadiamentos pré-operatório e patológico do CPNPC: análise retrospectiva de 291 casos Preoperative and pathological staging of NSCLC: retrospective analysis of 291 cases

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do estadiamento clínico pré-operatório com tomografia computadorizada com o estadiamento patológico. MÉTODOS: Entre 1990 e 2005, foram revisados retrospectivamente os prontuários dos pacientes com câncer de pulmão não-pequenas células (CPNPC). O estágio clínico foi baseado em exames pré-operatórios de imagem. Tomografia por emissão de pósitrons não foi incluída na rotina de exames pré-operatórios. Lesões suspeitas, que contra-indicassem a ressecção cirúrgica curativa, foram confirmadas patologicamente. O estágio patológico foi considerado aquele baseado na análise patológica pós-operatória ou em biópsia de lesão suspeita. Foi gerada uma tabela de correlação entre estágio clínico e patológico. Foram calculados o índice kappa de Cohen, a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e negativo, e a acurácia. RESULTADOS: 291 prontuários de pacientes foram revisados. Os estágios Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb e IV foram encontrados em 8,9%, 31,9%, 0,3%, 18,6%, 25,4%, 11% e 3,8%, respectivamente. Estágio patológico foi diferente do estágio clínico em 33% dos pacientes (15% foram sobre-estadiados e 18% sub-estadiados). Sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo, e acurácia foram 78%, 69%, 82%, 64% e 67%, respectivamente. O índice kappa de Cohen foi de 0,574 (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O estadiamento clínico pré-operatório apresenta eficácia limitada no estadiamento dos pacientes com CPNPC.<br>OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative clinical staging with computed tomography in predicting the correct pathological stage. METHODS: Medical records of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated, from 1990 to 2005 were reviewed. Clinical stage was based on routine preoperative clinical and imaging evaluation. Positron emission tomography was not routinely performed. Suspected lesions, that would preclude a surgical resection, were pathologically confirmed. The pathological stage was based on final postoperative or biopsy pathological assessment. A correlation table between clinical and pathological stages was generated. Cohen's kappa index, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: Records of 291 patients were reviewed. Clinical stages Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb and IV were found respectively in 8.9%, 31.9%, 0.3%, 18.6%, 25.4%, 11% and 3.8%. Pathological staging was different from clinical staging in 33% (15% were upstaged and 18% downstaged). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy for clinical staging were 78%, 69%, 82%, 64% and 67%, respectively. Cohen's kappa index was 0.574 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative clinical staging presents limited efficacy for the correct staging of NSCLC patients from this sample of Brazilian population