Imaging-guided chest biopsies: techniques and clinical results

Background This article aims to comprehensively describe indications, contraindications, technical aspects, diagnostic accuracy and complications of percutaneous lung biopsy. Methods Imaging-guided biopsy currently represents one of the predominant methods for obtaining tissue specimens in patients with lung nodules; in many cases treatment protocols are based on histological information; thus, biopsy is frequently performed, when technically feasible, or in case other techniques (such as bronchoscopy with lavage) are inconclusive. Results Although a coaxial system is suitable in any case, two categories of needles can be used: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB), with the latter demonstrated to have a slightly higher overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Conclusion Percutaneous lung biopsy is a safe procedure even though a few complications are possible: pneumothorax, pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis are common complications, while air embolism and seeding are rare, but potentially fatal complications

Internal thoracic vein draining into the extrapericardial part of the superior vena cava: a case report

The internal thoracic veins are venae comitantes of each internal thoracic artery draining the territory supplied by it and usually unite opposite the third costal cartilage. This single vein enters the corresponding brachiocephalic vein. We present a variation of right internal mammary vein draining into superior vena cava in a 45-year-old male cadaver. Likely development and clinical significance of the vein are discussed.<br>As veias torácicas internas são veias comitantes de cada artéria torácica interna drenando o território suprido por ela e geralmente se unem em frente à terceira cartilagem costal. Esta única veia entra na veia braquicefálica correspondente. Apresentamos uma variação da veia mamária interna direita drenando para a veia cava superior em um cadáver masculino de 45 anos. O provável desenvolvimento e a significância clínica da veia são discutidos