Efficacy of Computed Tomography-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Diagnosis of Lung Mass by Trained Internists
Chomphunut Vijitsanguan MD*, Ponglada Subhunnachart MD*, Somboon Nikomprasart RN*
Affiliation : * Department of Radiology, Central Chest Institute of Thailand, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Objective : To determine the efficacy of Computed Tomography (CT)-guided fine needle Aspiration (FNA) in diagnosis of lung
masses by trained internists including factors affecting the adequacy of specimens and occurrence rate of complications.
Material and Method: 96 patients, aged 25-86 years old underwent CT-guided FNA of thoracic lesions by internists who had
been trained for this procedure at the Central Chest Institute of Thailand during March 2007-2008. Demographic data,
procedure success and adequacy of specimens for cytological evaluation were summarized including other factors-size and
depth of lesion, condition of emphysema and complications of procedure.
Results : Success of procedure was 97.9%. Adequacy of specimen was 94.7%. Occurrence of pneumothorax was 19 out of 96
cases (19.8%). And 1 case needed to insert inter costal drainage (1.1%). Hemoptysis after procedure was 1.06%. Besides,
larger than 3 cm in diameter of lesion presented satisfied specimens more than that of the smaller one. Pneumothorax is the
most common complication, which revealed a statistically significant with emphysema around mass.
Conclusion : FNA is an effective and useful tool in diagnosis of pulmonary lesions for trained internists. Success of procedure
and adequacy of specimen for cytological evaluation are considerably high and low complications occurred.
Keywords : Lung mass, CT guided FNA
