J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jan;32(1):99-102.

Percutaneous Fine-Needle Aspiration of Mediastinal Masses Evaluation of 46 Experiences

• Do YS
• Lee BH
• Kim KH
• Chin SY
• Kim SA
• Cho KJ
• Lee JH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (PCNA) in malignant and benign mediastinal lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PCNA of mediastinal lesions were performed in 46 patients using 22 Guage thin-walled Westcott type needle under fluoroscopy guidance. There were 24 malignant mediastinal masses, 18 of which were diagnosed only by PCNA and six of which were proven surgically. Of 22 benign mediastinal masses, 19 cases were proven surgically.
RESULTS
In 24 patients with malignant neoplasms, a positive diagnosis of malignancy was established in 18 (75%). One suspicious malignancy and five false negative results occurred. In 22 patients with benign masses, a specific diagnosis was established in six (27.3%), and 13 patients revealed nonspecific benignanay (59.1%). Three benign masses were reported as unsatisfactory. Five patients developed pneumothorax as a complication, and one of these needed a chest tube.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration in mediastinal masses can differentiate benign mass from malignancy and can make a pathologic diagnosis.

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
Chest Tubes
Diagnosis
Fluoroscopy
Humans
Needles
Pneumothorax
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen