Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of the Lung in Diffuse Pulmonary Diseases

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Abstract
In a group of 16 patients with a variety of diffuse pulmonary disorders, 18 percutaneous needle lung biopsies were performed for diagnostic purposes. Lung specimens adequate for histologic and bacteriologic studies were obtained in 13 instances. Among the various needles used, the Franklin-Silverman needle was found to be the most suitable for this procedure. In 8 patients the needle lung biopsy was of significant clinical assistance, since diagnoses such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary involvement from lymphocytic leukemia, silico-anthracosis, and carcinoma of the lung were established by this method. In one patient the presence of two diseases, i.e., diffuse pulmonary fibrosis and carcinoma of the lung, could be ascertained. Only in one instance was a serious complication from this procedure observed, namely the development of pneumothorax which required chest intubation. In another patient the biopsy was followed by the development of a small pneumothorax which produced no symptoms and required no therapy. The biopsy procedure is described in detail in the paper, and illustrative cases are reported. It is suggested that in selected patients with diffuse pulmonary disorders percutaneous needle lung biopsy should be regarded as a resonably safe and informative procedure and may be attempted before considering surgical diagnostic methods.

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