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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 29(4): 350-360
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1081279
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Mediastinal, Hilar, and Pleural Image-Guided Biopsy: Current Practice and Techniques

Kamran Ahrar1 , Michael Wallace1 , Sanaz Javadi1 , Sanjay Gupta1
  • 1Section of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 July 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Cross-sectional imaging of the chest with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and at times, ultrasonography exquisitely delineates mediastinal, hilar, and pleural pathologies. The treatment of patients with these pathologies is often based on the results of image-guided biopsies. CT and ultrasonography have been used successfully for targeting and sampling mediastinal, hilar, and pleural masses, with high sensitivity and near-perfect specificity. These procedures are performed by interventional radiologists in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and conscious sedation. Major complications are rare, and the minor complications seen are easily managed. Minimally invasive, image-guided biopsy often obviates the need for more invasive procedures such as thoracoscopy or mediastinoscopy.

KEYWORDS

Image-guidance - biopsy - mediastinal - hilar - pleural

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Kamran AhrarM.D. 

Section of Interventional Radiology, Unit 325, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030

Email: kahrar@mdanderson.org