The clinical value of CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in the diagnosis of pulmonary hilar masses

Objective: To evaluate CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in diagnosing pulmonary hilar masses. Methods: CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy was performed in 76 patients with pulmonary hilar mass, in whom fiber bronchoscopy examination failed or no definite pathological result was obtained. Results: The positive rate of biopsy in 76 patients was 100%. The pathological diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma (n = 32), small cell lung cancer (n = 13), adenocarcinoma (n = 27), large cell carcinoma (n = 3) and lymphoma (n = 1). Of the 76 patients, EGFR examination was carried out in 58 and the mutation rate was 46.6% (27/58). Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy carries higher diagnostic positive rate for pulmonary hilar masses. This technique can provide reliable pathological diagnosis, which is very helpful in guiding clinical treatment. (authors)