Our Summary

This research paper explores the risk of internal bleeding (hemorrhage) during a specific procedure, a CT-guided lung biopsy. A biopsy is a medical procedure where doctors remove a small amount of tissue for testing. In a CT-guided lung biopsy, doctors use CT scans to help them find the exact location in the lung from where to take the sample.

The researchers were particularly interested in two factors that might increase the risk of bleeding during this procedure. First, whether there were certain types of lung abnormalities, called ground-glass opacities (GGOs), in the path the needle would take to the biopsy site. Second, whether the biopsy was being taken from a part of the lung that is more heavily supplied with blood and is in a dependant position when the patient is lying down (referred to as a “dependent lung area”).

To study this, they looked at the records of 115 patients who had undergone this procedure at their medical center between 2020 and 2023. They found that 30 of those patients (26%) experienced significant bleeding. Of these, most (67%) had GGOs in the needle’s path, and the biopsy had been taken from a dependent lung area in 63% of cases.

After analyzing the data further, the researchers concluded that both GGOs in the needle’s path and taking a biopsy from a dependent lung area independently increase the risk of significant bleeding during a CT-guided lung biopsy.

FAQs

  1. What is a CT-guided lung biopsy and why is it performed?
  2. What factors were identified by the researchers that might increase the risk of internal bleeding during a CT-guided lung biopsy?
  3. What conclusions did the researchers draw from the study regarding the risk of internal bleeding during a CT-guided lung biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

Based on this research, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to avoid undergoing the procedure if possible if there are ground-glass opacities in the path of the biopsy needle, or if the biopsy needs to be taken from a dependent lung area. If the biopsy is necessary, the doctor may take extra precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding during the procedure. It is important for patients to discuss any concerns or questions they have with their healthcare provider before undergoing a lung biopsy.

Suitable For

Based on the findings of this research paper, patients who have ground-glass opacities in the path of the needle or who require a biopsy from a dependent lung area are at a higher risk of experiencing significant bleeding during a CT-guided lung biopsy. Therefore, patients with these characteristics may be recommended to undergo alternative diagnostic procedures or may require additional monitoring and precautions during the biopsy procedure to minimize the risk of complications. Ultimately, the decision to recommend a lung biopsy for a patient will depend on their individual medical history, symptoms, and the specific goals of the procedure.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • The patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review by their healthcare provider.
  • The healthcare provider orders imaging tests, such as a CT scan, to identify the location of the abnormality in the lung.
  • The patient may need to fast before the procedure, depending on the type of biopsy being performed.
  • The patient may receive sedation or anesthesia to help them relax or numb the area where the biopsy will be taken.

During and after the lung biopsy:

  • The patient is positioned on a table and the CT scan is used to guide the needle to the precise location for the biopsy.
  • The healthcare provider inserts a needle through the skin and into the lung to remove a small tissue sample.
  • After the biopsy, the patient is monitored for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection.
  • The patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which can be managed with medication.
  • The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are communicated to the patient by their healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy, specifically a CT-guided lung biopsy?

  2. How likely am I to experience bleeding during or after the procedure, based on my individual circumstances?

  3. Are there any specific factors in my case, such as the presence of ground-glass opacities or the location of the biopsy, that could increase the risk of bleeding?

  4. What steps will be taken to minimize the risk of bleeding during the procedure?

  5. What symptoms should I watch for after the biopsy that may indicate internal bleeding, and when should I seek medical attention?

  6. How will the biopsy results be used to guide my treatment plan?

  7. Are there alternative diagnostic procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy, if I am concerned about the risk of bleeding?

  8. What is the recovery process like after a lung biopsy, and how long can I expect to experience any potential side effects, such as bleeding or pain?

  9. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments or monitoring after the biopsy, to ensure that any bleeding or other complications are promptly addressed?

  10. Are there any lifestyle modifications or precautions I should take after the biopsy, to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications?

Reference

Authors: Brönnimann MP, Manser L, Christe A, Heverhagen JT, Gebauer B, Auer TA, Schnapauff D, Collettini F, Schroeder C, Dorn P, Gassenmaier T, Ebner L, Huber AT. Journal: Tomography. 2025 Mar 14;11(3):35. doi: 10.3390/tomography11030035. PMID: 40137575