Transcatheter Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Diseases of the Respiratory Tract

Abstract

Between 1965 and 1972, 693 patients underwent transcatheter biopsy. In most cases, biopsy was performed because of the presence of a pulmonary lesion of suspected malignancy, and bronchoscopy and sputum examination had failed to establish a diagnosis. The method proved highly successful in the diagnosis of primary lung cancer but was less successful in diagnosing metastatic carcinoma. Opportunistic infections of the lungs such as Pneumocystis carinii and aspergillosis were frequently detected when other methods had failed. Complications are rare but may be catastrophic if the technique is undertaken in a patient with active hemoptysis or bleeding diathesis.