Interest in transthoracic ultrasound (US) procedures increased after the availability of portable US equipment suitable for use at the patient’s bedside. It is possible to detect space-occupying lesions of the pleura, pleural effusion, focal or diffuse pleural thickening and sub pleural lesions of the lung, even in emergency settings. Transthoracic US is useful as a guidance system for thoracentesis and peripheral lesion biopsy, where it minimizes the occurrence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage. (M. Sperandeo et al., 2014).
Transthoracic ultrasonography (US) can be performed by personnel with minimum training. Its advantages include immediate application at the point of care, low cost, and lack of radiation. (Vorster et al., 2015).
CT scanning remains the primary imaging modality in these settings, but researchers continue to strive to understand the limitations of CT imaging while simultaneously seeking to advance the utility of this modality.
For the same reasons, we find that the use of TUS is a valuable complementary imaging modality and the primary diagnostic intervention procedure. It allows us to perform a step-by-step TUS-guidance FNAB with more ease and advantages in comparison with blind or CT scan guided biopsies. Information derived from different TUS imaging features and modalities, CT imaging, and histology could contribute also to more articulated noninvasive screening approaches for those subjects exposed to environmental and occupational for pleural and lung carcinoma. (Hallifax RJ et al., 2014)
Imaging-guided percutaneous transthoracic biopsy has become widely accepted, effective, and safe minimally invasive technique with which to obtain tissue specimens from a number of different intrathoracic lesions. Percutaneous biopsy yields tissue samples for diagnosis and staging and facilitates differentiation of primary cancer from distant metastasis or infective and inflammatory lesions, which is crucial for correct management of lung lesions. Percutaneous biopsy has also been used to obtain tissue for genetic and immunologic testing of cancer mutations, thus improving the care of patients undergo integrated chemotherapy. (Sconfienza et al.,2013).
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