Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Blind pleural biopsy using a Tru-cut needle in moderate to large pleural effusion--an experience.

BACKGROUND: Pleural biopsy is invaluable for the etiological diagnosis of pleural diseases in the presence of an exudative pleural effusion. Conventionally, pleural biopsy is either performed with the Cope's or the Abrams pleural biopsy needles. A few investigators have used the Tru-cut biopsy needle with or without ultrasound guidance. We report our experience in performing closed pleural biopsy using a Tru-cut needle without ultrasound guidance in moderate to large exudative pleural effusion. We used a perpendicular approach to biopsy the pleura instead of the tangential approach described earlier.

METHODS: Closed Tru-cut biopsy was performed in 27 consecutive patients with exudative pleural effusion who volunteered to undergo the procedure. The biopsy specimen was sent for histopathology. Pleural fluid analysis and other relevant investigations required to obtain a specific diagnosis were carried out.

RESULTS: A specific diagnosis of tuberculosis was obtained on histopathology of pleural tissue in 12 out of 16 patients (diagnostic yield 75%) and in 5 out of 7 patients with malignancy (diagnostic yield 71%). Among the other 4 patients, other causes of exudative pleural effusion were detected in 3 and in 1 patient, no specific diagnosis could be made, despite extensive investigation.

CONCLUSION: Closed pleural biopsy using a Tru-cut needle is effective for the specific diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion. The use of a perpendicular approach to biopsy the pleura does not seem to increase the complication in moderate to large pleural effusion.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app