Low-dose Computed Tomography-guided Core Needle Biopsy for Lung Nodules

Low-dose Computed Tomography-guided Core Needle Biopsy for Lung Nodules

Investigators aim to compare the diagnostic accuracy and radiation exposure between low-dose and standard-dose computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules.

At present, low-dose scanning protocol is widely used in computed tomography-guided interventions because these procedures usually require repeat scans, which causes more radiation exposure to the patients. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy is widely used in diagnosis of lung nodules with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 93%-97%. Compared with the large lung lesions, computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules might require more scanning to adjust the position of needle tip. Therefore, it might expose the patients to more radiation. However, studies regarding computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules are still lacking.

In this study, investigators aim to compare the diagnostic accuracy and radiation exposure between low-dose and standard-dose computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Non-diagnostic lung lesions (no definitive pathological diagnosis);
2. Lesion size between 5 and 30 mm;
3. Solid lung lesions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The lesion which has been punctured previously;
2. A lesion that had shrunk in size or a lesion with a stable size for 1 year;
3. Severe dysfunction in heart, lung and coagulation function;
4. Patients who refused to provide informed consent.