No abstract

CT is a valuable method in the diagnosis of AT perforation. The diagnosis can be established rapidly, without patient preparation and with a high sensitivity.

The purpose of this study was to report our centre's experience in the results and complications of percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy. A retrospective review of 409 patients who underwent percutaneous CT-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lung lesions for more than 5 years was carried out. Nodule sizes ranged from 0.6 to 10 cm. The calibre of the needle used was 21-23 G. Specimen adequacy and patient outcome were evaluated. Each case was reviewed for complications. Sufficient diagnostic material was obtained in 369 (90%) of the 409 fine-needle aspirations. Diagnosis was malignancy in 290 (70%) samples, four (1%) samples were suspicious for malignancy, 65 (16%) samples were negative for malignancy and definite benign findings were identified in 10 (3%) specimens. There were 25 false-negative cases and one false-positive case. Sensitivity was 92% and specificity 98%. Pneumothorax was the most common complication and occurred in 17 (4%) patients. Only one of them required thoracic drainage. Blood effusion around the lesion or along the needle track was detected on the post-biopsy CT in 8 (2%) patients. However, only one of them suffered from a mild haemoptysis. Percutaneous CT-guided biopsy is an effective and fast procedure for diagnosis of suspected pulmonary malignancy, with a low complication rate.

Diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular osteoid osteoma is challenging. We present 16 patients with intra-articular osteoid osteomas of the hip treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Eight osteoid osteomas were located in the femoral head, six in the femoral neck, and two in the acetabulum. Three of the 16 patients had had an incorrect previous diagnosis. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was a clinical and technical success in all 16 patients. Within the first 24 h after the procedure, pain improved in all patients. Five patients had pain relief within the first 3 days after the procedure, nine patients within the first week and two patients within 2 weeks. Residual or recurrent symptoms were not reported by the last follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete ossification and bone regeneration at the site of the lesion in three patients, partial ossification in six patients and no changes in seven patients. Computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a simple, minimally invasive, safe and effective method for the treatment of most intra-articular osteoid osteomas.