PP3 ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY FOR THORACIC LESIONS: SAFE AND TIMELY DIAGNOSIS

Kughanishah Jeyabalan, Sunn-Ren Tee, Suzila Che Sayuti, Azza Omar, Mat Zuki Mat Jaeb.

Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Introduction
The evaluation of lung lesions remains a clinical challenge, often requiring histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis. While computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy is the standard for sampling accessible lesions, it may be delayed in resource-limited settings. Ultrasound-guided lung biopsy (USLB) offers a valuable alternative, particularly for peripheral and pleural-based lesions.

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety profile of USLB, and to assess its potential to expedite the time to diagnosis.

Methodology
This single-center retrospective study included 27 patients who underwent USLB performed by pulmonologists between July 2024 and May 2025 at the Respiratory Department, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II.

Results:
Twenty-seven patients (mean age: 61; range: 25–84) underwent USLB. Lesion sizes ranged from 4.4 to 20.3 cm; 24 were peripheral, 3 anterior mediastinal, and 1 pleural-based. A definitive diagnosis was achieved in 23 cases (85.2%), with lung adenocarcinoma being the most common, followed by lymphoma and other malignancies. Four non-diagnostic cases were later confirmed through alternative methods. No complications were reported. The time from biopsy decision to procedure was 1–7 days (mean: 3.3). Pathology results were available within 1–30 days (mean: 11.4). Overall, the time from biopsy decision to confirmed diagnosis ranged from 4 to 31 days (mean: 14.7).

Conclusion:
USLB is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for diagnosing peripheral and anterior thoracic lesions in carefully selected patients, with high yield and no complications in this series. Performed by pulmonologists, it allows faster biopsy access, is suitable for outpatient settings, and can be conducted under local anesthesia. It is especially useful for patients who cannot lie flat or tolerate sedation, and is a practical option in resource-limited settings.