What are the potential complications of transthoracic needle biopsy?
Pneumothorax is the most common complication, which may occur in up to 25% of cases, particularly when severe emphysema is present. Nondiagnostic or false-negative biopsy results, hemoptysis, hemorrhage, pain, infection, air embolus, and tumor seeding are less common complications. Avoidance of crossing pulmonary fissures with the biopsy needle decreases the incidence of pneumothorax.
