Objective: Retrospective analysis of transthoracic biopsies under CT control carried out in our department during July 1998 – December 2001. The authors focused on evaluation of diagnostic yield of two types of biopsy needles (Chiba 20–22G biopsy-gun 18–20G), diagnostic yield in benign and malignant processes, especially in bronchogenic carcinoma and frequency of complications. Comments on terminology: Author’s intention is to obtain diagnostic material by one bioptic examination – authors use term biopsy session, where can either or both of needle types be used. For reasons of statistical evaluation of diagnostic yield of particular types of needle they worked up particular usage of them – term biopsy. Material and methods: The authors evaluated a total of 206 biopsy sessions, in which there were 164 biopsies with Chiba needles and in 78 biopsies biopsy-gun performed. In 36 cases they used both types of biopsy needles in one biopsy session. Total number of usage of any biopsy needles is 242. Total number of patients is 187, in 13 patients they carried out biopsy session twice, in three patients three times. Age interval was 20–83 years, average age 63 years. In all 187 biopted patients is known the final diagnosis, 165 are malignant and 22 benign. Results: 154 of 206 biopsy sessions (75 %) gave a diagnosis. The overall diagnostic yield of Chiba biopsies is 76 %, in Chiba biopsies of malignancies 80 %, in bronchogenic carcinoma 85 %, in benign lesions 37 %. The overall diagnostic yield in biopsies with biopsy–gun is 65 %, in all malignancies 67 %, in bronchogenic carcinoma 67 %, in benign diagnoses 55%. In 34 biopsy sessions (16,5 %) pneumothorax (PNO) developed, in 9 cases (4 %) drainage was necessary, in 14 cases (7 %) parenchymal a haemorrhage occurred, in 2 cases (0.01%) followed minimal non-recurring haemoptysis. In 4 cases other complication developed. Conclusion: Transthoracic biopsy is a standard significant method, especially successful in diagnosing of malignancies and foremost in bronchogenic carcinoma. Surprisingly there were worse results in use of the biopsy–gun. Transthoracic biopsy is a method with a very low number of complications.

        Key words: interventional radiology – transthoracic biopsy – CT