Computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy for middle mediastinal tumors with retroaortic paravertebral approach: A case report.

A 74-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a close examination of a mediastinal mass. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a middle mediastinal tumor. We planned to perform a CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the tumor using a retroaortic paravertebral approach to avoid transpulmonary puncture. A coaxial blunt-tip needle with a side hole was used to create space in the mediastinum and avoid azygos vein injury. After injecting normal saline, a blunt-tip needle was advanced through the space between the aorta and the vertebral body to the anterior surface of the tumor, and tissue was obtained. The patient was discharged the following day with no complications. For percutaneous middle mediastinal tumor biopsy, the retroaortic paravertebral approach may be a safe, effective route.