Middle mediastinum lesions: preliminary experience with CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy with a suprasternal approach.

The technical feasibility and safety of a suprasternal approach in the computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of lesions in the middle mediastinum was studied in 30 patients. Patients were positioned on their back with their head hyperextended. Biopsies were performed with local anesthesia and 22-gauge needles. Adequate biopsy material for diagnosis was obtained in 25 (83%) of 30 patients. A single biopsy specimen was sufficient in 14 patients, but as many as three biopsy specimens were necessary in 16 patients. Nineteen (63%) patients had various histotypes of lung cancer. In 24 (89%) of 27 adequate specimens, findings at fine-needle aspiration biopsy were consistent with findings at pathologic examination. No major complications were observed. CT-guided biopsy of middle mediastinum lesions was safe and successful with a suprasternal approach.