Which statement best reflects a complication profile for needle biopsy?

Which statement best reflects a complication profile for needle biopsy?

• A. Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported
• B. Pneumonitis is a typical complication
• C. Hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and air embolism are reported complications
• D. There are no complications

Answer: (C)

Needle biopsy of the lung or chest lesion mostly risks puncturing air and blood vessels. The common problems you worry about are pneumothorax, from air entering and separating the lung from the chest wall; hemothorax, from bleeding into the pleural space; and hemoptysis, from bleeding into the airways. Air can also enter the vasculature, leading to an air embolism, which, while uncommon, is a recognized complication. Cardiac arrhythmias are not a typical complication of this procedure, and pneumonitis isn’t part of the standard complication profile. So the statement that includes hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and air embolism best reflects what can be expected after a needle biopsy.

Needle biopsy of the lung or chest lesion mostly risks puncturing air and blood vessels. The common problems you worry about are pneumothorax, from air entering and separating the lung from the chest wall; hemothorax, from bleeding into the pleural space; and hemoptysis, from bleeding into the airways. Air can also enter the vasculature, leading to an air embolism, which, while uncommon, is a recognized complication. Cardiac arrhythmias are not a typical complication of this procedure, and pneumonitis isn’t part of the standard complication profile. So the statement that includes hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and air embolism best reflects what can be expected after a needle biopsy.