Diagnostic outcome and safety of CT-guided core needle biopsy for mediastinal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic outcomes and complication rates and to identify potential covariates that could influence these results for computed tomography (CT)–guided core needle biopsy (CNB) of mediastinal masses. Methods A computerized search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed to identify original articles on the use of CT-guided CNB for mediastinal mass. The pooled proportions of the diagnostic yield and accuracy were assessed using random effects modeling. We assessed the pooled proportion of complication rates using random effects or fixed effects modeling. Multivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results Eighteen eligible studies (1310 patients with 1345 CT-guided CNBs) were included. The pooled proportions of the diagnostic yield and accuracy of CT-guided CNB for mediastinal masses were 92% (18 studies, 1345 procedures) and 94% (15 studies, 803 procedures), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, the pooled proportions of the total complication rate and major complication rate were 13% and 2%, respectively. In the meta-regression analyses, the number of tissue samplings (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; p = 0.03), real-time fluoroscopy-guided (OR, 2.1; p = 0.02), and percentage of lymphoma (OR, 2.2; p < 0.001) for diagnostic yield, number of tissue samplings (OR = 2.0, p = 0.02) for diagnostic accuracy, and biopsy needle diameter (OR, 2.5; p = 0.002) for total complication rate were all sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions CT-guided CNB for mediastinal mass demonstrates high diagnostic outcomes and low complication rates. The use of 20-gauge biopsy needles and obtaining ≥ 3 samples may be recommended to improve diagnostic outcomes and decrease complication rates. Key Points • The pooled estimates of diagnostic yield and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)–guided core needle biopsy (CNB) for mediastinal masses are 92% and 94%, respectively. • The pooled estimates of the total complication rate and major complication rate were 13% and 2%, respectively. • The use of a 20-gauge needle and ≥ 3 tissue samplings are recommended for CT-guided mediastinal CNB to achieve high diagnostic outcomes and lower complication rates.