Background Transthoracic shear-wave elastography (SWE) facilitates differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. This pragmatic randomised controlled trial aimed to validate the effectiveness and safety of SWE-guided transthoracic biopsy for diagnosing subpleural lung lesions.
Methods Eligible patients with peripheral lung lesions suspicious for lung malignancy and suitable for biopsy were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to the SWE-guided or conventional ultrasound-guided transthoracic biopsy groups. Rapid on-site cytological evaluations were performed to guide adjustments to biopsy target areas.
The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield, defined as the proportion of biopsies yielding a specific benign or malignant diagnosis on cytology or histology. Secondary outcomes included biopsy duration and the combined incidence of post-biopsy complications.
Results From May 2019 to June 2023, a total of 413 patients were randomised. Ultimately, 205 patients in the SWE group and 206 in the conventional group were included in the intention-to-diagnose analysis.
European Respiratory Journal published a clinical update in Critical Care on 12 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on Shear-wave elastography-guided transthoracic biopsy for lung lesions: a randomised controlled trial.
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