Interventional techniques in the thorax.

Transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) has become the diagnostic procedure of choice in evaluation of focal chest lesions. Both advances in cross-sectional image guidance and cytopathologic techniques allow TNB to accurately diagnose malignancy and characterize a spectrum of benign conditions. Image-guided percutaneous drainage of intrathoracic collections has developed as an extension of similar procedures in the abdomen and pelvis. The ability of CT and ultrasound to accurately detect and characterize parenchymal and pleural collections, and advances in interventional techniques and catheter design, have made percutaneous catheter drainage the treatment of choice for a variety of intrathoracic collections. This article provides an updated review of the spectrum of image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the thorax.