Computed Tomography Guided Transthoracic Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Early Diag- Nosis of Inthrathoracic Masses in Tertiary Care Hospital of Tripura , Northeast State of India

Background: Intrathoracic mass is a common problem but it is difficult to diagnose as it is difficult to access. Computed tomography (CT)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is regarded as a rapid, safe, and accurate diagnostic tool in examining thoracic mass lesions. Aim: The study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT)-guided FNAC of intrathoracic masses in our centre. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Department of Radiology and Pathology of Tripura Medical College and Dr BRAM Teaching Hospital,Agartala,Tripura, during the period of January 2012 to January 2015 on 86 patients with chest x-ray and CT findings suggestive of intrathoracic mass, who attended our hospital for treatment. Results: Out of 86 cases, 67.4% (n = 58) were male and 32.5% (n =28) were female. The age range varied from 45 to 85 years with highest number of patients in the age group 45-55 years. There were 82(95.3%) parenchymal (lung) tumors and out of remaining four cases two was mediastinal & two hilar-paraaortic. The most common tumor was squamous cell carcinoma (55.8%) followed by adenocarcinoma (23.25%) and metastatic carcinoma (3.48%). Post procedural complications were minimal (only pain at puncture sites). Conclusion: CT-guided FNAC is a low cost, safe, minimally invasive and accurate diagnostic procedure. The categorical diagnosis can also be achieved on the basis of cytomorphology.