The value of CT-guided percutaneous needle aspiration in immunocompromised patients with suspected pulmonary infection.

Abstract

We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous needle aspiration in immunocompromised patients with suspected pulmonary infection. We reviewed the findings and yields of 24 CT-guided percutaneous needle aspirations in 21 immunocompromised patients. Cytologic evaluation and culture for aerobes, anaerobes, Mycobacterium species, and fungus were performed in all aspirates. We identified one or more etiologic microorganisms in 19 (79.2%) of 24 CT-guided percutaneous needle aspirations. Of 19 aspirates with positive findings, single causal microorganisms were identified in 18. Staphylococcus aureus was found in four aspirates, and Aspergillus fumigatus in seven; these microorganisms were the principal bacterial (4/11) and fungal (7/9) causative organisms. One of the 19 aspirates with positive findings yielded two microorganisms. In the remaining five aspirates, no microorganisms were identified and cytologic examination revealed nonspecific inflammatory cells. No major complications were observed during or after the procedure. CT-guided percutaneous needle aspiration is a safe and useful diagnostic method for the identification of specific microorganisms in immunocompromised patients with suspected pulmonary infection.