Percutaneous lung biopsy - Aspergillus and Aspergillosis

Date: 6 August 2015

Percutaneous biopsy needle is seen vertically above the back

Notes:

Under CT scan guidance, with the patient lying on their front, a percutaneous biopsy needle is seen vertically above the back, penetrating the skin, subcutaneous tissue and between 2 ribs. It is aimed at a an inflammatory area in the upper lobe of the lung, which defied diagnosis by other means. This area is much larger to access than the tiny nodule seen in in an identical location in the other lung. The lungs show considerable destruction of normal architecture, typical of emphysema with bullae, indicating that the patient was a heavy smoker.