Evaluating the risk of pneumothorax after lung biopsy using chest X-rays

Prospective Study on Detection and Prediction of Clinically Significant Pneumothorax After Image-guided Transthoracic Lung Biopsy

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT06563167

This study is testing if a chest X-ray taken 4 hours after a lung biopsy can help doctors tell if a patient is at risk for a serious lung problem called pneumothorax.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment330 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06563167 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the effectiveness of a chest X-ray (CXR) performed 4 hours after an image-guided transthoracic lung biopsy (TTLB) in predicting the occurrence of clinically significant pneumothorax. The researchers will analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the CXR results to determine if a clear CXR can reliably indicate the absence of significant pneumothorax later on. Conducted at a tertiary referral center in Hong Kong, the study will involve patients scheduled for TTLB, with CXRs taken at specified intervals to monitor for complications. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient safety and inform discharge protocols following the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for image-guided transthoracic lung biopsy who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with resolved lung lesions or those experiencing exacerbations of respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety protocols and potentially allow for same-day discharge of patients after lung biopsy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited high-quality evidence on the timing of CXR for detecting delayed pneumothorax, this study aims to fill that gap, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients whose image-guided TTLB, including ultrasound or CT-guided, is arranged for diagnostic purposes
* Patients who are able to sign written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with resolution of lung lesion prior to the scheduled image-guided TTLB
* Patients have active exacerbation of underlying diseases causing unstable respiratory conditions (e.g. exacerbation of COPD, pneumonia) which would lower the threshold for invasive interventions for iatrogenic pneumothorax
* Patients with psychiatric disease or cognitive impairment that may limit their ability to understand or give consent to the study
* Patients who decline to join the study

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lung Biopsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.