Table 3 Univariate analysis of selected technique and lesion-related variables as risk factors for pneumothorax

Needle path length from pleura to the target (mm) (mean ± SD)

21.5 ± 18.3

15.6 ± 16.5

0.020

Nodule size (mm) (mean ± SD)

28.9 ± 17.9

33.1 ± 19.5

0.134

Target location

0.002

 Upper/ middle lobes

35

83

 Lower lobes

41

39

Number of sampling (mean ± SD)

2.1 ± 1.0

2.1 ± 0.9

0.943

Pleural contact

0.062

 Yes

32

68

 No

44

54

Lung function (If available)

0.034

 Normal lung function

7

25

 Obstructive lung function

16

15

 Restrictive lung function

8

20

Patient postures

0.126

 Prone

40

62

 Supine

32

56

 Lateral decubitus

4

4