CT-guided liver biopsies: eight years' experience. Work in progress

• Published in: Radiology Vol. 152; no. 3; p. 755
• Main Authors: Martino, C R, Haaga, J R, Bryan, P J, LiPuma, J P, El Yousef, S J, Alfidi, R J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1984
• Subjects: Biopsy - adverse effects; Biopsy - methods; Biopsy, Needle - adverse effects; Biopsy, Needle - instrumentation; Biopsy, Needle - methods; Diatrizoate Meglumine; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Liver - diagnostic imaging; Liver - pathology; Liver Diseases - diagnosis; Liver Diseases - pathology; Needles; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0033-8419
• DOI: 10.1148/radiology.152.3.6463257

In the past eight years 180 patients with liver abnormalities demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) underwent CT-guided biopsies with 22-guage Madayag, 14-gauge Travenol, or 18-gauge Menghini needles used singly or in combination. Cytologic and pathologic results were tabulated and correlated with the subsequent surgical or autopsy findings and with clinical follow-up ranging from three months to three years. Complications of the procedures were also recorded. It is concluded that cutting needle biopsies provide a higher yield of diagnostic tissue compared with aspiration biopsies (89.9% versus 65%) without a significant increase in complications (1.44% versus 0.83%). The techniques utilized, risk of complications, and the indications for biopsy are discussed.