Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 19, Issue 8 537-541, Copyright © 2000 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Safety and efficacy of sonographically guided random core biopsy for diffuse liver disease
L. N. Nazarian, R. I. Feld, S. K. Herrine, D. Webner, A. S. Lev-Toaff, P. T. Johnson, L. A. Storey and L. Needleman
Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-5244, USA.
Sonographic guidance is commonly used in the biopsy of focal hepatic
lesions, but biopsy for diffuse disease is often non-image-guided. We
evaluated the safety and efficacy of real-time sonographically guided
random core biopsy in the assessment of diffuse liver disease in 210
patients. The two most common indications for biopsy were viral hepatitis
(in 113 patients) and elevated liver function test results of unknown cause
(in 54 patients). Ultrasonography and pathology reports were reviewed
retrospectively to determine number of needle passes and final diagnoses.
Adequate tissue was obtained in all 210 patients, with 259 of 269 (96%)
passes having been successful. Specimens were submitted for light
microscopy and other tests as indicated. No difference in success rates was
found for right and left lobe biopsies. No major complications occurred.
Minor complications occurred in 10 of 210 (4.8%) patients and were
self-limited. Sonographically guided core liver biopsy is a safe and
effective method for the diagnosis of liver disease.
