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Transjugular liver biopsy: modified Ross transseptal needle versus quick-core biopsy needle
1Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-Dong, Kangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea.
Background:
We evaluated the differences in sample adequacy and safety between a transseptal needle and Quick-core biopsy needle for transjugular liver biopsy.
Methods:
Eighteen consecutive patients who had a bleeding diatheses and/or ascites underwent transjugular liver biopsy using a transseptal needle (11 patients) and Quick-core biopsy needle (seven patients). The length of the specimens was measured before fixation. A pathologist reviewed histologic slides for sample adequacy and pathologic diagnoses. Clinical records were reviewed for complication.
Results:
In all patients, liver biopsy was successful. A total of 45 specimens were obtained, with an average of 2.5 passes per patient. The length of specimen was significantly longer with the Quick-core biopsy needle than with the transseptal needle (p<0.05). Biopsied tissue was fragmented in 17 of 25 specimens with the transseptal needle but not fragmented in any specimen with the Quick-core biopsy needle. All specimens were determined to be adequate except one with the transseptal needle. There was no early or delayed complication in any patient.
Conclusion:
Transjugular liver biopsy is a safe and effective procedure without any significant difference in complication and adequacy when using a transseptal needle or Quick-core biopsy needle. Larger specimens can be obtained without tissue fragmentation with the Quick-core biopsy needle.