[The technic of adrenal biopsy. Ultrasound versus CT as the guidance method]

Forty-seven needle biopsies of the adrenal glands have been performed under ultrasound or CT guidance. The aim was to clarify the best guidance method, the best approach, the choice of biopsy needle and possible complications. Analysis of the results provided the following answers: 1. A mass in the right adrenal can be biopsied under ultrasound control by a transhepatic approach. Small lesions of the left adrenal are best approached under CT guidance. In these cases a subcostal angled approach is advised. 2. Cutting biopsy needles provide better results than aspiration biopsy needles. 3. The complication rate of adrenal biopsies is very low if thin cutting needles are used.