Diagnostic performance of imaging-guided core needle biopsy of the mesentery and peritoneum

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of imaging-guided core needle biopsy of nodules and diffuse infiltration of the omentum or of the peritoneum.

We retrospectively evaluated 57 patients who underwent core needle biopsy of the peritoneum or of the omentum between March 2014 and January 2017. We used computed tomography (CT) to plan the biopsy. Biopsies were guided by CT or ultrasonography (US). We classified the results as diagnostic (benign / malignant) or inconclusive (inadequate sample). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, and negative predictive value. We analyzed whether the specimen was diagnostic depending on the imaging technique used (CT or US) and on the type of omental or peritoneal involvement from which the specimen was obtained (mass, nodule, or diffuse involvement).

All (100%) the percutaneous biopsies were diagnostic. The sensitivity of the technique was 98.18% and the specificity was 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 50%. Both the specimens obtained under CT guidance (n=10) and those obtained under US guidance (n=47) were diagnostic. Likewise, biopsies of masses (n=24), of nodules (n=17), and even of diffuse infiltration (n=16) of the peritoneum or omentum enabled the histologic diagnosis. The rate of complications was 1.75% (one death).

Percutaneous core needle biopsy has high sensitivity regardless of the imaging technique used to guide the technique (CT or US) and of the type of lesion biopsied (mass, nodule, diffuse infiltration). It is a useful technique with a very low rate of complications, although severe complications can occur.