Needle biopsy of intrancranial lesions guided by computerized tomography

Biopsies can be performed directly with computerized tomography (CT) head scanners with some difficulty. The small scanning orifice does not allow enough room for needle placement; therefore, biopsy is difficult. In contrast, the scanning orifice of the CT body scanner is large enough to permit biopsies without hindrance. Over 300 CT-guided abdominal biopsy procedures have been performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. We are reporting the technique and the results of 14 CT-guided brain biopsies. There were no complications in the series and an accurate diagnosis was made for 13 of the 14 patients.