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Sodium fluorescein application in brain tumor biopsy
Alessandro Narducci1, Gabriele Ronchetti2, Massimiliano Minardi3
1Unit of Neurosurgery, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Turin, Italy - alessandro.narducci@gmail.com.
Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences
|May 4, 2021
Summary
Sodium fluorescein (NaFL) guided brain tumor biopsies significantly improved diagnostic accuracy to 100% and reduced the number of samples needed. This safe and cost-effective method enhances sampling accuracy without increasing complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Needle biopsy is a standard procedure for unresectable brain tumors, but diagnostic errors occur in up to 24% of cases.
- Enhancing sampling accuracy in brain tumor biopsies is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sodium fluorescein (NaFL) in improving diagnostic accuracy for brain tumor biopsies.
- To assess the impact of NaFL on the number of samples required and procedure-related complications.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 48 patients undergoing NaFL-guided high-grade glioma biopsy.
- Comparison of diagnostic accuracy and procedural outcomes with a historical cohort of 58 patients who had conventional biopsies.
Main Results:
- NaFL-guided biopsies achieved 100% diagnostic accuracy, a significant improvement over the 86.2% in the control group (P<0.05).
- The average number of samples required was reduced from 4.4 to 3.3 (P<0.05).
- No significant differences were observed in complication rates, hospital stay, or surgical time.
Conclusions:
- Sodium fluorescein (NaFL) is a valuable tool for enhancing diagnostic accuracy in brain tumor biopsies.
- NaFL-guided biopsies allow for fewer samples, reducing risks without increasing procedural complications.
- This study represents the largest series demonstrating NaFL's utility in improving biopsy outcomes.
