Computed tomography guidance for skeletal biopsy

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Computed tomographic (CT) guided biopsy and abscess drainage are established procedures for various organ systems.
• Spinal and skeletal applications of CT guidance are less frequently reported in medical literature.
• Accurate diagnosis of skeletal lesions often requires tissue sampling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the utility and safety of CT guidance for biopsy of diverse skeletal lesions.
• To evaluate the application of CT guidance in spinal and appendicular skeletal biopsies.
• To assess the effectiveness of CT-guided biopsy in a patient cohort with skeletal abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 46 patients undergoing CT-guided skeletal biopsies.
• Procedures included skinny needle aspirations (18 or 22 gauge) and trephine core biopsies.
• Biopsy sites encompassed thoracic spine, lumbosacral spine, bony pelvis, ribs, and long bones.

Main Results:

• CT guidance facilitated accurate needle placement within skeletal lesions.
• The technique was applied to various spinal and extraspinal bone locations.
• Physicians performing CT-guided procedures received minimal ionizing radiation due to precise visualization.

Conclusions:

• CT guidance is a valuable and safe tool for skeletal lesion biopsy.
• The use of fast CT scanners enhances the feasibility of these procedures.
• CT-guided biopsy offers precise targeting and reduced radiation exposure in skeletal interventions.