[Endomyocardial biopsy in current practice: Technical Aspects, Indications and complications]
Pabla Cataldo1, Fernando Verdugo2, Franco Appiani3
1Departamento de Cardiología, Instituto Nacional del Tórax, Santiago, Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|August 2, 2024
Summary
Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is an invasive diagnostic tool. Advances in pathology improve its accuracy for diagnosing cardiomyopathies, justifying its risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was historically used for heart transplant rejection monitoring.
- EMB is now crucial for diagnosing non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the current diagnostic role of EMB.
- To discuss the diagnostic performance and safety of EMB.
Main Methods:
- EMB is typically performed via venous access to the right ventricle.
- Diagnostic performance is enhanced by modern pathology analysis.
Main Results:
- EMB plays a significant role in diagnosing non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.
- Complication rates are low (around 1%) in experienced centers.
Conclusions:
- Despite being invasive, EMB offers significant benefits for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
- The diagnostic value of EMB justifies its associated risks in appropriate clinical settings.
