Abdominal aspiration biopsies. Sonographic v computed tomographic guidance

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology
• Diagnostic Procedures

Background:

• Diagnostic aspiration is crucial for characterizing masses.
• Choosing the appropriate guidance method (sonography vs. computed tomography) impacts diagnostic yield and safety.
• Optimizing guidance selection is essential for efficient patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the decision-making process for selecting sonographic or computed tomography guidance in diagnostic aspirations.
• To evaluate the accuracy and complication rates of each guidance method.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 184 diagnostic aspirations from 169 patients.
• Analysis of guidance method selection based on mass characteristics.
• Assessment of diagnostic accuracy and complication rates for sonographic and computed tomography guidance.

Main Results:

• Sonographic guidance was used in 84% of aspirations, achieving 98% accuracy for cystic and 79% for solid masses.
• Computed tomography guidance (16%) was reserved for challenging cases (e.g., small, deep, solid masses), with 100% accuracy for cystic and 81% for solid masses.
• Both methods demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Sonographic guidance is the primary, effective method for diagnostic aspirations.
• Computed tomography guidance is a valuable alternative for complex cases, ensuring high diagnostic success.
• The study provides a framework for selecting optimal guidance, improving diagnostic yield and patient care.