[Transjugular liver biopsy in patients with bleeding tendency]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Interventional Radiology
• Pathology

Context:

• Chronic liver disease impacts a significant patient population, often presenting with coagulopathy.
• Percutaneous liver biopsy carries risks, particularly in patients with impaired coagulation.
• Transjugular liver biopsy (TJB) is an alternative approach for liver tissue sampling.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the safety and diagnostic efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy (TJB) in patients with chronic liver disease and abnormal coagulation profiles.
• To compare specimen characteristics (size, portal spaces) of TJB with percutaneous liver biopsy.
• To determine the diagnostic and prognostic contribution of TJB.

Summary:

• Transjugular liver biopsy (TJB) was successfully performed in 14 of 23 patients with chronic liver disease and bleeding tendencies.
• No significant complications, including bleeding, were observed post-procedure.
• TJB specimens were smaller and contained fewer portal spaces than percutaneous biopsy samples.
• Despite smaller sample size, TJB provided good diagnostic and prognostic information in 78% of cases.

Impact:

• TJB is a safe and valuable tool for liver tissue diagnosis in patients with bleeding disorders.
• This technique expands biopsy options for high-risk liver disease patients.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities for challenging patient cohorts in hepatology.