title: The transjugular route as an alternative to direct percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver.
abstract: Transjugular liver biopsy was attempted in 32 cases of hepatocellular dysfunction with hemocoagulation disorders, ascites or marked obesity. A catheter was inserted in the right internal jugular vein and advanced into a hepatic vein under fluoroscopic control. A long needle was passed through the catheter and into the liver parenchyma for the biopsy. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 28 instances (88%). The procedure was always well tolerated and no complications occurred. The transjugular approach offers a safe, practical alternative for liver biopsy in cases where direct percutaneous puncture is contraindicated.
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*