title: Transjugular liver biopsy: a review of 200 biopsies.
abstract: Transjugular liver biopsy was performed in 200 patients for whom percutaneous biopsy was contraindicated because of coagulation disorders (36%), ascites (32%) or for the work-up of portal hypertension (32%). An adequate biopsy allowing a histological diagnosis was obtained in 155 patients (77%). The biopsy was inadequate in 13 patients (6.5%). In 32 patients (16%) the biopsy failed. Complications occurred in 18 patients (9%). Twelve (6%) patients developed liver capsule perforations which were immediately embolized without complication. Inadvertent carotid artery puncture and supraventricular tachycardias occurred in three patients each. Transjugular liver biopsy is a valuable technique which provides information which would otherwise be unavailable in those patients for whom percutaneous biopsy is considered unsafe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Groote Schuur Hospital/University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Corr
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Beningfield
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davey
mesh_terms: D001201:Ascites / Q000150:complications; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*