Transjugular liver biopsy: a prospective study in 43 patients with the Quick-Core biopsy needle.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and complication rate of the Quick-Core biopsy needle system compared with traditional transjugular biopsy needle systems.


METHODS
Between January 1994 and April 1995, 43 patients underwent transjugular liver biopsy with the Quick-Core system; 18-, 19-, and 20-gauge needles were used in 28, 13, and two patients, respectively. Histologic diagnoses, specimen dimensions, and adequacy of the biopsy sample were determined. Immediate and delayed complications were recorded.


RESULTS
A total of 118 biopsy specimens were obtained with an average of 2.7 passes per patient. Biopsy was successful in 42 of 43 patients (98%); one specimen contained renal parenchyma. Of the specimens that contained liver tissue, 100% were adequate. Mean maximum sample lengths were 1.1 and 1.5 cm with the 18- and 19-gauge needles, respectively. The procedural complication rate of 2% was due to puncture of the liver capsule in one patient, but no clinical manifestations occurred. No delayed complications occurred in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The Quick-Core biopsy system produces consistently satisfactory, reproducible specimen cores with a very low complication rate.
Little
A F
AF
Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.
Zajko
A B
AB
Orons
P D
PD
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000473:pathology; D009339:Needles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling