title: Failed stereotactic biopsy in a series of 518 cases.
abstract: Failed stereotactic biopsy is one in which a definitive histological or microbiological diagnosis is not achieved based on the tissue obtained. Of 518 consecutive CT-guided stereotactic biopsies of intra-axial mass lesions, 42 (8.1%) cases were failed biopsies. Inflammatory changes were seen in 10 cases (24%); gliosis was seen in 11 cases (26%); 9 cases (21%) yielded necrotic specimens; normal brain was retrieved in 7 cases (17%); blood/hemorrhagic brain was seen in 3 cases and in 2 cases, no tissue could be obtained. Variables that significantly influenced the diagnostic success included the immune status (HIV positive; p < 0.001). The complication rate in the failed biopsy group was significantly higher. The subsequent management and outcome of patients who suffered a failed stereotactic biopsy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Ont., Canada.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Soo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Provias
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tasker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lozano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guha
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005629:Frozen Sections; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome