title: Percutaneous biopsy of small hepatic lesions using an 18 gauge automated needle.
abstract: This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy using an 18 gauge automated side-cutting needle in the diagnosis of small (< or = 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions. 137 consecutive percutaneous biopsies of 131 different small (< or = 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions were included. 11 biopsies were performed on lesions of < or = 1 cm in diameter, 56 were on lesions 1.1-2 cm in size and 70 on lesions 2.1-3 cm in size (average 2.3 +/- 0.7 cm; median 2.3 cm; range 0.7-3 cm). The biopsy specimen was sufficient for diagnosis in 135 cases (98.5%). The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy was 96.4%; specificity was 100%, positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 94.6%, respectively; accuracy was 97.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic efficacy for lesions of different pathology and size. No significant post-biopsy complication occurred. It is concluded that the 18 gauge Temno needle is safe and effective in diagnosing small hepatic lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: W Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.forename: N W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Metreweli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional