Computed tomography-guided percutaneous transpedicular biopsy of the thoracic spine.
BACKGROUND
Despite the recent, widespread use around the world of computed tomography (CT)-guided spinal biopsy for presurgical evaluation, its use has remained uncommon in Taiwan. Using 9 patients, we attempted to evaluate the safety of its use for the thoracic spine biopsy.


METHODS
In the past 3 years (May 1996 to May 1999), 9 patients with known thoracic or multiple spinal lesions underwent CT-guided biopsy. The patients comprised 4 men and 5 women; with ages ranging between 28 and 85 years. For the transpedicular approach, patients were laid prone on the CT table. A trephine bone biopsy needle set was used after local anaesthesia. The specimens obtained had tissue pathology and/or bacterial/tuberculosis (TB) culture.


RESULTS
Excellent results were achieved in 8 of the 9 patients, with no significant procedure-related complications. Among them, 2 were diagnosed as metastatic carcinomas; 3 as osteoporotic compression fractures; 2 were proved to be bacterial or tuberculosis spondylitis and the last one was a healing fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
CT-guided transpedicular trephine biopsy of the thoracic spine is a safe and effective method for preoperative evaluation of various thoracic spinal disorders. Based on the biopsy results, more effective treatment regimens were prescribed and, in turn, better outcomes were expected.
Hsu
W C
WC
Second Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C. hsuhinet@ms15.hinet.net
Lim
K E
KE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed