Transjugular liver biopsy: assessment of safety and efficacy of the Quick-Core biopsy needle.
BACKGROUND
We assessed the safety and efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy with the Quick-Core biopsy needle.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients with liver failure and contraindications to percutaneous liver biopsy were referred for transjugular liver biopsy. Eighteen (36%) patients had thrombocytopenia (platelet range = 44-92/microL, mean = 66/microL), 31 (62%) patients had elevated prothrombin times (international normalized ratio range = 1.3-3, mean = 1.6), and 19 (38%) patients had ascites. The Cook Quick-Core biopsy needle was used.


RESULTS
Average procedure time was 30 min. Transjugular access to the hepatic veins was successful in 49 of 50 cases. A transfemoral approach was used in one patient. Tissue specimens were satisfactory for histologic diagnosis in all cases. Established cirrhosis was present in 37 (74%) patients. The mean number of cores was 2.2 (range = 1-3). The mean number of portal triads per core was 10.4 (range = 6-20). There were no procedure-related complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Transjugular liver biopsy with the Quick-Core biopsy needle is safe and effective in patients in whom the percutaneous route is contraindicated by coagulopathy or ascites.
Bruzzi
J F
JF
Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.
O'Connell
M J
MJ
Thakore
H
H
O'Keane
C
C
Crowe
J
J
Murray
J G
JG
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors