title: Ultrasound guided synovial biopsy using portal and forceps.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a new method for taking a synovial biopsy specimen under ultrasound guidance using portal and forceps.
  
  
  METHODS
  Percutaneous ultrasound guided biopsy was performed for 37 patients with mono- or polyarthritis as outpatients. A portal to a planned area was built using a needle, guiding wire, and dilators, through which forceps could be inserted and samples taken. Biopsy samples were taken from small and large joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Representative synovial tissue in adequate amounts for histopathological evaluation was obtained in 33/37 cases--a success rate of 89%. The biopsy procedures were well tolerated, but one complication of skin infection was encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new method of synovium biopsy under ultrasound guidance using sheath introducer set and flexible forceps can be performed on most joints and even bursae and tendon sheaths. The method gives sufficient samples for clinical work in most cases, but further work is needed before accepting this promising technique for scientific purposes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Mikkeli Central Hospital, Porrassalmenkatu 35-37, FIN-50100 Mikkeli, Finland. f.koski@fimnet.fi
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Koski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Helle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*