CT-guided core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases with an automated biopsy gun.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases by using an automated biopsy gun with a cutting-type needle.


METHODS
From January 2000 to January 2006, CT-guided CNB was performed in 80 patients suspected of having pancreatic diseases in the absence of liver metastasis. Biopsies were performed with an 18-20-gauge cutting needle driven by a spring-loaded biopsy gun. Histologic reports and medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. An institutional review board exemption was obtained to perform this retrospective study.


RESULTS
All patients tolerated the biopsies well, with no serious complications. Three patients had mild abdominal pain after the procedure, and a limited abdominal CT scan did not reveal any marked abnormality. Two patients had an elevated serum amylase level, which returned to normal within 2 weeks. A definitive diagnosis and accurate histologic diagnosis were obtained for 69 patients, for a successful diagnosis rate of 86%. Surgical sampling was performed in 11 patients with neoplasms and nondiagnostic core-needle biopsies. Only 50% of patients with well-differentiated adenocarcinomas were definitely diagnosed with CT-guided CNB.


CONCLUSIONS
CT-guided CNB with an automated biopsy gun is a safe and effective method for obtaining tissue for the histologic evaluation of pancreatic diseases. However, CT-guided CNB requires further development for the accurate diagnosis of well-differentiated adenocarcinomas.
Li
Li
L
State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangzhou, China.
Liu
Li-Zhi
LZ
Wu
Qiu-Liang
QL
Mo
Yun-Xian
YX
Liu
Xue-Wen
XW
Cui
Chun-Yan
CY
Wan
De-Sen
DS
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001331:Automation; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology