title: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy in the musculoskeletal system using a cylindrical 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to report a single-center experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy in the musculoskeletal system using a closed-bore, cylindrical, high-magnetic-field (1.5-T) MRI unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May 2010 to July 2011, 100 consecutive MRI-guided biopsy sessions were undertaken for musculoskeletal lesions in 97 patients. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and biopsy techniques were recorded. Biopsy results, treatment outcomes, and follow-up imaging studies were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Biopsy procedures were technically successful in 99 cases (99%). Despite a mean body mass index of 30 kg/m, all patients fit within the bore of the magnet. There were 69 soft-tissue and 31 bone tumors. Most patients had both tissue core (n = 93) and fine-needle aspiration (n = 84) biopsies. All lesions were adequately imaged, localized, and targeted using rapid balanced steady-state free precession imaging (89%), fast T1 (4%), or combination of the 2 techniques (7%). A prototype real-time imaging sequence was used in 29 cases (29%) to guide biopsy needle insertion. There were no major complications. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 97%, 100%, and 97.6%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy in a closed-bore, high-field-strength magnet is a safe, easy, and effective technique for evaluation of musculoskeletal lesions. Ideally, the MRI suite should be equipped with an in-room radiofrequency-shielded monitor and a communication system. However, surface coils with adequate opening to grant access to the biopsy site, MRI-compatible needles, and MRI-compatible patient monitoring devices are absolutely necessary to perform MRI-guided biopsies.
authors.affiliation: Section of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1471, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Judy U
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Ahrar
authors.forename: R Jason
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Stafford
authors.forename: Sadeer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alzubaidi
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahrar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061705:Image-Guided Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D053783:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult