Evaluation of the Success Rate of Ultrasound-guided Transjugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB) and the Associated Complications.
BACKGROUND
Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is a diagnostic radiological intervention, applied to patients with contraindications to percutaneous or laparoscopic liver biopsy. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, effectiveness, complications, and pathological impact of TJLB.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 consecutive patients, undergoing TJLB at Imam Reza Hospital, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, from April 2010 to March 2011. The inclusion criteria were coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and ascites. TJLB was performed by a radiologist, and a guide wire was inserted in the right jugular vein. Right atrium and middle hepatic vein were catheterized, and then, Cook Quick-Core Biopsy Needle was used by ultrasound guidance. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 16.


RESULTS
The sample size included 24 subjects (54% males and 46% females). Success rate of TJLB was reported as 87.5% and the intervention duration was 23.89±9.34 min. No complications were reported in 37.5% of the patients; however, pain in the right upper quadrant (33.3%), leakage of contrast substance into the liver capsule (4.2%), and diffuse abdominal pain (4.2%). In 83% of biopsies, suitable samples were obtained for histopathological diagnosis, and 13% of patients were excluded from the study. According to the results, the mean central port track (CPT) was 6.75 ± 2.95.


CONCLUSIONS
TJLB is a relatively effective and safe procedure for patients with contraindications to percutaneous liver biopsy.
Associate Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Masoud Pezeshki
MP
Rad
Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Hamidreza
H
Sima
Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Reza
R
Khazaeeian
Associate Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Imam Reza Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
Mahyar
M
Mohammadifard
Histopathological sample; Transjugular liver biopsy; Ultrasound guidance