The Efficacy of an Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy with an 18G Cutting Needle for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Diseases

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy with an 18G cutting needle in patients suspected of having a pancreatic disease by analyzing the diagnostic performance and complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 35 consecutive patients who underwent an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy using a high-speed biopsy gun accompanied with an 18G cutting-type needle between May of 2001 and October of 2005. The diagnostic performance (i.e., the acquisition rate and diagnostic accuracy) and complications associated with core needle biopsies were evaluated for its efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Thirty-six sessions of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies were performed in 35 consecutive patients. All patients, except two (serous cystadenoma and autoimmune pancreatitis) were diagnosed with various subtypes of pancreatic cancer. The acquisition rate and diagnostic accuracy were 97% (35/36) and 94% (34/36), respectively. A complication occurred only in one patient (3%), which further proved to be a delayed complicaton (i.e., needle tract implantation). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy is a viable and safe method for the dignosis of pancreatic diseases. Moreover, it enables the diagnosis of the pancreatic cancer subtype.

Schwannoma of the Appendix: A Case Report

Schwannoma is a benign neurogenic tumor arising from the nerve sheath, and it presents as a well defined mass. Isolated gastrointestinal schwannoma is a relatively rare finding and schwannoma of the appendix is extremely rare. We report here on a case of schwannoma that arose from the appendix, and this lesion was pathologically confirmed.