Biopsia percutánea core con aguja gruesa guiada por tomografía computada en lesiones retroperitoneales: Experiencia de 10 años / CT-guided core biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions. Experience in 136 procedures

Background: CT-guided core biopsy is a widely used diagnostic technique for retroperitoneal lesions. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of this procedure. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 136 patients aged 57 ± 16 years (55% males) subjected to core biopsies performed between 2006 and 2016. Procedure images, biopsy reports and patients' medical charts were reviewed. Diagnostic yield was calculated in those patients whose final diagnosis was confirmed using strict criteria for malignancy. Results: A final diagnosis was confirmed in 122/136 patients. Of these, 110 had malignant lesions. The sensitivity and global accuracy of the procedure for malignancy were 93%. In only 4 of 13 benign lesions (31%), a specific diagnosis was obtained with the biopsy. Only minor complications were reported (6 small, self-contained hematomas). There were no major complications. Conclusions: CT-guided core biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions is a safe procedure, with an excellent diagnostic yield.

Clinical application of CT and CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy in patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules / Aplicação clínica da TC e biópsia transtorácica percutânea guiada por TC em pacientes com nódulos pulmonares indeterminados

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application of CT and CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (CT-PTNB) in patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 113 patients with PNs undergoing CT and CT-PTNB. Variables such as gender, age at diagnosis, smoking status, CT findings, and CT-PTNB techniques were analyzed. Data analysis was performed with the Student's t-test for independent samples the chi-square test, and normal approximation test for comparison of two proportions. RESULTS: Of the 113 patients studied, 68 (60.2%) were male and 78 (69%) were smokers. The diameter of malignant lesions ranged from 2.6 cm to 10.0 cm. Most of the IPNs (85%) were located in the peripheral region. The biopsied IPNs were found to be malignant in 88 patients (77.8%) and benign in 25 (22.2%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignant tumor, affecting older patients. The IPN diameter was significantly greater in patients with malignant PNs than in those with benign IPNs (p < 0.001). Having regular contour correlated significantly with an IPN being benign (p = 0.022), whereas spiculated IPNs and bosselated IPNs were more often malignant (in 50.7% and 28.7%, respectively). Homogeneous attenuation and necrosis were more common in patients with malignant lesions (51.9% and 26.9%, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, CT and CT-PTNB were useful in distinguishing between malignant and benign IPNs. Advanced age and smoking were significantly associated with malignancy. Certain CT findings related to IPNs (larger diameter, spiculated borders, homogeneous attenuation, and necrosis) were associated with malignancy. .

OBJETIVO: Investigar a aplicação clínica da TC e da biópsia transtorácica percutânea guiada por TC (BTP-TC) em pacientes com nódulos pulmonares indeterminados (NPIs). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 113 pacientes portadores de NPIs submetidos a TC e BTP-TC. Foram analisadas variáveis como sexo, idade ao diagnóstico, tabagismo, achados tomográficos e técnicas de BTP-TC. A análise dos dados foi efetuada por meio do teste t de Student para amostras independentes, teste do qui-quadrado e teste de comparação de duas proporções por aproximação normal. RESULTADOS: Dos 113 pacientes estudados, 68 (60,2%) eram do sexo masculino e 78 (69%) eram tabagistas. O diâmetro das lesões malignas variou de 2,6 a 10,0 cm. A maioria dos NPIs estava localizada na região periférica (85%). O resultado da biópsia foi maligno em 88 pacientes (77,8%) e benigno em 25 (22,2%). O adenocarcinoma foi o tumor maligno mais frequente, acometendo pacientes com idade mais avançada. O diâmetro dos NPIs foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com malignidade (p < 0,001). Houve uma associação significativa entre NPIs com contorno regular e lesões benignas (p = 0,022), enquanto os de tipo espiculado e bocelado foram mais frequentes em pacientes com lesões malignas (50,7% e 28,7%, respectivamente). Atenuação homogênea e necrose foram mais frequentes em pacientes com lesões malignas (51,9% e 26,9%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: A TC e a BTP-TC foram úteis no diagnóstico diferencial entre lesões malignas e benignas nos pacientes com NPIs nesta amostra. Idade mais avançada e tabagismo associaram-se significativamente com malignidade. Houve associações de achados tomográficos (diâmetro maior, contorno espiculado, atenuação homogênea ...

CT-Guided Sclerotherapy for Simple Renal Cysts: Value of Ethanol Concentration Monitoring

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the differences between sclerotherapy with and without ethanol concentration monitoring for the treatment of simple renal cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with 70 simple renal cysts were randomly assigned to two groups in a 12-month prospective controlled trial. One group (group A) was treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided sclerotherapy without ethanol concentration monitoring (33 patients with 35 cysts), whereas the other group (group B) had ethanol concentration monitoring (34 patients with 35 cysts) during the procedure. Treatment outcomes between the two groups were compared 12 months later with follow-up ultrasound examination. RESULTS: After the 12-month follow-up period, the overall success rate was 74.3% in group A and 94.3% in group B (p = 0.022). The mean cyst size before and after treatment was 8.6 +/- 2.0 cm and 2.3 +/- 2.9 cm, respectively, in group A, and 8.4 +/- 1.7 cm and 0.8 +/- 1.9 cm, respectively, in group B. The final size of the cysts in group B was significantly smaller than that in group A (p = 0.015). The likelihood of treatment with ethanol concentration monitoring being successful was approximately 16 times higher than without ethanol concentration monitoring (p = 0.026; odds ratio = 15.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.38-179.49). There were no major complications in either group. CONCLUSION: Monitoring of Hounsfield units (HU) of ethanol by CT is an effective method in the treatment of simple renal cysts with ethanol sclerotherapy. The ethanol sclerotherapy procedure can be terminated at the point of clear fluid aspiration because the HU (-190) of CT scan corresponds to it.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Endovenous Sclerotherapy Using a Microcatheter Prior to Endovenous Laser Ablation: Comparison between Liquid and Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Tributaries

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) and liquid sclerotherapy (ELS) using a microcatheter for the treatment of varicose tributaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to January 2009, patients with venous reflux in the saphenous vein were enrolled. The foam or liquid sclerosant was injected through a microcatheter just before endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Patients were evaluated for the technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related complications during the procedure and follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 94 limbs were included: 48 limbs (great saphenous vein [GSV], 35; small saphenous vein [SSV], 13) were managed using EFS and EVLA (foam group; FG), and 46 limbs (GSV, 37; SSV, 9) were treated by ELS and EVLA (liquid group; LG). Varicose tributaries demonstrated complete sclerosis in 92.7% with FG and in 71.8% with LG (p = 0.014). Bruising (78.7% in FG vs. 73.2% in LG, p > 0.05), pain or tenderness (75.6% in FG vs. 51.2% in LG, p = 0.0237) were noted. Hyperpigmentation (51.2% in FG vs. 46.2% in LG, p > 0.05) was found. CONCLUSION: Endovenous foam sclerotherapy using a microcatheter is more effective than ELS for eliminating remnant varicose tributaries prior to EVLA. However, EFS is more commonly associated with local complications such as pain or tenderness than ELS. Furthermore, both techniques seem to prolong the duration of hyperpigmentation along with higher costs.

CT-guided biopsy of lung lesions: defining the best needle option for a specific diagnosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of fine and cutting needles in computed tomography guided-biopsy of lung lesions suspicious for malignancy and to determine which technique is the best option for a specific diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the data from 362 (71.6%) patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy and from 97 (19.7%) patients who underwent cutting-needle biopsy between January 2006 and December 2011. The data concerning demographic and lesion characteristics, procedures, biopsy sample adequacy, specific diagnoses, and complications were collected. The success and complication rates of both biopsy techniques were calculated. RESULTS: Cutting-needle biopsy yielded significantly higher percentages of adequate biopsy samples and specific diagnoses than did fine-needle aspiration biopsy (p<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of cutting-needle biopsy were 93.8%, 97.3%, and 95.2%, respectively; those of fine-needle aspiration biopsy were 82.6%, 81.3%, and 81.8%, respectively (all p<0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax was higher for fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and that of hematoma was higher for cutting-needle biopsy (both p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience using these two techniques for computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy showed that cutting-needle biopsy yielded better results than did fine-needle aspiration biopsy and that there was no significant increase in complication rates to indicate the best option for specific diagnoses. .

Utilidad de la biopsia percutánea core guiada por tomografía computada (TC) en lesiones pulmonares: experiencia de 7 años / Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions: Retrospective analysis of 153 procedures

Background: CT guided percutaneous biopsy of pulmonary lesions is a widely used technique. Aim: To evaluate the yield and complication rate of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of pulmonary lesions. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 153 consecutive lung biopsies performed in a 7-yearperiod was undertaken. Patients and lesions characteristics were reviewed. The yield for the diagnosis of malignant and benign lesions and the complication rate were calculated. Lesion size and depth from the pleural surface were analyzed as potential predictive variables for occurrence of a false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The final diagnosis was established by surgical biopsy of the lesion or clinical and imaging follow up. Results: The mean age of patients was 66 ± 14 years and 55% were mole. The final diagnosis of the lesion was malignant in 139 and benign in 14 cases (prevalence of malignancy 90.8%). For the diagnosis of malignancy, the overall yield ofthe biopsy was 91.5%o with a sensitivity of 90.6%>. A specific diagnosis of benign lesions was obtained in 5 out ofl4 biopsies (35%). We did not identify an association between the lesion size or depth and the rate of false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The pneumothorax rate was 13.7%o (n = 21) and eight (38%) required drainage. The average lesion depth of patients that had a pneumothorax was significant greater than the cases without the complication. No major bleeding complications occurred. Conclusions: Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsies of pulmonary lesions have an excellent diagnostic accuracy for malignant pulmonary lesions, at a low complication rate.

¿Es suficiente la protección otorgada por gafas plomadas en cardiología intervencionista? / Protection against ionizing radiation by leaded glass googles during interventional cardiology

Background: It is not known whether leaded glass goggles with 0.25 mm Pb equivalency, used in interventional cardiology procedures, attenuate radiation below the levels established by the latest recommendation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Aim: To assess ifthe degree of attenuation of the secondary ionizing radiation achieved by the use of 0.25 mm Pb leaded glass goggles, in occupationally exposed workers in interventional cardiology procedures, meets the latest ICRP recommendations. Material and Methods: A prospective investigation was carried out to compare the eye exposure to secondary ionizing radiation received by occupationally exposed personnel in a 9 months period. A set of two thermo luminescent dosimeters was arranged in the front and back of leaded glass goggles in a cohort ofseven members of an interventional cardiology service, exposed to 1057 consecutive procedures. Results: The monthly dose equivalent measurement performed in front ofthe goggles ranged between 1.1 and 6.5 mSv, for paramedics and interventional cardiologists. The radiation measured in the back of the glass varied between 0.66 and 2.75 mSv, respectively. The degree of attenuation of the dose at eye level ranged from 40% to 57.7%, respectively. The projected annual exposure would reach 33 mSvfor the interventional cardiologist. Conclusions: With a similar load ofwork and wearing 0.25 mm Pb equivalent glass goggles, interventional cardiologists will exceed the crystalline equivalent dose limit recommended by the ICRP (20 mSv/year averaged over the past 5 years).

Modified Retroperitoneal Access for Percutaneous Intervention after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Percutaneous access to the surgical bed after pancreaticoduodenectomy can be a challenge, due to the post-operative anatomy alteration. However, immediate complications, such as surgical bed abscess or suspected tumor recurrence, are often best accessed percutaneously, as open surgical or endoscopic approaches are often difficult, if not impossible. We, hereby, describe a safe approach that is highly replicable, in accessing the surgical bed for percutaneous intervention, following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

RE: Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A New Approach in Imaging-Guided Biopsies of Cervical Lesions Suspicious for Malignancy

No abstract available.

CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Deep Suprahyoid Head and Neck Lesions

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of computer tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of deep suprahyoid lesions in patients with treated head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December, 2003 and May, 2011, 28 CT-guided CNBs were performed in 28 patients with deep suprahyoid head and neck lesions. All patients had undergone treatment for head and neck cancers. Subzygomatic, paramaxillary, and retromandibular approaches were used. The surgical results, response to treatment, and clinical follow-up were used as the diagnostic reference standards. RESULTS: All biopsies yielded adequate specimens for definitive histological diagnoses. A specimen from a right parapharyngeal lesion showed atypia, which was deemed a false negative diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was 27/28 (96.4%). Two minor complications were encountered: a local hematoma and transient facial palsy. Between the 18 or 20 gauge biopsy needles, there was no statistical difference in the diagnostic results. CONCLUSION: CT-guided core needle biopsy, with infrequent and minor complications, is an accurate and efficient method for the histological diagnosis of deep suprahyoid lesions in post-treated head and neck cancer patients. This procedure can preclude an unnecessary surgical intervention, especially in patients with head and neck cancers.

Fluoroscopically Guided Three-Tube Insertion for the Treatment of Postoperative Gastroesophageal Anastomotic Leakage

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of three-tube insertion for the treatment of postoperative gastroesophageal anastomotic leakage (GEAL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2011, 28 cases of postoperative GEAL after an esophagectomy with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic procedures for esophageal and cardiac carcinoma were treated by the insertion of three tubes under fluoroscopic guidance. The three tubes consisted of a drainage tube through the leak, a nasogastric decompression tube, and a nasojejunum feeding tube. The study population consisted of 28 patients (18 males, 10 females) ranging in their ages from 36 to 72 years (mean: 59 years). We evaluated the feasibility of three-tube insertion to facilitate leakage site closure, and the patients' nutritional benefit by checking their serum albumin levels between pre- and post-enteral feeding via the feeding tube. RESULTS: The three tubes were successfully placed under fluoroscopic guidance in all twenty-eight patients (100%). The procedure times for the three tube insertion ranged from 30 to 70 minutes (mean time: 45 minutes). In 27 of 28 patients (96%), leakage site closure after three-tube insertion was achieved, while it was not attained in one patient who received stent implantation as a substitute. All patients showed good tolerance of the three-tube insertion in the nasal cavity. The mean time needed for leakage treatment was 21 +/- 3.5 days. The serum albumin level change was significant, increasing from pre-enteral feeding (2.5 +/- 0.40 g/dL) to post-enteral feeding (3.7 +/- 0.51 g/dL) via the feeding tube (p < 0.001). The duration of follow-up ranged from 7 to 60 months (mean: 28 months). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the insertion of three tubes under fluoroscopic guidance is safe, and also provides effective relief from postesophagectomy GEAL. Moreover, our findings suggest that three-tube insertion may be used as the primary procedure to treat postoperative GEAL.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Intrathoracic Lesions

Percutaneous CT-guided needle biopsy of mediastinal and pulmonary lesions is a minimally invasive approach for obtaining tissue for histopathological examination. Although it is a widely accepted procedure with relatively few complications, precise planning and detailed knowledge of various aspects of the biopsy procedure is mandatory to avert complications. In this pictorial review, we reviewed important anatomical approaches, technical aspects of the procedure, and its associated complications.

Clinical Value of CT-Guided Needle Biopsy for Retroperitoneal Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the clinical procedural performance of CT-guided needle biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT-guided needle biopsy was performed in 74 consecutive patients (M:F = 44:30; mean age, 59.7 years) with retroperitoneal lesions between April 1998 and June 2009. The target lesion ranged from 1.5 to 12.5 cm in size. The biopsy access path ranged from 3.5 to 11.5 cm in depth. A biopsy specimen was obtained using an 18-gauge core needle under a CT or CT-fluoroscopy guidance and with the patient under local anesthesia. The histopathological diagnoses from the biopsies were obtained. The diagnostic confirmation of the subtype of lymphoma was evaluated. RESULTS: Satisfactory biopsy samples were obtained in 73 (99%) of 74 patients and a pathological diagnosis was made in 70 (95%) of 74 patients. Sixty three lesions were malignant (45 lymphomas, nine primary tumors, nine lymph node metastases) and seven were benign. The subtype of lymphoma was specified in 43 (96%) of 45 patients who were diagnosed with lymphoma. Analysis of the value of CT-guided biopsy in this series indicated 63 true positives, zero false positive, six true negatives and five false negatives. This test had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 100% and an accuracy of 93%. No major complications were seen and minor complications were noted in seven patients (five with local hematomas, two with transient pain at the puncture site). CONCLUSION: CT-guided needle biopsy for retroperitoneal lesions is highly practical and useful, and particularly for determining the subtypes in patients with lymphoma.

Radioguided occult lesion localization versus wire-guided localization for non-palpable breast lesions: randomized controlled trial

AIM: This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted to compare radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) with wire-guided localization to evaluate optimum localization techniques for non-palpable breast lesions. METHODS: A total of 108 patients who were undergoing an excisional biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions requiring pathologic diagnosis were randomly assigned to the ROLL group (n = 56) and wire-guided localization group (n = 52). In the study, patients' characteristics, radiological abnormalities, radiological technique of localization, localization time, operation time, weight of the excised specimen, clearance margins, pathological diagnosis and perioperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, radiological abnormalities and localization technique (p = non-significant for all). ROLL techniques resulted in 100 percent retrieval of the lesions; for the wire-guided localization technique, 98 percent. Both localization time and operation time were significantly reduced with the ROLL technique (p = significant for all). The weight of the specimen was significantly lower in the ROLL group than in the wire-guided localization group (p = significant). The overall complication rate and pathological diagnosis were similar for both groups (p = non-significant for all). Clear margins were achieved in 91 percent of ROLL patients and in 53 percent of wire-guided localization patients, and the difference was significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the ROLL technique is as effective as wire-guided localization for the excision of non-palpable breast lesions. In addition, ROLL improved the outcomes by reducing localization and operation time, preventing healthy tissue excision and achieving clearer margins.

Radiographic comparison of five different techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle

Numerous techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa [navicular bursa] have been described, especially in equine, but there are few specific descriptions regarding this practice being done in cattle. Five different techniques were compared for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle including distal plantar approach parallel with the coronary band, proximal plantar approach, distal plantar approach parallel with the sole, abaxial approach, and distal interphalangeal joint injection. The results revealed that the numbers of needle insertion until proper placement is significantly less in the DIPJ and the DPPS techniques compared to the others [P<0.05]. Also, based on the times of contrast agent injection after the correct successful needle insertion, there were significant differences between DIPJ with DPPCB, PP30 and the Ab45 techniques [P<0.05]. According to the absence of direct communication between the distal sesamoid bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, the placement of the needle through distal plantar approach parallel with the sole was suggested

Predictive success factors for ct-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions is a simple, safe and reproducible procedure. Currently, it is widely used to diagnose lung lesions. However, different factors can influence the success rates of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of radiological and procedural characteristics in predicting the success rates of computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was developed and involved 340 patients who were submitted to a consecutive series of 362 computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions, between July 1996 and June 2004, using 22-gauge needles (Chiba). Variables such as the radiological characteristics of the lesions, secondary pulmonary radiological findings, and procedural techniques were studied. RESULTS: For this study, 304 (84 percent) fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions provided sufficient material for cytological evaluation. The variables that predicted sufficient material for cytological evaluation were lesions larger than 40 mm (p=0.02), lesions on the superior lung lobes (p=0.02), and suspicion of primary lung malignancy (p=0.03). From the multivariate analysis, the only predictive variable for success of the biopsies was localization on the superior lobes (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions showed greater rates of success in biopsies performed in patients with suspicion of primary lung malignancy, with lesions located in the superior lobes, and that have diameters equal to and larger than 40 mm.

Video-endoscopia biliar percutánea (VEB): aporte diagnóstico y terapéutico / Percutaneous biliary videoendoscopy (PBVE) for the etiological diagnosis and treatment

Antecedentes: El diagnóstico imagenológico de la estenosis biliar alcanza una sensibilidad del 85 por ciento y una especificidad del 98 por ciento. En cerca del 15 por ciento de las estenosis biliares no se llega al diagnóstico etiológico, lo que conduce a dificultades para proponer terapéuticas o elaborar pronósticos. Objetivo: Evaluar el aporte de la Video-Endoscopia Biliar Percutánea (VEB) para el diagnóstico etiológico de la estenosis biliar cuando fracasan los procedimientos corrientes, previo a la indicación de laparotomía. Lugar de aplicación: Institución privada. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo de la casuística registrada en una ficha por paciente y volcada en una base de datos. Población: 22 VEB practicadas en 13 pacientes, 8 mujeres y 5 varones, edad promedio 51 años, portadores de ictericia obstructiva de origen incierto e imagenología no concluyente, entre febrero de 1993 y febrero de 2004. Método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Descripción detallada del instrumental y de la técnica. Resultados: Todos los procedimientos fueron técnicamente exitosos. Se realizaron 22 veces en 13 pacientes. 5 biopsias se hicieron a nivel de la confluencia, 3 en el canal hepático común, 1 en colédoco distal y 4 en anastomosis bilio-digestivas estenosadas. La biopsia informó "maligno" en 5 casos y "benigno" en 8. Hubo un falso negativo, resultando sensibilidad del 92 por ciento y especificidad del 100 por ciento. El endoscopio de 9F fue insuficiente en casi todos los casos, en tanto que el 15F alcanzó el diagnóstico en cada caso. La morbilidad vinculada al procedimiento se tradujo en 2 hemobilias de resolución espontánea. Todos los casos fueron confirmados por cirugía o control alejado, con seguimiento máximo de 9 años y promedio de 24 meses. Conclusiones: La VEB es un procedimiento que alcanza el diagnóstico cuando los métodos clásicos fallan. La técnica es relativamente sencilla, la morbilidad reducida, el costo bajo y los resultados alentadores cuando el algoritmo clásico no consigue diagnóstico de certeza. Permite visión directa de lesiones sin diagnóstico, facilitando la toma de muestras para examen histopatológico. El endoscopio de 15F es el instrumento ideal

Computed tomography guided needle biopsy: experience from 1.300 procedures

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy is widely accepted as effective and safe for diagnosis in many settings. Accuracy depends on target organ and needle type. Cutting needles present advantages over fine needles. This study presents experience from CT guided biopsies performed at an oncology center. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at Hospital do Câncer A. C. Camargo, São Paulo. METHODS: 1,300 consecutive CT guided biopsies performed between July 1994 and February 2000 were analyzed. Nodules or masses were suspected as primary malignancy in 845 cases (65 percent) or metastatic lesion in 455 (35 percent). 628 lesions were thoracic, 281 abdominal, 208 retroperitoneal, 134 musculoskeletal and 49 head/neck. All biopsies were performed by one radiologist or under his supervision: 765 (59 percent) with 22-gauge fine-needle/aspiration technique and 535 (41 percent) with automated 16 or 18-gauge cutting-needle biopsy. RESULTS: Adequate samples were obtained in 70-92 percent of fine-needle and 93-100 percent of cutting-needle biopsies. The specific diagnosis rates were 54-67 percent for fine-needle and 82-100 percent for cutting-needle biopsies, according to biopsy site. For any site, sample adequacy and specific diagnosis rate were always better for cutting-needle biopsy. Among 530 lung biopsies, there were 84 pneumothorax (16 percent) and two hemothorax (0.3 percent) cases, with thoracic drainage in 24 (4.9 percent). Among abdominal and retroperitoneal biopsies, there were two cases of major bleeding and one of peritonitis. CONCLUSION: Both types of needle showed satisfactory results, but cutting-needle biopsy should be used when specific diagnosis is desired without greater incidence of complications.

Osteoma osteoide: resección percutánea guiada por tomografía computada / Osteoid Osteoma: CT-guided percutaneous resection

La resección percutánea del osteoma osteoide es una técnica de radiología intervencional que ha empezado a ser utilizada en forma más frecuente. Reportamos nuestra experiencia en 9 casos evaluando los resultados obtenidos.

Computed tomography-guided biopsy of mediastinal lesions: fine versus cutting needles

PURPOSE: To report the experience of a radiology department in the use of computed tomography guided biopsies of mediastinal lesions with fine and cutting needles, describing the differences between them. The results of adequacy of the sample and histologic diagnoses are presented according to the type of needle used. METHODS: We present a retrospective study of mediastinal biopsies guided by computed tomography performed from January 1993 to December 1999. Eighty-six patients underwent mediastinal biopsy in this period, 37 with cutting needles, 38 with fine needles, and 11 with both types (total of 97 biopsies). RESULTS: In most cases, it was possible to obtain an adequate sample (82.5 percent) and specific diagnosis (67.0 percent). Cutting-needle biopsy produced a higher percentage of adequate samples (89.6 percent versus 75.5 percent, P = 0.068) and of specific diagnosis (81.3 percent versus 53.1 percent, P = 0.003) than fine-needle biopsy. There were no complications that required intervention in either group. CONCLUSION: Because they are practical, safe, and can provide accurate diagnoses, image-guided biopsies should be considered the procedure of choice in the initial exploration of patients with mediastinal masses. In our experience, cutting needles gave higher quality samples and diagnostic rates. We recommend the use of cutting needles as the preferred procedure