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.