Ultrasound-guided biopsy of abdominal and pelvic lesions in children. A comparison between fine-needle aspiration and 1.2 mm-needle core biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Tissue diagnosis is mandatory prior to treatment of an abdominal or pelvic lesion in a child. OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic yield and complications of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and 1.2-mm needle core biopsy (NCB) for abdominal and pelvic lesions in children using US guidance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety consecutive abdominal or pelvic US-guided biopsies in 61 children; 53 FNAB procedures in 43 children and 37 NCB procedures in 34 children were retrospectively analysed. Fifty-seven biopsies were performed on malignant lesions and 33 on benign lesions. In 15 children, both FNAB and NCB were performed at the same occasion. RESULTS: FNAB was diagnostic in 41 (77 %) of 53 biopsies while NCB provided a correct diagnosis in 35 (95 %) of 37 biopsies. Results were similar in both malignant and benign conditions. Clinically important bleeding complicated three biopsies (3.3 %); in two after FNAB and in one after combined FNAB and NCB. CONCLUSION: If FNAB were to be replaced with 1.2-mm NCB using an automatic gun, the diagnostic yield for abdominal and pelvic focal lesions in children would improve significantly (P < 0.05) while the complication rate would remain low. NCB may reduce the need for diagnostic and staging surgery and repeated procedures.

Lipoid pneumonia in infants: a radiological-pathological study.

A series of nine infants, 2-8 months of age, with a history of animal or vegetable fat intake within 10 days after birth, is presented. The infants developed respiratory problems and failure to thrive. Plain films and computed tomography showed areas of consolidation in the medial-posterior parts of the lungs. The areas of consolidation showed three types of changes at computed tomography. Attenuation measurements did not reveal fat. To establish the diagnosis, fine needle aspiration biopsy, tru-cut biopsy and/or open lung biopsy was done in eight infants and bronchopulmonary lavage in one patient. The pathological findings were an intense lymphocytic infiltration with scattered granulomas which contained lipid deposit.

Early ureteric changes in Schistosoma haematobium infection.

Radiological findings were analysed in 56 young patients with proven Schistosoma haematobium infection. In 31 patients (55%) changes were present in both the bladder and the ureters but in seven patients (13%) only ureteric changes were seen. Hypertrophy of the mucosa, mild stenosis, linear calcification, punctate calcification or 'ureteritis calcinosa' and polyps are highly suggestive features of an early involvement of the upper urinary tract in this insidious disease.