Transjugular Liver Biopsy: The Efficacy of Quick-Core Biopsy Needle System

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the Quick-Core biopsy needle system in performing transjugular liverbiopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1995 and June 1997, eight patients underwent transjugular liverbiopsy involving use of the Quick-Core biopsy needle system; the conditions involved were coagulopathy (n=4),thrombocytopenia (n=3), and ascites (n=1). Via the right internal jugular vein, the right hepatic vein wasselectively catheterized with a 7-F transjugular guiding catheter, and a 14-guage stiffening cannula was theninserted through this catheter; to obtain core tissue, a Quick-Core needle was then advanced into the liverparenchyma through the catheter-cannula combination. Eighteen- and 19-guage needles were used in three and fivepatients, respectively; specimen size, adequacy of the biopsy specimen and histologic diagnosis were determined,and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Biopsy was successful in all patients. The mean length of the specimenwas 1.4 cm (1.0-1.8 cm), and all were adequate for pathologic examinations; specific diagnosis was determined inall patients. There were two malignant neoplasms, two cases of veno-occlusive disease, and one case each ofcirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, Banti syndrome and Budd-Chiari syndrome. One patient complained of neck pain afterthe procedure, but no serious procedural complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study shows thatthe Quick-Core biopsy needle system is safe and provides adequate core tissues with high diagnostic yields.