PERCUTANEOUS BIOPSY OF SMALL HEPATIC-LESIONS USING AN 18 GAUGE AUTOMATED NEEDLE

This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound guided percutaneous bi opsy using an 18 gauge automated side-cutting needle in the diagnosis of small (less than or equal to 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions. 137 conse cutive percutaneous biopsies of 131 different small (less than or equa l to 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions were included. 11 biopsies were perfo rmed on lesions of less than or equal to 1 cm in diameter, 56 were on lesions 1.1-2 cm in size and 70 on lesions 2.1-3 cm in size (average 2 .3 +/- 0.7 cm; median 2.3 cm; range 0.7-3 cm). The biopsy specimen was sufficient for diagnosis in 135 cases (98.5%). The sensitivity for di agnosing malignancy was 96.4%; specificity was 100%, positive and nega tive predictive values were 100% and 94.6%, respectively; accuracy was 97.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in the diagn ostic efficacy for lesions of different pathology and size. No signifi cant post-biopsy complication occurred. It is concluded that the 18 ga uge Temno needle is safe and effective in diagnosing small hepatic les ions.