CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of spinal lesions

Purpose: A retrospective study of CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of spinal lesions performed over a period of 6 years was carried o ut with the aim of assessing the safety and efficacy of the procedure and t o analyse the various approaches used. Material and Methods. Ninety-three FNABs were performed in 87 patients, 4-7 0 years of age, under CT guidance. Lytic or mixed vertebral lesions with or without a paraspinal soft tissue component were included in the study. The approach depended on the anatomic region and part of the vertebra involved . Results: A definite cytological diagnosis was obtained in 77 patients (88.5 %); of these, 47 patients had benign lesions and 30 patients had neoplasms. The most common pathologies encountered were tuberculosis (n = 33) and met astases (n = 17). There were 10 inconclusive FNABs; these showed blood only , necrotic material or scanty material insufficient for diagnosis. There we re no procedure-related complications. Conclusion: CT-guided FNAB is a safe and effective technique for the evalua tion of spinal lesions and is helpful in planning therapy. Choosing the app ropriate approach results in a low complication rate.