Safety and efficacy of sonographically guided random core biopsy for diffuse liver disease

Sonographic guidance is commonly used in the biopsy of focal hepatic lesion s, but biopsy for diffuse disease is often non-image-guided. We evaluated t he safety and efficacy of real-time sonographically guided random core biop sy in the assessment of diffuse liver disease in 210 patients. The two most common indications for biopsy were viral hepatitis (in 113 patients) and e levated liver function test results of unknown cause (in 54 patients). Ultr asonography and pathology reports were reviewed retrospectively to determin e number of needle passes and final diagnoses. Adequate tissue was obtained in all 210 patients, with 259 of 269 (96%) passes having been successful. Specimens were submitted for light microscopy and other tests as indicated. No difference in success rates was found for right and left lobe biopsies. No major complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in 10 of 210 (4.8%) patients and were self-limited. Sonographically guided core liver b iopsy is a safe and effective me for the diagnosis of liver disease.