TRANSJUGULAR LIVER-BIOPSY WITH AN AUTOMATED DEVICE

PURPOSE: To determine the potential for use of an automated device for transjugular liver biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 29 consecutive p atients with liver dysfunction in whom percutaneous transperitoneal bi opsy was contraindicated because of thrombocytopenia, severe coagulopa thy, or marked ascites, transjugular liver biopsy was performed with a n 18-gauge automated device. Histopathologic specimens were quantitati vely and qualitatively analyzed. Complications related to the biopsy p rocedure were noted. RESULTS: Zn all patients, an adequate biopsy spec imen (mean length, 12.0 mm +/- 5.5; range, 5.0-20.0 mm) was obtained d uring a single pass. In all tissue samples, a confident histopathologi c diagnosis was made. Additional information was obtained in 15 patien ts with cirrhosis who had coexisting diffuse hepatic disease. No compl ications related to the procedure were noted. CONCLUSION: Use of an au tomated biopsy device is recommended for transjugular liver biopsy, as it enables safe acquisition of high-quality hepatic tissue samples.