Biopsy and Drainage

Abstract

Interventional radiologists (IR) play an important role in the acquisition of tissue for pathologic diagnosis with the use of image-guided percutaneous techniques. Tissue samples can be collected using image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB), while cells can be acquired for cytology using image-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) is the gold standard for diagnostic tissue characterization as it has reduced morbidity while maintaining high specificity and sensitivity relative to surgical excision. Fluid collections including abscesses, effusions, empyemas, and peri-organ fluid deposits are a common condition and can be diagnosed and managed using image-guided minimally invasive methods. Image-guided aspiration and drainage of fluid collections reduces complications from blind aspiration and drainage and has lower morbidity than surgical drainage.