Ultra-Cut biopsy guided by ultrasonography for liver lesions: experience of 392 clinical cases

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective study of the accuracy of liver biopsies in 392 patients with liver lesions. Postbiopsy diagnosis was 297 cases of primary liver cancers, 79 cases of secondary malignant tumors, 2 cases of non Hodgkin's lymphoma, 10 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia, 2 cases of chronic inflammation, 1 tuberculosis case and 1 schistosomiasis case. Biopsy provided histological diagnosis in 100% of cases, sensibility and specificity of Ultra Cut biopsy was 98.95% and 100% for the diagnosis of malignancy respectively; positive predictive value, 100%; negative predictive value, 71.43%; and accuracy, 98.98%. We identified no major procedure related complications despite the presence of thrombocytopenia in 37.5% of cases. Pain was the only reported adverse effect of liver biopsy (10.97%), and 11 patients required analgesics. We concluded that Ultra Cut liver biopsy was a safe and effective technique, and was invaluable in the investigation and management of patients with liver lesions.