Image-guided Core Needle Biopsy Research Articles

Enhancing lymphoma diagnosis on core needle biopsies: Integrating immunohistochemistry with flow cytometry.

Image-guided core needle biopsies (IG-CNB) represent a minimally invasive approach for obtaining tissue in patients with lymphadenopathy and suspected lymphoma. Despite their utility, diagnostic challenges persist, with lower efficacy compared with excisional biopsies. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential utility of incorporation of flow cytometry (FC) alongside immunohistochemistry (IHC) when performing IG-CNB for suspected lymphoproliferative diseases. Analyzing 170 consecutive cases, guided by ultrasound (n = 94) or computer tomography (n = 76), we employed a diagnostic algorithm, already established in our laboratory practice, utilizing three antibody cocktail-equipped tubes tailored for defining lymphomas, particularly those of B-cell origin. FC expedited the diagnostic process, yielding presumptive results in 87.6% of cases within 48 h, with a positive predictive value of 98%. Addition of FC to routine IHC enhanced the diagnostic rate from 91.2% to 95.3%, reducing IG-CNB failure rate by 45%, from 8.8% to 4.7%. This enhancement was particularly notable for deep-seated sites and in the setting of suspected disease recurrences. Consequently, FC emerges as a valuable adjunctive tool, allowing for the improvement of diagnostic performance, with a particular focus on the ability to quantify the expression of surface markers for targeted therapies, and holding the potential to diminish the necessity for repeat excisional biopsies subsequent to IG-CNB procedures.

An Image-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy for Accurate Assessment of Musculoskeletal Tumors: A Targeted Diagnosis.

Background Accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors is essential for guiding appropriate treatment strategies. Percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for obtaining tissue samples for histopathological examination. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of PCNB in diagnosing musculoskeletal tumors. Methodology A total of 152 cases suspected of musculoskeletal tumors underwent PCNB at our tertiary care center between 2020 and 2023. Pre-biopsy evaluation included comprehensive clinical assessment and imaging studies. Core biopsies were performed under image guidance, with specimens sent for histopathological examination and culture sensitivity analysis. Diagnostic yield, accuracy, and performance metrics of PCNB were assessed. Results PCNB demonstrated a diagnostic yield of 93.4%. However, in cases where initial biopsies were inconclusive, repeat core biopsy or open biopsy provided the necessary diagnostic clarity. PCNB demonstrated a remarkable diagnostic accuracy of 97.9%, with a specificity and positive predictive value of 100%. There were no post-biopsy complications and no instances of local recurrence from the biopsy tract. Conclusions PCNB can be a reliable method for diagnosing musculoskeletal tumors, offering high diagnostic accuracy and minimal complications. The utilization of image guidance enhances precision and reduces the risk of complications. PCNB proves effective in diagnosing both primary tumors and bone infections, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment strategies in orthopedic oncology.

Diagnostic efficacy and clinical impact of image-guided core needle biopsy of suspected vertebral osteomyelitis

ObjectivesThe diagnostic yield and clinical impact of image-guided core needle biopsy (ICNB) of suspected vertebral osteomyelitis in adults is heterogenous in published studies owing to small sample sizes, indicating the need for large cohort studies. MethodsA retrospective analysis of ICNBs was performed from 2010 to 2021 for patients with imaging findings consistent with vertebral osteomyelitis. For each biopsy, a series of factors were analyzed, as well as if histopathology was diagnostic of osteomyelitis and if microbiological cultures were positive. In addition, it was recorded in what way biopsy influenced clinical management regarding antimicrobial treatment. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with yield. ResultsA total of 570 biopsies performed on 527 patients were included. A histopathologic diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made in 68.4% (359 of 525) of biopsies, and microbiological cultures were positive in 29.6% (169 of 570). Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate was positively associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of osteomyelitis (odds ratio [OR] =1.96, P = 0.007) and positive cultures from bone cores (OR = 1.02, P ≤0.001) and aspirate (OR = 1.02, P ≤0.001). Increased total core length was positively associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of osteomyelitis (OR = 1.81, P = 0.013) and positive cultures from bone cores (OR = 1.65, P = 0.049). Clinical management was affected by ICNB in 37.5% (214 of 570) of cases. ConclusionsIn this large cohort, ICNB yielded approximately 30% positive cultures and changed clinical management in over one-third of the patients.

Percutaneous core needle biopsy of neuroblastoma in the pediatric population: what have we learned in the last decade.

Historically, neuroblastoma has been diagnosed by surgical open biopsy (SB). In recent decades, core needle biopsy (CNB) has replaced surgical biopsy due to its safe and adequate method of obtaining tissue diagnosis. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CNB in obtaining tissue diagnosis for neuroblastoma and evaluate its safety profile in terms of post-operative complications, in comparison to SB. A retrospective cohort study, including all patients younger than 18years who were diagnosed with neuroblastoma from 2012 until 2022 in a single tertiary medical center. Patients' demographics, tumor size and location, pathological results, and clinical outcomes were collected. 79 patients were included in our study: 35 biopsies were obtained using image-guided CNB and 44 using SB. Patients' and tumor characteristics including age, gender, tumor volume, and stage were similar in both groups. The biopsy adequacy rate in the CNB group was 91% and 3 patients in this group underwent repeated biopsy. The safety profile in the CNB group was similar to the SB group. CNB is a safe method and should be considered the first choice for obtaining tissue diagnosis when feasible due to its high adequacy in terms of tumor histopathological features.

Diagnostic efficacy of image-guided core needle biopsy of suspected malignant osseous lesions: a retrospective cohort study from a single academic institution.

To evaluate diagnostic yield and accuracy of image-guided core needle biopsy (ICNB) of suspected malignant osseous lesions in a large cohort of adults, evaluate what factors influence these measures, and offer technical recommendations to optimize yield. A retrospective analysis of 2321 ICNBs performed from 2010 to 2021 was completed. The diagnostic yield and accuracy of the biopsies as well as a series of patient, lesion-related, and technical factors were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to evaluate what factors were associated with yield and accuracy. Different cutoff values of total core length and core number were then tested to determine threshold values in relation to increased diagnostic yield. Diagnostic yield was 98.2% (2279/2321) and accuracy was 97.6% (120/123). Increased total core length (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.41-3.90), p= 0.001), core number (OR = 1.51, 95% CI (1.06-2.16), p= 0.02) and presence of primary malignancy (OR = 2.81, 95% CI (1.40-5.62), p= 0.004) were associated with improved yield. Lesion location in an extremity (OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.11-0.68), p= 0.006) and using fluoroscopic imaging guidance (OR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.12-0.90), p= 0.03) were associated with lower yield. Cutoff thresholds in relation to increased diagnostic yield were found to be 20 mm total core length (marginal OR = 4.16, 95% CI = (2.09-9.03), p < 0.001), and three total cores obtained (marginal OR = 2.78, 95% CI (1.34-6.54), p= 0.005). None of the analyzed factors influenced diagnostic accuracy. ICNB has a high rate of diagnostic yield and accuracy. Several factors influence diagnostic yield; 20 mm core length and three total cores optimize yield. Image-guided core needle biopsy of suspected malignant osseous lesions is a safe procedure with a very high rate of diagnostic yield and accuracy. Obtaining 20 mm total core length and three total cores optimizes diagnostic yield. • In a retrospective cohort study, image-guided core needle biopsy of suspected osseous malignant lesions in adults was found to have very high rates of diagnostic yield and accuracy. • Increased total core length and core number of biopsies were each associated with increased diagnostic yield, and these relationships reached thresholds at 20 mm total core length and three total cores obtained. • The presence of a known primary malignancy was also associated with increased yield while using fluoroscopic imaging guidance and lesion location in an extremity were associated with decreased yield.

Management of Patients with Breast Biopsy under Anti-Coagulation or Anti-Platelet Therapy: Results of a Survey of German Experts

Introduction: Pre-therapeutic histologic diagnosis through image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) for suspicious breast findings is a standard procedure. Despite the moderate risk of bleeding, a significant proportion of patients are on temporary or permanent anti-coagulation therapy (ACT) or anti-platelet therapy (APT). Currently, there are no established guidelines for managing biopsies in such patients, leading to varying approaches in clinical practice. Methods: An online survey was conducted among all members of the breast ultrasound working group at the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) and the working group for breast diagnostics at the German Radiology Society (DRG). It included n = 51 questions about individual risk perception of biopsy-related bleeding complications and the specific management of biopsies on ACT/APT. Results: A total of 332 experts participated, with 51.8% reporting the absence of a standardized management plan for breast biopsies on ACT/APT. Concerning specific ACT/APT medications, the survey revealed discrepancies in risk perception and management: The majority preferred discontinuing medication with directly acting oral anti-coagulants (DOACs; CNB: 66.9%; VAB: 91.1%), phenprocoumon (CNB: 74.9%; VAB: 96.7%), or therapeutic heparin (CNB: 46.1%; VAB: 72.7%). However, there was a lower inclination to discontinue acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; CNB: 15.2%; VAB: 50.3%) or prophylactic heparin (CNB: 11.9%, VAB: 36.3%). Conclusion: Breast biopsies for patients on ASA or prophylactic heparin are deemed safe and part of standard clinical practice. However, despite available feasibility studies, conducting breast biopsies on ACT medications such as DOACs or phenprocoumon appears feasible only for a minority of experts.

Now or Later? Patient Satisfaction and Anxiety Among Women Undergoing Breast Biopsies Performed the Same Day as Recommended Versus a Later Day

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine differences in patient satisfaction and anxiety among women undergoing core-needle breast biopsies performed the same day as recommended versus a future date. MethodsAfter institutional review board exemption was granted, a survey was administered to patients at four sites on the day of imaging-guided core-needle breast biopsy. The survey was available from November 2020 through January 2022. Questions pertained to biopsy timing (same day versus later day), pre- and postbiopsy satisfaction with overall breast-care experience, biopsy wait-time satisfaction, pre- and postbiopsy anxiety, radiologist-patient communication, demographics, life stressors, breast cancer history, and risk factors. Comparisons were made between same-day and later-day biopsies by multivariable analysis. ResultsOf 974 respondents (response rate 65.6%), almost half were scheduled for same-day biopsies (47.8% [466 of 974]). In multivariate analyses, same-day biopsies were associated with higher prebiopsy overall breast-care satisfaction (P < .001), higher wait-time satisfaction (P < .001), and higher prebiopsy (P = .001) and postbiopsy anxiety (P = .001). Better radiologist-patient communication was associated with lower prebiopsy anxiety (P < .001) and greater prebiopsy overall (P < .001) and wait-time (P < .001) satisfaction. Compared with White women, Black women reported lower postbiopsy anxiety (P < .001) but also lower prebiopsy satisfaction (P = .03) and wait-time satisfaction (P < .001). ConclusionsSame-day versus later-day biopsies resulted in better prebiopsy overall breast-care and wait-time patient satisfaction scores; however, no satisfaction differences were noted after biopsy. Clinically significant anxiety was associated with both same- and later-day biopsies but was higher for same-day biopsies. Higher anxiety levels correlated with lower overall satisfaction, suggesting that interventions to reduce anxiety and improve communication could improve patient experiences during same-day biopsies.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy among Patients with Lung Lesions Undergoing Procedures in Interventional Radiology of a Tertiary Care Centre.

Minimally invasive image-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy can obtain tissue samples for diagnosis of subpleural lung cancer, which is crucial for the correct management of lung lesions. Common complications of lung biopsy include pneumothorax, parenchymal haemorrhage and haemoptysis. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of ultrasound-guided biopsy among patients with lung lesions undergoing procedures in interventional radiology of a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Radiology and Imaging from 1 August 2018 to 30 September 2019 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. USG-guided biopsy of peripheral lung lesions was performed with an 18 gauge semiautomatic biopsy instrument and a 17 gauge coaxial needle. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Among 188 biopsy of lung lesions, ultrasound-guided biopsies were performed in 28 (14.89%) (9.80-19.98, 95% Confidence Interval). The prevalence of ultrasound guided biopsy among lung lesions is lower than other studies done in similar settings. biopsy; interventional radiology; lung neoplasms; prevalence.

Diagnostic Utility of Touch Imprint Cytology of Image Guided Core Needle Biopsy

Background: Touch imprint cytology of image guided core needle biopsy implies gentle rolling of core needle biopsy obtained with the aid of imaging modality from various organs. The aim of the study was to measure the diagnostic accuracy of touch imprint cytology of image guided core needle biopsy in comparison to histopathological diagnosis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 47 touch imprint cytology of image guided core needle biopsy in the department of pathology of a tertiary care centre between 1st October 2021 to 30th September 2022 after receiving ethical approval from the institutional review committee. The Papanicolaou and Giemsa-stained slides of touch imprint smear and haematoxylin - eosin-stained slides of core needle biopsy was analysed for adequacy and categorization as non-neoplastic, benign, atypical and malignant. Convenience sampling was done.&#x0D; Results: The most frequent site of image guided core needle biopsy was lung (40.4%). The adequacy rate of touch imprint cytology of image guided core needle biopsy was 85.1%. Among 40 cases of adequate touch imprint smear, 28 cases (70%) were categorized as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of touch imprint cytology for categorizing a malignant lesion was 91.18%, 95.45%, 96.88%, 87.5% and 92.86% respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The touch imprint cytology of image guided core needle biopsy is a useful modality for the rapid preliminary diagnosis of lesions of various organs with decreased turnaround time for diagnostic workup and ancillary studies.

Image-guided core-needle or surgical biopsy for neuroblastoma diagnosis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the International Society of Pediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO).

Image-guided core-needle biopsy (IGCNB) is a widely used and valuable clinical tool for tissue diagnosis of pediatric neuroblastoma. However, open surgical biopsy remains common practice even if children undergo more invasive and painful procedures. This review aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy and safety of IGCNBs in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed original articles published between 1980 and 2023, by searching "pediatric oncology," "biopsy," "interventional radiology," and "neuroblastoma." Exclusion criteria were patients older than 18years, studies concerning non-neurogenic tumors, case reports, and language other than English. Both the systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 533 abstracts articles were analyzed. Of these, eight retrospective studies met inclusion criteria (490 infants, 270 surgical biopsies [SB], 220 image-guided biopsies). Tissue adequacy for primary diagnosis (SB: n=265, 98%; IGCNB: n=199, 90%; p=.1) and biological characterization (SB: n=186, 95%; IGCNB: n=109, 89%; p=.15) was similar with both biopsy techniques, while intraoperative transfusion rate (SB: n=51, 22%; IGCNB: n=12, 6%; p=.0002) and complications (%) (SB: n=58, 21%; IGCNB: n=14, 6%; p=.005) were higher with surgical biopsy. Length of stay was similar in both groups; however, no additional data about concurrent diagnostic or treatment procedures were available in the analyzed studies. IGCNB is a safe and effective strategic approach for diagnostic workup of NB and should be considered in preferance to SB wherever possible.

The success rate of small renal mass core needle biopsy and its impact on lowering benign resection rate

BackgroundSmall renal mass (SRM) biopsy remains under-utilized due to stigma. Meanwhile, the alarmingly high benign findings in resected kidney masses highlight the need for improved preoperative diagnosis and patient selection.MethodsThe purpose of this study is to review the success rate of SRM biopsy and to evaluate its impact on patient management. A total of 168 percutaneous image-guided core needle biopsies (CNBs) of SRMs were retrieved at a tertiary academic center between 2015 and 2019. Subsequent treatment choices, side effects and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe diagnostic rate of CNB was 86.9%. Benign neoplasms accounted for a significant portion (14.3%) of SRM. Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) were the most common diagnoses (69.6%) as expected. In biopsy-resection correlation, the positive predictive value of CNB was 100%. Tumor typing and subtyping by CNB were highly accurate, 100% and 98.3% respectively. Nuclear grading for clear cell RCC was accurate in 83.8% cases. The CNB results had significant impact on treatment. Most patients with RCCs underwent either resection (54.1%) or ablation (33.9%), in contrast to observation in benign neoplasms (90.5%). Most importantly, the benign resection rate (3.2%) in this series was much lower than the national average.ConclusionCNB provided accurate diagnoses for the majority of SRMs and revealed benign diagnoses in a subset of clinically suspicious lesions. Employment of CNB in suspicious SRM may help avoid overtreatment for benign lesions.

Retained Biopsy Site Markers After Breast Lesion Surgical Resection: Associations With Residual Malignancy.

BACKGROUND. Biopsy site markers (BSMs) placed during image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) are typically targeted for surgical excision, along with the breast imaging abnormality. Retained BSMs raise concern of incomplete resection of the breast abnormality. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess the frequency of residual malignancy in patients with retained BSMs identified on the initial mammography performed after breast lesion surgical excision. METHODS. This retrospective study included 30 patients (median age, 59 years) who underwent surgical resection between August 2015 and April 2022 of a borderline, high-risk, or malignant breast lesion after CNB and technically adequate preoperative image-guided localization, in whom the initial postoperative mammography report described a retained nonmigrated BSM. EMR data were extracted. The index pathology from CNB and initial surgical resection was classified as malignant or nonmalignant. The presence of residual malignancy after initial surgical resection required pathologic confirmation from subsequent tissue sampling; the absence of residual malignancy required 2 years of benign imaging follow-up. RESULTS. Thirteen specimen radiographs were interpreted intraoperatively by a surgeon with later radiologist interpretation, and 17 underwent real-time radiologist interpretation. Eighteen patients had malignant index pathology from the initially resected lesion. The frequency of residual malignancy on subsequent follow-up after initial surgical resection was higher in patients with malignant than nonmalignant index pathology (39% [7/18] vs 0% [0/12], respectively; p = .02). Among patients with malignant index pathology, the frequency of residual malignancy was higher in those without, than with, malignancy in the initial surgical specimen (80% [4/5] vs 23% [3/13]; p = .047). Also in these patients, the frequency of a positive interpretation of the initial postoperative mammography (BI-RADS category 4 or 6) was not significantly different between those with and without residual malignancy (57% [4/7] vs 55% [6/11]; p > .99). CONCLUSION. Patients with retained BSMs associated with malignant index lesions are at substantial risk of having residual malignancy. Initial postoperative mammography is not sufficient for excluding residual malignancy. CLINICAL IMPACT. Retained BSMs associated with index malignancy should be considered suspicious for residual malignancy. In this scenario, timely additional tissue sampling targeting the retained BSM is warranted, given the greater-than-2% chance of malignancy. Active surveillance is a reasonable management strategy in patients with retained BSMs from nonmalignant index lesions.

Rapid on-site evaluation in percutaneous core needle biopsies of renal masses: Cytologic-histologic concordance and diagnostic challenges.

Image-guided fine needle aspirations (FNAs) and core needle biopsies (CNBs) play the critical role in diagnosis of renal lesions. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) can potentially increase the adequacy rate and improve diagnostic yield, while providing additional information for rapid clinical decisions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ROSE in obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis of renal lesions in our institution. We retrospectively reviewed all percutaneous renal CNB cases with available ROSE interpretations for a 11-year period. The ROSE interpretations and CNB diagnoses was compared and the concordance rate was calculated accordingly. The discrepant cases were re-reviewed and the possible causes for discrepancy were analyzed. A total of 189 cases were identified. Definitive diagnoses were rendered in 164 (87%) cases on the final CNBs, including primary renal lesions in 151 cases and metastatic malignancies in 13 cases. At the time of ROSE, samples were deemed to be adequate in the majority of cases (83%). The calculated concordance rate between ROSE interpretations and CNB final diagnoses was 84.6%. Sampling issue and scant tumor cells were the main causes for the discordance between ROSE interpretations and CNB diagnoses. Our study showed a relatively high-concordance rate of 84.6% between ROSE interpretations and CNB final diagnoses, suggesting that ROSE is a valuable tool for procurement of adequate renal CNB samples for diagnosis.

Complications and Histopathological Findings of Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy in Diagnosis of Cutaneous Calciphylaxis.

Complications and Histopathological Findings of Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy in Diagnosis of Cutaneous Calciphylaxis.

Coordinated and interdepartmental processing of image-guided core needle biopsies improves recovery of diagnostic material for molecular testing

Core needle biopsies (CNBs) are the current standard by which tissue is procured by minimally invasive means for diagnostic purposes. However, their diminutive nature often creates an imbalance between the amount of tissue available for morphologic examination and the growing number of tests being requested to be performed from them. An under-recognized by-product of this procedure may alleviate some of these supply issues, but requires a cooperative effort from personnel in interventional radiology and pathology to bring to fruition. We describe the theory, practice, and results of how to maximize the amount of diagnostic material that is available and coming from CNB’s for these growing number of tests. This coordinated approach will maintain the value of the CNB in the growing and competitive arena of minimally invasive assay development.

Abstract No. 228 Diagnostic Efficacy and Clinical Impact of Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Suspected Osteomyelitis

Abstract No. 228 Diagnostic Efficacy and Clinical Impact of Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Suspected Osteomyelitis

Oncological and functional outcome in a rare case of clear cell chondrosarcoma of the proximal femur

Chondrosarcomas are the second most common bone sarcomas, accounting for less than 0.5% of all cancers. The treatment plan can be improved by analyzing clinical characteristics and treatment patterns. The rarity and slow-growing nature of this tumour often lead to prolonged symptoms and also initial misdiagnosis with avascular necrosis of the femur, benign bone lesions like chondroblastoma. The initial reports of this patient suggested avascular necrosis of the femur head. His pain became severe and further investigations were done, MRI confirmed the diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma. An image-guided core needle biopsy suggested Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma (CCC). Wide local resection with negative margins forms the mainstay of treatment since intralesional procedures predispose to a high local recurrence rate. A prolonged follow-up is required since late local recurrences of tumour and distant metastases are common.

The Diagnostic Approach towards Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma-State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver cancer which displays clinicopathologic features of both hepatocellular (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA). The similarity to HCC and CCA makes the diagnostic workup particularly challenging. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) are blood tumour markers related with HCC and CCA, respectively. They can be used as diagnostic markers in cHCC-CCA as well, albeit with low sensitivity. The imaging features of cHCC-CCA overlap with those of HCC and CCA, dependent on the predominant histopathological component. Using the Liver Imaging and Reporting Data System (LI-RADS), as many as half of cHCC-CCAs may be falsely categorised as HCC. This is especially relevant since the diagnosis of HCC may be made without histopathological confirmation in certain cases. Thus, in instances of diagnostic uncertainty (e.g., simultaneous radiological HCC and CCA features, elevation of CA 19-9 and AFP, HCC imaging features and elevated CA 19-9, and vice versa) multiple image-guided core needle biopsies should be performed and analysed by an experienced pathologist. Recent advances in the molecular characterisation of cHCC-CCA, innovative diagnostic approaches (e.g., liquid biopsies) and methods to analyse multiple data points (e.g., clinical, radiological, laboratory, molecular, histopathological features) in an all-encompassing way (e.g., by using artificial intelligence) might help to address some of the existing diagnostic challenges.

Axillary lymph node "bubbly" calcifications and body tattoo: A case series and proposed algorithm to minimize lymph node biopsies.

The presence of mammographically evident hyperdense foci within axillary lymph nodes elicits concern for calcium deposits, which in turn have a wide differential diagnosis including both benign and malignant entities. Tissue sampling, most commonly by way of image-guided core needle biopsy, is needed in many cases when a definite etiology cannot be clinically established. In this case series we present history, imaging findings, and pathology results (or long term follow-up stability as biopsy surrogate) of several women with body tattoos who at mammography were noted to have a characteristic pattern of "bubbly" pseudo-calcifications within axillary lymph nodes, and absence of other mammographic, sonographic and clinical abnormalities.

Diagnostic accuracy and complications of image-guided core needle biopsy of lung lesions

Category: Interventional radiology and vascular