Abstract
Background: We assessed the safety and efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy with the Quick-Core biopsy needle.
Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with liver failure and contraindications to percutaneous liver biopsy were referred for transjugular liver biopsy. Eighteen (36%) patients had thrombocytopenia (platelet range = 44–92/μL, mean = 66/μL), 31 (62%) patients had elevated prothrombin times (international normalized ratio range = 1.3–3, mean = 1.6), and 19 (38%) patients had ascites. The Cook Quick-Core biopsy needle was used.
Results: Average procedure time was 30 min. Transjugular access to the hepatic veins was successful in 49 of 50 cases. A transfemoral approach was used in one patient. Tissue specimens were satisfactory for histologic diagnosis in all cases. Established cirrhosis was present in 37 (74%) patients. The mean number of cores was 2.2 (range = 1–3). The mean number of portal triads per core was 10.4 (range = 6–20). There were no procedure-related complications.
Conclusion: Transjugular liver biopsy with the Quick-Core biopsy needle is safe and effective in patients in whom the percutaneous route is contraindicated by coagulopathy or ascites.
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Received: 27 September 2001/Revision accepted: 9 January 2002
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Bruzzi, J., O'Connell, M., Thakore, H. et al. Transjugular liver biopsy: assessment of safety and efficacy of the Quick-Core biopsy needle. Abdom Imaging 27, 711–715 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-002-0020-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-002-0020-8