Interventional radiology techniques for the diagnosis of lymphoma or leukemia

Abstract

Background. Fluid aspiration, percutaneous biopsy, and catheter drainage are standard minimally invasive methods of diagnosing lymphoma or leukemia in adults.

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of interventional radiologic techniques in diagnosing specific hematologic malignancies in children.

Methods. During a 4-year period, 22 patients (16 male, 6 female; median age, 13 years) underwent 25 percutaneous biopsies, 6 fluid aspirations, 3 catheter drainages, and 1 needle localization for diagnosing suspected hematologic malignancy.

Results. For Hodgkin's disease, the procedures yielded 6 true-positive (TP) results, 2 true-negative (TN) results, and 2 false-negative (FN) results; for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 14 TP results, 1 TN result, and 3 FN results; and for leukemia, 4 TP results and 3 FN results. Percutaneous biopsies yielded 16 TP results, 3 TN results, and 6 FN results. Aspirations and drainages yielded 8 TP results and 1 FN result. The one needle localization yielded a FN result. Overall sensitivity was 75%±7.3%; specificity, 100%; and accuracy, 77%±7.1%.

Conclusion. Percutaneous biopsy of lymphoma is usually diagnostic. Drainage or aspiration of a fluid collection associated with NHL or leukemia is often diagnostic and is less invasive than biopsy. These procedures are minimally invasive and effective for diagnosing pediatric hematologic malignancies.