Focal hepatic lesion ultrasound-guided biopsies.

PURPOSE To compare the results of pathologic and cytologic reports of specimens acquired from focal liver lesions using ultrasound-guided biopsy and to evaluate the necessity of performing both techniques in the same patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS 21 patients were eligible for enrollment in the study. Specimens for both pathologic and cytologic examination were obtained from 16 lesions using a 17G needle guide in a single puncture attempt. In 2 cases the diagnosis was based on cytologic smears. In 3 cases only histologic sections were acquired. The needle was introduced under continuous ultrasonographic control using a freehand technique. A cytologist was present at all times. RESULTS The diagnostic sensitivity of cytologic examination was 83.33% and that of histologic examination was 94.74%. Histology diagnosed all cases of benign lesions and was proved inconclusive in 1 patient. The diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of both methods combined reached 100%. In 94.4% malignancy was immediately diagnosed by cytology. CONCLUSIONS Combination of both methods should increase the sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing focal liver lesions performing a safe minimally invasive technique.