STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of a modified Abrams needle pleural biopsy technique (A1) with the standard Abrams (A2) and Cope needle biopsy methods. The modified Abrams pleural biopsy technique consisted of suctioning each tissue sample into a syringe without removing the needle completely from the chest until the completion of the entire procedure. Both the standard Ab...

In a prospective study pleural biopsy specimens obtained with a Tru-cut needle were compared with those obtained with an Abrams pleural biopsy punch from 36 patients in Zimbabwe judged to have an effusion of at least 1.5 litres; one patient had two biopsies. Both instruments were used on each patient, the Abrams punch being followed by the Tru-cut needle. There were no serious complications. Th...

Background: Blind percutaneous pleural biopsy has traditionally been performed to investigate the etiology of exudative pleural effusion in which the initial thoracocentesis has been non- diagnostic. In view of the increasing use of image-guided and thoracoscopic pleural biopsies, this study examined the role of blind Abrams pleural biopsy in the investigation of the exudative pleural effusion ...

BACKGROUND Tuberculous pleuritis remains the commonest cause of exudative effusions in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and histological and/or microbiological confirmation on pleural tissue is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Uncertainty remains regarding the choice of closed pleural biopsy needles. OBJECTIVES This prospective study compared ultrasound-assisted Abrams and Tru...

background: blind percutaneous pleural biopsy has traditionally been performed to investigate the etiology of exudative pleural effusion in which the initial thoracocentesis has been non- diagnostic. in view of the increasing use of image-guided and thoracoscopic pleural biopsies, this study examined the role of blind abrams pleural biopsy in the investigation of the exudative pleural effusion ...

The object of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of Abrams and Cope needles. Pleural biopsies were performed in 24 patients with both needles. In two patients, the procedure was repeated within a few days. All patients had pleural effusion. The biopsies were performed at the same time; the biopsy sites were no more than 5 cm distant from each other. Diagnoses were exclusively pathol...

Multiple pleural biopsies (up to 10) were taken with the Abrams needle through a single aspiration site in 55 patients with pleural effusions. A definite positive or suggestive pleural biopsy diagnosis was made in 33 patients (60%). In 32 of the 33 patients the pathological abnormality was confined to only a proportion of the biopsies. Pleural biopsies were positive or suggestive in 26 out of 3...

cannula, a curette needle, and a hollow bevelled needle with an inner removable stylet. The shaving action of the cannula over the curette after it has engaged the pleura is the recommended technique of pleural biopsy. The Abrams' needle consists of two main concentric tubes:3 the outer hollow trocar has a deep notch proximal to the tip and the cutting action of the inner hollow tube as it is a...

BACKGROUND Blind percutaneous pleural biopsy has traditionally been performed to investigate the etiology of exudative pleural effusion in which the initial thoracocentesis has been non- diagnostic. In view of the increasing use of image-guided and thoracoscopic pleural biopsies, this study examined the role of blind Abrams pleural biopsy in the investigation of the exudative pleural effusion i...