Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transvenous Biopsy of Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes: Diagnostic Accuracy and Safety Compared with CT-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy

PurposeTo compare the diagnostic accuracy and adverse event rates of intravascular ultrasound (US)-guided transvenous biopsy (TVB) versus those of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for retroperitoneal (RP) lymph nodes.Materials and MethodsIn this single-institution, retrospective study, 32 intravascular US-guided TVB procedures and a sample of 34 CT-guided PNB procedures for RP lymph nodes where targets were deemed amenable to intravascular US-guided TVB were analyzed. Procedural metrics, including diagnostic accuracy, defined as diagnostic of malignancy or a clinically verifiable benign result, and adverse event rates were compared.ResultsThe targets of intravascular US-guided TVB were primarily aortocaval (47%, 15/32) or precaval (34%, 11/32), whereas those of CT-guided PNB were primarily right pericaval (44%, 15/34) or retrocaval (44%, 15/34) (P < .001). The targets of intravascular US-guided TVB averaged 2.4 cm in the long axis (range, 1.3–3.7 cm) compared with 2.9 cm (range, 1.4–5.7 cm) for those of CT-guided PNB (P = .02). There was no difference in the average number of needle passes (3.8 for intravascular US-guided TVB vs 3.9 for CT-guided PNB; P = .68). The diagnostic accuracy was 94% (30/32) and the adverse event rate was 3.1% (1/32) for intravascular US-guided TVB, similar to those of CT-guided PNB (accuracy, 91% [31/34]; adverse event rate, 2.9% [1/34]).ConclusionsIntravascular US-guided TVB had a diagnostic accuracy and adverse event rate similar to CT-guided PNB for RP lymph nodes, indicating that intravascular US-guided TVB may be as safe and effective as conventional biopsy approaches for appropriately selected targets.     

What Is the Ideal Core Number for Ultrasonography-Guided Thyroid Biopsy of Cytologically Inconclusive Nodules?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Core needle biopsy of the thyroid under ultrasonographic guidance provides a larger tissue sample and may facilitate a more precise histologic diagnosis, reducing the need for repetitive fine-needle aspiration or a diagnostic operation. However, there is no consensus regarding the ideal number of specimens to be obtained for ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy. The aim of this study was to decide the ideal core number for ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy of cytologically inconclusive nodules.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty consecutive biopsies were performed in 60 thyroid nodules with Bethesda Category I or III cytology. Three biopsy cores were obtained for each thyroid nodule. The first biopsy specimens were taken from the nodule, while the second and third specimens obtained included the nodular tissue, nodular capsule, and surrounding parenchyma. Diagnostic ability was evaluated according to the following: protocol A, first specimen; protocol B, first and second specimens; and protocol C, all specimens. The McNemar test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS:Of the 60 nodules, diagnostic ability was achieved in 41 nodules (68%) with protocol A, in 56 nodules (93%) with protocol B, and in 58 nodules (97%) with protocol C. The diagnostic ability of protocols B and C was significantly higher than that of protocol A (all P values < .001). However, the diagnostic ability of protocol B was not significantly different from that of protocol C.CONCLUSIONS:Ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for cytologically inconclusive thyroid nodules should obtain at least 2 core specimens with intranodular and capsule targets.

Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is considered the criterion standard for the evaluation of thyroid nodules due to its simplicity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and diagnostic accuracy. However, a major limitation of FNA is the nondiagnostic and indeterminate cytology results that comprise approximately 10%–33.6% and 15%–42% of all FNA samples,^1–4 respectively. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology recommended repeat FNA for any nodule with initially nondiagnostic or indeterminate cytology results.⁵ However, repeat FNA does not seem to be a satisfactory solution because approximately 17%–47% of nodules with initially nondiagnostic cytology^6–9 and 38.5%–43% of nodules with initially indeterminate cytology^10,11 will be rediagnosed with inconclusive results.Core needle biopsy (CNB) of the thyroid gland under US guidance provides a larger tissue sample and may facilitate a more precise histologic diagnosis, reducing the need for repetitive FNA or a diagnostic operation.^11–18 In addition, US-guided CNB for thyroid nodules by using a modern spring-activated biopsy needle has been reported to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure.^19–23 However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no consensus regarding the ideal number of core specimens to be obtained for US-guided thyroid CNB.The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic ability based on biopsy core numbers and to decide the ideal core number for US-guided thyroid biopsy of cytologically inconclusive nodules.     

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transvenous Biopsy of Abdominal and Pelvic Targets Difficult to Access by Percutaneous Needle Biopsy: Technique and Initial Clinical Experience

PurposeTo report initial clinical experience with intravascular ultrasound (US)-guided transvenous biopsy (TVB) for perivascular target lesions in the abdomen and pelvis using side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography catheters.Materials and MethodsIn this single-institution, retrospective study, 48 patients underwent 50 intravascular US-guided TVB procedures for targets close to the inferior vena cava or iliac veins deemed difficult to access by conventional percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB). In all procedures, side-viewing phased-array intracardiac echocardiography intravascular US catheters and transjugular liver biopsy sets were inserted through separate jugular or femoral vein access sheaths, and 18-gauge core needle biopsy specimens were obtained under real-time intravascular US guidance. Diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy, and complications were analyzed.ResultsIntravascular US-guided TVB was diagnostic of malignancy in 40 of 50 procedures for a diagnostic yield of 80%. There were 5 procedures in which biopsy was correctly negative for malignancy, with a per-procedure diagnostic accuracy of 90% (45/50). Among the 5 false negatives, 2 patients underwent repeat intravascular US-guided TVB, which was diagnostic of malignancy for a per-patient diagnostic accuracy of 94% (45/48). There were 1 (2%) mild, 2 (4%) moderate, and 1 (2%) severe adverse events, with 1 moderate severity adverse event (venous thrombosis) directly attributable to the intravascular US-guided TVB technique.ConclusionsIntravascular US-guided TVB performed on difficult-to-approach perivascular targets in the abdomen and pelvis resulted in a high diagnostic accuracy, similar to accepted thresholds for PNB. Complication rates may be slightly higher but should be weighed relative to the risks of difficult PNB, surgical biopsy, or clinical management without biopsy.     

Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions: a prospective analysis in 204 cases

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasound (US)-guided 14 G core needle breast biopsy in non-palpable suspicious breast lesions.

Material and Methods: From August 1997 to April 2001, 198 patients with 204 suspicious non-palpable breast lesions underwent US-guided large core needle biopsy. Biopsies were performed with a free-hand technique using US equipment with a 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer; a minimum of three cores were obtained from each lesion. Pathological findings in US-guided core biopsy were correlated to findings in subsequent surgery or long-term (more than 2 years) imaging follow-up.

Results: Among the 204 non-palpable breast lesions for which histopathological findings were obtained by US-guided core biopsy, 118 were malignant (114 carcinoma, 2 metastasis, 1 lymphoma, and 1 malignant phyllodes tumor) and 86 were benign (4 carcinoma and 82 benign lesions confirmed at surgery or after at least 2 years of follow-up). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for diagnosis of malignancy in our series were 97%, 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Diagnostic yield with 1, 2, 3, and 4 specimens per lesion was 73.5%, 88%, 94%, and 97.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: US-guided core needle biopsy is a sensitive percutaneous biopsy method for diagnosing non-palpable breast lesions. To achieve a high diagnostic yield, a minimum number of three cores per lesion is advisable.     

Role of operator experience in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid

Purpose

Thyroid nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard in diagnosing the pathological nature of undetermined thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether operator experience influences the diagnostic accuracy of US-guided FNAB.

Materials and methods

A total of 700 consecutive US-guided FNAB done by a single radiologist between 2000 and 2007 were retrospectively analysed. The same freehand technique and capillary-action technique with 22- or 25-gauge needles was used for all nodules, All specimens were prepared and fixed without the cytologist on site and were subsequently analysed by two expert cytologists. The procedures were chronologically divided into seven groups and classified as diagnostic or nondiagnostic.

Results

The rate of nondiagnostic procedures for each group was 32% in group 1, 13% in group 2, 17% in group 3, 11% in group 4, 10% in group 5, 5% in group 6 and 8% in group 7. No major complications were recorded.

Conclusions

The rate of nondiagnostic US-guided FNAB is heavily dependent on the operator’s experience. We estimated that at least 200 procedures need to be performed in order to achieve the levels of diagnostic accuracy reported in the literature. We therefore suggest specific training before operators routinely perform this procedure in clinical practice.     

US-guided core biopsy of the spleen in children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, diagnostic yield, and clinical benefits of performing ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous splenic core biopsy in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US-guided splenic core biopsy was performed in 30 children aged 6 months to 15.3 years (mean, 7.0 years), with focal lesions in 27 patients and homogeneous splenomegaly in three. Four patients underwent repeat biopsy to identify changes in splenic disease. Four types of biopsy needles were used in this series. General anaesthesia was used in 21 patients and conscious sedation in nine. Medical records were reviewed to assess diagnostic accuracy, influence on treatment, and biopsy-related complications. RESULTS: All biopsies were performed without complication. Among the 30 biopsies, an accurate diagnosis was obtained in 25 (83%), a false-negative result was obtained in two (7%), and three (10%) were nondiagnostic. All conclusive results influenced treatment decisions. The mean number of needle passes was 2.7 per patient (range, 2-5 passes). Use of needles was 50%-100% successful in the acquisition of adequate tissue cores. Use of the 18-gauge needle was always successful in the safe acquisition of adequate tissue, with a maximum of three passes. CONCLUSION: US-guided splenic core biopsy is a minimally invasive, simple, and safe procedure for use in children. It provides relatively high diagnostic accuracy while minimizing complications when compared with alternative, more invasive procedures.     

US-guided core-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland

PURPOSE: To evaluate safety, yield, and accuracy of ultrasonography (US)-guided core-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings at 209 consecutive core-needle biopsies of lesions of the thyroid gland in 198 patients (median age, 48 years; age range, 14-80 years) were retrospectively reviewed. In 138 (66%), findings at previous fine-needle aspiration cytologic (FNAC) analysis were nondiagnostic on one to five occasions. Biopsy was performed as an outpatient procedure with direct US guidance by using nonadvancing 16-18-gauge core needles. Hospital records were reviewed 6 months to 5 years following biopsy to determine final diagnosis, delayed complications, and influence of biopsy findings on subsequent patient treatment. Final diagnoses were determined on the basis of findings at excisional histologic analysis, clinical course, or other laboratory values. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US-guided core-needle biopsy were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-nine (95%) specimens were adequate for histologic diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of core biopsy in differentiating neoplastic (malignant and benign) from nonneoplastic lesions of the thyroid gland were 96% (74 of 77), 89% (109 of 122), and 92% (183 of 199), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of core-needle biopsy in the detection of malignant neoplasms were 61% (11 of 18), 100% (181 of 181), and 96% (192 of 199), respectively. After US-guided core-needle biopsy, 115 (58%) of 198 patients were treated conservatively, and no evidence of missed tumor manifested during the follow-up period. In the 83 patients who underwent surgical resection, biopsy was performed for therapeutic reasons in 76 (92%) and for diagnostic reasons in seven (8%). There were three cases of small postbiopsy hematomas and one of minor hemoptysis, but none required hospital admission. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: US-guided core-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland is a safe outpatient procedure with a high diagnostic yield and accuracy, and frequently it obviates surgery in patients in whom findings at FNAC analysis are recurrently nondiagnostic.     

Effectiveness and Safety of Percutaneous CT-Guided Rib Biopsy

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate effectiveness and safety of percutaneous CT-guided rib biopsy.

MRI-guided abdominal biopsy in a 0.23-T open-configuration MRI system

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that when ultrasound (US) guidance is not feasible, abdominal biopsies can be performed safely and accurately under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance in a low-field environment. MRI-guided abdominal biopsy was performed on 31 consecutive patients, in whom US-guided abdominal biopsy was not possible because the lesion was not visualized in US (n=27) or an US-guided procedure was not considered safe (n=4). The locations of the lesions were liver (n=14), pancreas (n=6), lymph node (n=4), retroperitoneal mass (n=3), adrenal gland (n=3) and spleen (n=1). The average size of the lesion was 2.2 cm (range 1–4 cm) in maximum diameter. All procedures were done by using a 0.23-T open-configuration C-arm-shaped MRI scanner with interventional optical tracking equipment and software. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy was performed on all 31 patients; 18 patients underwent both FNA biopsy and cutting needle core biopsy. Procedures were evaluated for diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy as well as procedure time and complications. The FNA biopsy specimens were adequate for interpretation in 27 (87%) of 31 cases. Two of these proved to be false-negative findings during follow-up or subsequent biopsy. The final diagnosis was malignant in 15 and benign in 16 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNA biopsy were 71, 100 and 81%, respectively. Of the 18 core-needle biopsies, one was determined false-negative owing to nonrepresentativeness. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of histological samples were 90, 100 and 94%, respectively. The needle time was 19 min on average and the mean room time was 1 h 48 min. No immediate or late complications occurred. MRI-guided abdominal biopsy can be performed safely and accurately in a low-field environment in patients for whom an US-guided procedure is not feasible.     

CT-guided core needle biopsy of the lung in patients with primary malignancy suspected of lung metastasis: 5-year experience from a single institution

PURPOSEWe aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety profile of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in patients with primary malignancy suspected of lung metastasis and assess possible factors associated with nondiagnostic results.METHODSAll PTNBs with core needle performed in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 108 cases were found to have a history of primary malignancy with suspected lung metastasis. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure techniques and complications were evaluated as predictors of overall diagnosis, final diagnosis of lung metastasis, and nondiagnostic results. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate analysis.RESULTSThe overall diagnostic accuracy of PTNB was 83.3%. Lung metastasis was found in 52.8% of PTNBs (57 of 108) and nondiagnostic results were present in 27.6% (18 of 108). Of the 18 cases with nondiagnostic results, 11 cases had a final diagnosis of lung metastasis (61.1%), yielding PTNB a sensitivity of 83.8% and specificity of 100% for the detection of lung metastasis. Smaller lesion size (p = 0.014), pneumothorax (p = 0.026), and hemoptysis (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with overall nondiagnostic results. Similarly, smaller lesion size (p = 0.047), pneumothorax (p = 0.019), high-grade pulmonary hemorrhage (p = 0.019), and hemoptysis (p = 0.012) were significantly correlated with unsuccessful biopsies in the diagnosis of lung metastasis.CONCLUSIONCT-guided core needle biopsy of the lung in patients with primary malignancy suspected of lung metastasis has a high diagnostic accuracy with acceptable complication rates. Small lesion size, pneumothorax, high-grade pulmonary hemorrhage, and hemoptysis are significantly associated with nondiagnostic results in the final diagnosis of lung metastasis. Repeat biopsy and clinical/radiological follow-up should be considered in cancer patients with nondiagnostic results due to the high probability of lung metastasis.

Despite recent advances in the systematic treatment of cancer, the incidence of various types of cancer metastases continues to rise (1). Lung is the most common metastatic site for tumors except the liver (2), and about 20%–54% of patients with primary malignancy suffer from lung metastasis (LM) during development of the disease (3). Among them, breast, colon, kidney, head and neck are the most common primary sites of LM (4, 5). The diagnosis and determination of the magnitude and scope of LM is exceedingly important for confirming the stage of tumors for lung cancer and other malignancies, as well as the selection of operation or overall treatment options for patients (1, 3).Currently, computed tomography (CT) is considered to be an advanced and effective method to detect and diagnose LM. Although typical LM can generally be identified in CT examination, it is necessary to make the definite diagnosis of cancer progression; besides, some imaging features of atypical LM are various and difficult to diagnose, including solitary mass, cavitation, and hemorrhage around the metastatic nodules (6). So the histological specimens should confirm the final diagnosis when new nodules appear in the lung in patients with a history of primary malignancy. CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) has been proven to be an accurate, safe, and minimally invasive technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions, particularly pulmonary nodules, including LM (7, 8). The pathological diagnosis of metastasis or primary malignancy after PTNB is usually accurate with low false positivity rates; results without a specific diagnosis are considered nondiagnostic, which may lead to insufficient evidence to guide treatment and patient management; moreover, nondiagnostic results need more attention in biopsy procedure (9). Indeed, according to a recent large multicenter study of 2590 PTNBs with nondiagnostic results (10), the overall proportion of a final diagnosis of malignancy was 40.4%, and some malignancy-associated risk factors in nondiagnostic results were also shown. Moreover, another retrospective analysis found that history of malignancy was an important independent risk factor for the final diagnosis of malignancy in nondiagnostic biopsies (11), indicating the need for further evaluation of nondiagnostic cases of PTNB in patients with a history of primary malignancy.The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance and complications of PTNB of the lung with core needle in patients with primary malignancy and suspected LM and assess possible factors associated with nondiagnostic PTNB results over the past 5 years in our hospital.     

Direction of the Biopsy Needle in Ultrasound-Guided Renal Biopsy Impacts Specimen Adequacy and Risk of Bleeding

IntroductionAlthough medical factors such as hypertension and coagulopathy have been identified that are associated with hemorrhage after renal biopsy, little is known about the role of technical factors. The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of biopsy needle direction on renal biopsy specimen adequacy and bleeding complications.MethodsTwo hundred and forty-two patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided renal biopsies were included. A printout of the ultrasound picture taken at the time of the biopsy was used to measure the biopsy angle (“angle of attack” [AOA]) and to determine if the biopsy needle was aimed at the upper or lower pole and if the medulla was targeted or avoided.ResultsOf the 3 groups of biopsy angle, an AOA of between 50°-70° yielded the most glomeruli per core (P = .001) and the fewest inadequate specimens (4% vs 15% for > 70°, and 9% for < 50°, P = .038). Biopsy directed at a pole vs an interpolar region resulted in fewer inadequate specimens (8% vs 23%, P = .005), while biopsies that were medulla-avoiding resulted in fewer inadequate specimens (5% vs 16%, P = .004) and markedly reduced bleeding complications (12% vs 46%, P < .001) compared to biopsies where the medulla was entered.DiscussionAn AOA of approximately 60°, aiming at the poles, and avoiding the medulla were each associated with fewer inadequate biopsies and bleeding complications. While biopsy of the medulla is necessary for some diagnoses, the increased bleeding risk emphasizes the need for communication between nephrologist, pathologist, and radiologist.     

Influence of coronal and sagittal prosthetic foot alignment on socket reaction moments in transtibial prostheses during walking

BackgroundThe socket reaction moment (SRM) has been reported to change because of alignment changes in transtibial prosthetic sockets. However, the influence of prosthetic foot alignment on SRM remains unclear.Research questionAre SRMs predictable from alignment changes of prosthetic feet?MethodsTen users of transtibial prostheses participated in this study. Under five alignment conditions (3 ° plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, 6 ° inversion and eversion, and baseline alignment), temporal-spatial parameters and sagittal and coronal SRMs were measured during walking. Cadence, walking speed, step time, single support time, and step length were compared. The maximum/minimum SRM, % stance (timing) of the maximum/minimum SRM, Zero-cross, and SRMs at 5 %, 20 %, and 75 % stance were extracted and compared. Repeated measures analysis of variance or Friedman tests, and linear regression analyses were conducted for statistical analyses (i.e., alignment conditions as independent variables and SRM parameters as dependent variables).ResultsThe SRMs at 5%, 20 %, and 75 % stance showed significant differences under coronal angular changes. The minimum SRM, % stance of the minimum/maximum SRM, and Zero-cross showed significant differences under sagittal alignment changes. In linear regression analysis, the minimum SRM, % stance of the minimum/maximum SRM, SRM at 20 % stance, and Zero-cross were significant dependent variables in the sagittal plane. The maximum/minimum SRM, SRM at 20 % and 75 % stance, and % stance of the minimum SRM were significant dependent variables in the coronal plane.SignificanceThe results indicated that the changes in prosthetic feet angles may predict the magnitude of SRM (maximum/minimum SRM, SRM at 20 % and 75 % stance) in the coronal plane, and the timing of SRM (Zero-cross, % stance of the maximum/minimum SRM) in the sagittal plane. These findings suggest that the SRM may be useful for evaluating foot alignment in transtibial prostheses.     

Cáncer de mama: determinación del perfil genético a partir de la biopsia percutánea ecoguiada diagnóstica

ObjectivesTo evaluate the possibility of determining the genetic profile of primary malignant tumors of the breast from specimens obtained by ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsies during the diagnostic imaging workup.Material and methodsThis is a retrospective study in 13 consecutive patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by B-mode ultrasound-guided 12 G core needle biopsy. After clinical indication, the pathologist decided whether the paraffin block specimens seemed suitable (on the basis of tumor size, validity of the sample, and percentage of tumor cells) before sending them for genetic analysis with the MammaPrint® platform.ResultsThe size of the tumors on ultrasound ranged from 0.6 cm to 5 cm. In 11 patients the preserved specimen was considered valid and suitable for use in determining the genetic profile. In 1 patient (with a 1 cm tumor) the pathologist decided that it was necessary to repeat the core biopsy to obtain additional samples. In 1 patient (with a 5 cm tumor) the specimen was not considered valid by the genetic laboratory. The percentage of tumor cells in the samples ranged from 60% to 70%. In 11/13 cases (84.62%) it was possible to do the genetic analysis on the previously diagnosed samples.ConclusionIn most cases, regardless of tumor size, it is possible to obtain the genetic profile from tissue specimens obtained with ultrasound-guided 12 G core biopsy preserved in paraffin blocks.     

Radiation dose in 320-slice multidetector cardiac CT: A single center experience of evolving dose minimization

BackgroundMinimization of radiation exposure remains an important subject that occurs in parallel with advances in scanner technology.ObjectiveWe report our experience of evolving radiation dose and its determinants after the introduction of 320-multidetector row cardiac CT within a single tertiary cardiology referral service.MethodsFour cohorts of consecutive patients (total 525 scans), who underwent cardiac CT at defined time points as early as 2008, are described. These include a cohort just after scanner installation, after 2 upgrades of the operating system, and after introduction of an adaptive iterative image reconstruction algorithm. The proportions of nondiagnostic coronary artery segments and studies with nondiagnostic segments were compared between cohorts.ResultsSignificant reductions were observed in median radiation doses in all cohorts compared with the initial cohort (P < .001). Median dose-length product fell from 944 mGy · cm (interquartile range [IQR], 567.3–1426.5 mGy · cm) to 156 mGy · cm (IQR, 99.2–265.0 mGy · cm). Although the proportion of prospectively triggered scans has increased, reductions in radiation dose have occurred independently of distribution of scan formats. In multiple regression that combined all groups, determinants of dose-length product were tube output, the number of cardiac cycles scanned, tube voltage, scan length, scan format, body mass index, phase width, and heart rate (adjusted R² = 0.85, P < .001). The proportion of nondiagnostic coronary artery segments was slightly increased in group 4 (2.9%; P < .01).ConclusionWhile maintaining diagnostic quality in 320-multidetector row cardiac CT, the radiation dose has decreased substantially because of a combination of dose-reduction protocols and technical improvements. Continued minimization of radiation dose will increase the potential for cardiac CT to expand as a cardiac imaging modality.     

Breast Microcalcifications: Diagnostic Outcomes According to Image-Guided Biopsy Method

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic outcomes of ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB), US-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (US-VAB), and stereotactic-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (S-VAB) for diagnosing suspicious breast microcalcification.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 336 cases of suspicious breast microcalcification in patients who subsequently underwent image-guided biopsy. US-CNB was performed for US-visible microcalcifications associated with a mass (n = 28), US-VAB for US-visible microcalcifications without an associated mass (n = 59), and S-VAB for mammogram-only visible lesions (n = 249). Mammographic findings, biopsy failure rate, false-negative rate, and underestimation rate were analyzed. Histological diagnoses and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories were reported.

Results

Biopsy failure rates for US-CNB, US-VAB, and S-VAB were 7.1% (2/28), 0% (0/59), and 2.8% (7/249), respectively. Three false-negative cases were detected for US-CNB and two for S-VAB. The rates of biopsy-diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ that were upgraded to invasive cancer at surgery were 41.7% (5/12), 12.9% (4/31), and 8.6% (3/35) for US-CNB, US-VAB, and S-VAB, respectively. Sonographically visible lesions were more likely to be malignant (66.2% [51/77] vs. 23.2% [46/198]; p < 0.001) or of higher BI-RADS category (61.0% [47/77] vs. 22.2% [44/198]; p < 0.001) than sonographically invisible lesions.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is more accurate than US-CNB when suspicious microcalcifications are detected on US. Calcifications with malignant pathology are significantly more visible on US than benign lesions.     

Comparison of Core Needle Biopsy and Repeat Fine-Needle Aspiration in Avoiding Diagnostic Surgery for Thyroid Nodules Initially Diagnosed as Atypia/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance

ObjectiveTo compare core needle biopsy (CNB) and repeat fine-needle aspiration (rFNA) to reduce the rate of diagnostic surgery and prevent unnecessary surgery in nodules initially diagnosed as atypia/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS).Materials and MethodsThis study included 231 consecutive patients (150 female and 81 male; mean age ± standard deviation, 51.9 ± 11.7 years) with 235 thyroid nodules (≥ 1 cm) initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS, who later underwent both rFNA and CNB. The nodules that required diagnostic surgery after the biopsy were defined using three different scenarios according to the rFNA and CNB results: criterion 1, surgery for low-risk indeterminate (categories I and III); criterion 2, surgery for high-risk indeterminate (categories IV and V); and criterion 3, surgery for all indeterminate nodules (categories I, III, IV, and V). We compared the expected rates of diagnostic surgery between CNB and rFNA in all 235 nodules using the three surgical criteria. In addition, the expected rates of unnecessary surgery (i.e., surgery for benign pathology) were compared in a subgroup of 182 nodules with available final diagnoses.ResultsCNB showed significantly lower rates of nondiagnostic, AUS/FLUS, and suspicious for malignancy diagnoses (p ≤ 0.016) and higher rates of follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (p < 0.001) and malignant diagnoses (p = 0.031). CNB showed a significantly lower expected rate of diagnostic surgery than rFNA for criterion 1 (29.8% vs. 48.1%, p < 0.001) and criterion 3 (46.4% vs. 55.3%, p = 0.029), and a significantly higher rate for criterion 2 (16.6% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.001). CNB showed a significantly lower expected rate of unnecessary surgery than rFNA for criterion 1 (18.7% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.024).ConclusionCNB was superior to rFNA in reducing the rates of potential diagnostic surgery and unnecessary surgery for nodules initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS in a scenario where nodules with low-risk indeterminate results (categories I and III) would undergo surgery.     

Comparison of Fine-Needle Aspiration and Core Needle Biopsy under Ultrasonographic Guidance for Detecting Malignancy and for the Tissue-Specific Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Diagnostic test accuracy studies for ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy have shown inconclusive results due to their heterogenous study designs. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration versus ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for detecting malignant tumors of the salivary gland and for the tissue-specific diagnosis of salivary gland tumors in a single tertiary hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was waived. Four hundred twelve patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (n = 155) or ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy (n = 257) with subsequent surgical confirmation or clinical follow-up were enrolled. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy regarding malignant salivary gland tumors and the correct tissue-specific diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. We also tested the difference between these procedures according to the operator''s experience and lesion characteristics.RESULTS:The inconclusive rates of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy were 19% and 4%, respectively (P < .001). The overall accuracy of ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for diagnosing malignant tumors was significantly higher than that of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (P = .024). The correct tissue-specific diagnosis rates of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy were 95% versus 97% for benign tumors (P = .648) and 67% versus 80% for malignant tumors (P = .310). Trainees showed significantly lower accuracy with ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration than with ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy for diagnosing malignant tumors (P = .021). There was no difference between the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy according to the internal composition of the lesions. There were no complications requiring intervention or hospitalization in our patients.CONCLUSIONS:Ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy is superior to ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration in detecting and characterizing malignant tumors of the salivary gland and could emerge as the diagnostic method of choice for patients presenting with a salivary gland mass.

The preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland masses is important for avoiding unnecessary surgery for nonmalignant lesions, and for therapeutic planning for malignant tumors. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a well-accepted and widely used technique for the preoperative diagnosis of salivary gland masses, showing an average specificity for detecting malignant tumors among these masses of up to 96% with little variation from study to study.^1,2 Remarkable variation is seen in the sensitivity of FNA, however, which ranges from 33% to 100%, with an average of 79%.^1–7 A recently published meta-analysis has suggested the influence of verification bias on the reported diagnostic accuracies of FNA, leading to an underestimation of its sensitivity and overestimation of its specificity in previous articles.⁸ In addition to verification bias, differences in test conditions have a major effect on the diagnostic performance of FNA. These test conditions include the use of ultrasonography (US) guidance, the presence of a pathologist on site, the experience level of the operator and the pathologist, and the internal composition of the biopsied masses. For example, US guidance can increase the diagnostic performance of FNA compared with palpation guidance, as evidenced in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.⁹Core needle biopsy (CNB) under US guidance is used frequently for masses in the head and neck area^10–12 and has several advantages over either palpation-guided or US-guided FNA, including the ability to obtain a larger specimen with preserved tissue architecture for possible immunohistochemical staining. This potentially contributes to the low nondiagnostic rate and high average sensitivity (92%) and specificity (100%) of this procedure, with little variation in its ability to detect malignant tumors in salivary glands.¹³ Despite the advantages of CNB, its routine use for salivary gland tumors has been debated due to potential morbidity, such as facial nerve damage, use of local anesthesia, and patient discomfort.A recent meta-analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of FNA and CNB. The authors of that study could not reach a definitive conclusion, however, due to the significant heterogeneity regarding FNA findings in the literature, even with a systematic review.^1,14 Therefore, a study with a large series that considers different test conditions and minimizes any verification bias is still required for comparing the diagnostic performance of FNA and CNB and ultimately suggesting some clinical guidelines. Accordingly, we designed our current retrospective study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FNA and CNB, both performed under US guidance, for detecting malignancy and undertaking tissue-specific diagnoses of salivary gland tumors in a large series of patients in our tertiary hospital. We also evaluated the factors influencing the diagnostic performance of both techniques, including the experience level of the operator and the internal composition of the biopsied mass.     

Differential diagnosis between fibroadenoma, giant fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour: sonographic features and core needle biopsy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse mammographic and ultrasound (US) features of fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour and assess the diagnostic accuracy of mammography, US and US-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the differential diagnosis of these two lesions.

Materials and methods

The results of the pathological analysis of excision biopsy of 83 lesions (67 fibroadenomas and 16 phyllodes tumours) were correlated with the findings of mammography, US and US-guided CNB performed on 83 women with a mean age of 45.4 years (range 18?C75 years).

Results

Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values compared with histology were 45%, 50% and 79% for mammography, 34%, 69% and 82% for US and 81%, 97% and 87% for US-guided CNB (p=0.001).

Conclusions

The almost complete overlap between mammographic and US parameters of fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumours and the absence of pathognomonic features preclude the differential diagnosis between the two histological types. US-guided CNB is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis between fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour.     

Combined Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound-Guided Transjugular Kidney Biopsy in Cirrhotic Patients

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and diagnostic yield of combined fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided transjugular kidney biopsy (TJKB) in cirrhotic patients with suspected renal parenchymal disease.

Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy as an initial diagnostic test for palpable breast masses.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy as an initial diagnostic test for palpable breast masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive patients, each with a palpable breast mass, were referred for US-guided core biopsy by a multidisciplinary team of physicians who specialize in the care of breast diseases. All palpable breast masses were clearly visible on high-resolution US. Ninety-nine core needle biopsies were performed under local anesthesia with use of freehand technique, mostly in an outpatient setting. Core needle path through each mass was documented in two orthogonal sections. A mean of 3.4 tissue core samples (range, 1-7) were obtained in each patient. RESULTS: Core needle biopsy resulted in the diagnosis of 66 malignancies, two cases of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), and 30 benign diseases of the breast. Surgery with curative intent was performed in 63 breast malignancies and excisional biopsies were performed for 10 benign diseases (two cases of ADH and eight benign lesions). Twenty-five breast masses were managed nonoperatively: chemotherapy was performed in three locally advanced breast cancers and 3-year follow-up was conducted for 22 benign lesions. Malignancies were correctly diagnosed in all cases. No malignancy was discovered at surgery or during clinical follow-up of ADH and no benign breast lesions were diagnosed by core needle biopsy. US-guided core needle biopsy is 100% sensitive and specific for palpable breast malignancies, with no false-positive results. A puncture site ecchymosis was the only morbidity or complication noted. CONCLUSION: US-guided core needle biopsy is a safe and accurate first diagnostic test for palpable breast masses that require tissue proof.