Pericardioscopy and biopsy

Summary The diagnosis of malignant pericardial effusion is usually made by pericardial fluid cytology or open pericardial biopsy. A case is reported where diagnostic difficulty warranted flexible pericardioscopy under fluoroscopic guidance. The technique is described.     

Does lung biopsy help patients with interstitial lung disease?

OBJECTIVES: The decision to perform lung biopsy in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is based on the probability that this examination will yield a specific diagnosis, leading to a change in treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the diagnostic yield of lung biopsy for ILD. METHODS: One hundred patients underwent lung biopsy for ILD over a 5-year period. There were 59 men and 41 women; with a median age of 51.5 years. Thirty percent underwent open lung biopsy, while 70% had videothoracoscopic biopsy. Patient and disease characteristics, prior diagnostic studies, pre-operative therapy, biopsy type, site, size, number, and laterality were compared to identify factors that might influence diagnostic yield. RESULTS: Forty-two percent had a specific diagnosis, while 58% had a non-specific diagnosis. Right side was selected in 57.1% of patients with a specific diagnosis and 48.3% of patients without a specific diagnosis (P=0.381). Right lower lobe was the main site for biopsy in the specific diagnosis group compared to the non-specific group (35.7 versus 20.7%, P=0.095). Left upper lobe was the main site for biopsy in the non-specific diagnosis group compared to the specific diagnosis group (41.4 versus 23.8%, P=0.067). Mean volume of biopsy was 12.3 cm(3) in the specific diagnosis group and 12 cm(3) in the non-specific diagnosis group (P=0.373). Two or more biopsies were carried out in 38.1% of the specific diagnosis group compared to 25.9% of the non-specific diagnosis group (P=0.192). There were no significant factors in predicting a diagnostic yield. Of those patients with a specific diagnosis, 59.5% had therapy altered, compared to 55.2% of those with a non-specific diagnosis (P=0.664). CONCLUSIONS: Lung biopsy does not always provide a specific diagnosis and does not always change therapy. The site, size, number, and laterality of the biopsy specimen have no definite influence on diagnosis. There is a trend to improve diagnostic yield by carrying out two or more biopsies on the right lung.     

Percutaneous needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions

Percutaneous needle biopsy of lung lesions has proved useful in the diagnosis of tumors and infectious lesions of the lung. Accurate tissue diagnosis of tumors was obtained in 81 percent of attempts, and an accurate microbiologic diagnosis was obtained in 75 percent of infectious lesions. Eleven percent (23 of 213) of patients biopsied for tumor were spared diagnostic thoracotomy, and only one biopsy gave a false-positive result. There has been no mortality, and the only significant morbidity was a 12 percent incidence of pneumothorax necessitating chest tube insertion. The use of this technique in varied clinical settings has made it a valuable and often primary diagnostic tool for lung lesions.     

Stereotactic biopsy of brain stem masses: Decision analysis and literature review

BACKGROUND: Adult brain stem tumors are rare, and diverse pathology can be found in this location. Stereotactic biopsy of lesions in the brain stem has been performed since the 1960s with high diagnostic and low complication rates. Advances in imaging technology have raised questions regarding the utility of biopsy. We perform decision analysis to aid clinicians in their approach to management of adult brain stem lesions. METHODS: A structured literature search revealed 20 publications with 457 patients who had undergone brain stem lesion biopsy. These publications were reviewed to determine diagnostic rates and the incidence of complications. Standard decision analytic techniques were applied to the case of a virtual adult patient with a lesion in the brain stem. RESULTS: A 1-way sensitivity analysis revealed the likelihood that the preoperative diagnosis was correct and the rate at which incorrect treatment was based on faulty empirical diagnosis as the 2 factors with the greatest effects on patient outcome. The diagnostic rate and complication rate of biopsy, within the ranges reported in the literature, had lesser effects. A threshold analysis was constructed to compare outcomes from stereotactic biopsy vs empiric therapy for a brain stem lesion. The probability that the preoperative diagnosis is correct is plotted vs the probability that empirical treatment based on an incorrect diagnosis will have adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: Management of lesions in the adult brain stem requires careful consideration of multiple preoperative factors including clinical and radiographic diagnostic certainty, consequences of empiric therapy, and the surgeon's complication rate.     

Diagnosis of renal tumors on needle biopsy specimens by histological and molecular analysis

PURPOSE: We diagnosed the subtypes of renal cell carcinoma on needle core biopsies using a combination of histopathology and a molecular diagnostic algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Core biopsies were taken of renal tumors following nephrectomy. RNA was extracted and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for 4 gene products to differentiate among renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Histopathological diagnosis was achieved on a second core before and after obtaining the molecular diagnostic algorithm results. RESULTS: Based on the nephrectomy diagnosis 6 of 77 renal masses were nonneoplastic and 71 were tumors, including 65 renal cell carcinoma/oncocytomas. The overall diagnostic accuracy using histology and our molecular diagnostic algorithm combined was 90.0% (70 of 77). Side by side comparison of histology vs molecular diagnostic algorithm was feasible for 60 classifiable renal cell carcinoma/oncocytomas (31 clear cell, 14 papillary renal cell carcinoma, 6 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, 2 mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma, and 7 oncocytoma). In this group histology correctly predicted the final histological subtype in 83.3% (50 of 60) of cores. Addition of the molecular diagnostic algorithm to histology improved the subtyping accuracy to 95% (57 of 60), whereas the molecular diagnostic algorithm alone was accurate in 50 of 60 cases (83.3%). Dividing these 60 specimens into clear cell and nonclear cell neoplasms, the addition of the molecular diagnostic algorithm improved the sensitivity for the diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma from 87.1% (27 of 31) to 100% and the negative predictive value from 87.5% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Core biopsies of renal tumors provide adequate material for diagnosing and subtyping renal cell carcinoma. The addition of our molecular diagnostic algorithm to histology improved the diagnostic accuracy of core biopsies of renal masses.     

Percutaneous visceral pleural biopsy with fenestrated cup biopsy forceps.

When there is an exudative pleural effusion often both the parietal and the visceral pleura are affected, but the usual practice is to perform a percutaneous parietal pleural biopsy alone for diagnosis. Percutaneous visceral pleural biopsy was carried out in 20 patients with exudative pleural effusions with fenestrated cup biopsy forceps. In all 20 biopsies pleural tissue was obtained and it was diagnostic in 19 cases. The procedure is painless and appears safe.     

CT引导下经皮穿刺活检食管占位性病变的有效性及安全性

目的 观察CT引导下经皮穿刺活检食管占位性病变的有效性及安全性。方法 回顾性分析37例接受CT引导下经皮穿刺活检的食管占位性病变患者（37个病灶）,统计取材成功率、穿刺病理诊断率及诊断准确率（以术后病理诊断或随访诊断为最终诊断）和术中、术后并发症。结果 37个病灶均穿刺取材成功并获明确病理诊断,32个病理结果为阳性（肿瘤性病变）、5个为阴性（炎性病变或正常组织）,穿刺病理诊断率100%。32个阳性病变穿刺病理诊断与最终诊断结果均一致;5个穿刺阴性病变中,3个与最终诊断一致,2个术后病理均为胃肠间质瘤,穿刺诊断准确率为94.59%（35/37）,假阴性率40.00%（2/5）。术后2例出现少量气胸、3例穿刺针道少量出血,1周后均自然吸收,并发症发生率13.51%（5/37）。结论 CT引导下经皮穿刺食管占位性病变安全、有效。     

Computerized axial tomography and fine-needle biopsy in surgery of the pancreas.

Notable advances have been made in the investigation of pancreatic disorders. However, many of the diagnostic tests required are still of an invasive nature and are attended by difficulty and risk. The authors have found that the noninvasive method of axial tomography is highly reliable for the evaluation of pancreatic lesions, especially in cases in which a pancreatic mass is present or the duct of Wirsung is dilated. This procedure can also be helpful in the follow-up of patients who have suffered from acute or chronic pancreatitis. The same diagnostic problem is present at operation. To obtain a quick and reliable diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, the authors performed fineneedle aspiration biopsies followed by immediate staining and examination of the specimen. Among 43 patients an accurate diagnosis was obtained in 41 instances and no complication was ascribed to this diagnostic procedure.     

Yield and efficacy of biopty gun testis needle biopsy

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether a preliminary skin incision enhances diagnostic yield of percutaneous testis biopsy and to further evaluate the clinical efficacy of this procedure. METHODS: A total of 45 men (67 testes) underwent testicular biopsy with two passes of a Biopty gun spring-loaded needle. Twenty-seven biopsies were performed without a preliminary skin incision (group 1), and 40 were performed after a small scrotal incision (group 2). In 56 testes, needle biopsy histopathologic diagnosis was compared with that of open biopsy or orchiectomy specimens from the same patient. Needle and surgical specimens were fixed in Bouin's solution and sent separately for independent, blinded, histologic interpretation. RESULTS: Complications of the procedure were negligible. In all 67 needle biopsies, specimen quality was adequate for histopathologic interpretation. The mean number of seminiferous tubules obtained from needle biopsy was 28% higher among patients having a preliminary skin incision (25.9) compared with those without (18.7, P = 0.023). Correlation between needle and open histopathologic diagnosis was excellent (55 of 56, 98%). CONCLUSIONS: A preliminary skin incision made before needle biopsy increases the diagnostic yield of percutaneous testis biopsy. Percutaneous testis biopsy using the Biopty gun needle provides equal diagnostic information when compared with open testis biopsy or orchiectomy specimens. The concomitant reduction in morbidity and cost make this an attractive diagnostic procedure.     

Value of tissue biopsy in bone and joint tuberculosis

This study discusses the difficulties in making the diagnosis of bone and joint tuberculosis and underlines the diagnostic value of tissue biopsy from the site of the suspected tuberculosis lesion. Fifty-two patients, suffering from this disease, underwent treatment at our hospital between 1980-1986. In 27 cases (51%) the diagnosis was made on the basis of the clinical picture and various tests not including biopsy. The other 25 cases (48%) required a biopsy, and tissue specimens were sent for histological examination and culture with the L?wenstein-Jensen medium. In 9 (17.3%) patients the biopsy was performed early, while in another 16 (30.8%) patients there was a delay (23 months on average). From the total of 25 biopsies the histological examination showed findings compatible to tuberculosis in 23 (92%), while the culture of the same material was positive only in 10 (40%). The high rate of diagnostic accuracy with the biopsy, proves that this method is probably the most useful one for the diagnosis of bone and joint tuberculosis and emphasizes the need to use this method more often.     

Ultrasonic scanning after percutaneous renal biopsy

Renal ultrasonic scanning was performed before and after 57 consecutive kidney biopsies in order to assess the value of this method in the diagnosis of complications. One large and six small perirenal haematomas were found, corresponding to an incidence of 13%. This figure is considerably larger than the incidence found with conventional diagnostic methods, but smaller than with computed tomography. One hydronephrosis and a blood clot in the urinary bladder were also diagnosed. No clinically significant complications were missed. We recommend ultrasonography as the first diagnostic procedure when biopsy complications are suspected.     

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of primary bone tumors

A review of 66 consecutive fine needle aspiration biopsies of primary bone tumors revealed that 48 (73%) were diagnostic. Twelve (18%) yielded inadequate specimens unsatisfactory for diagnosis, and five (8%) yielded specimens adequate for partial diagnosis. The only error, presumably attributable to sampling error, was an unappreciated dedifferentiated osteosarcoma arising in an otherwise typical giant cell tumor. Fine needle aspiration biopsy obviated the need for open biopsy in 24 patients and simplified surgery in an additional 24 patients by establishing the diagnosis before surgical intervention. A solitary soft tissue recurrence of a giant cell tumor has been the only local recurrence. A review of 26 consecutive patients with osteosarcoma revealed that seven tumors were diagnosed by primary open biopsy. Nineteen patients had fine needle aspiration biopsy, of which 15 were diagnostic and four required supplemental open biopsy. The elapsed time between the initial office visit and the diagnostic confirmation averaged 5 days for patients requiring open biopsy compared with 0 days for patients whose fine needle aspiration biopsy was diagnostic. The total estimated charge for fine needle aspiration biopsy of a distal femoral osteosarcoma was $1060.00 compared with $4312.25 for open biopsy. There have been no local recurrences in patients in either group. Fine needle aspiration biopsy provides an accurate, safe, efficient, well tolerated, and cost-effective method for diagnosing classic primary bone tumors, including osteosarcoma.     

Reassessing specimen number and diagnostic yield of ultrasound guided breast core biopsy

To reassess the minimum number of specimens required for an accurate diagnosis compared to the standard acquisition of five specimens. A total of 190 consecutive breast mass biopsies were performed using a 14-gauge core biopsy needle under ultrasound guidance. Two to six specimens were obtained from each mass and placed in sequential containers. Each specimen was evaluated by a pathologist in the order it was obtained and was labeled as "diagnostic' or 'non-diagnostic'. During the biopsy procedure, the radiologist indicated after which number biopsy he was confident that an adequate diagnostic specimen had been obtained. This was based upon real-time visualization of the needle passing through the lesion and whether the specimen sank or floated in formalin. These observations were compared with the pathologic diagnostic yield according to specimen number. Fifty-eight lesions (30.5%) were malignant, four (2.1%) were atypical, and 128 (67.4%) were benign. Histologic diagnosis was obtained after the first specimen in 157 (82.6%) lesions, the second specimen in 172 (90.5%) lesions, the third specimen in 186 (97.9%) lesions, the fourth specimen in 188 (98.9%) lesions, and the fifth specimen in 190 (100%) lesions. A histologic diagnosis was made in 90% of the malignant lesions after the first biopsy pass, 95% after the second pass, 98% after the third pass, and 100% after the fourth and fifth passes. Nine (4.7%) lesions showed discrepancy between the radiologist's confidence of diagnosis and pathologic diagnostic yield. Of these lesions, seven were benign and two were malignant. A diagnostic yield of 95% was obtained based on operator estimate of the minimum number of required core biopsies. A high diagnostic yield of 98% was achieved after three biopsy passes and 100% after five passes.     

Videothoracoscopic lung biopsy in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease

Objective: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) require lung biopsy for the diagnosis in more than 30% of patients. Open lung biopsy (OLB) was generally considered the most reliable method of biopsy and tissue diagnosis. This study tests the diagnostic accuracy and safety of the videothoracoscopic lung biopsy (VTLB) in the diagnosis of ILD. Methods: During the last 5 years, 58 patients were submitted to VTLB under general anesthesia. The mean age was 49.6±12.0 years (range 21–69). All the biopsies were performed by an endostapler EndoPath 30 or 45. Conversion to minithoracotomy was necessary in only one patient because of extensive pleural sinfisis. All the specimens were sent to the microbiology and pathology department for microbiological and histopathological diagnosis. One chest-tube (28F) was positioned and connected to a drainage-system and placed on suction. Results: The histopathological diagnosis was obtained for all patients and therefore the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure was 100%. No postoperative haemothorax occurred and only two patients experienced a prolonged air-leakage (3.4%). The median duration of the chest-drain was 3 days (range 1–7) and the median hospital stay was 4 days (range 2–7). Conclusion: VTLB provides adequate specimen volume for histopathologic diagnosis and achieves a very high diagnostic accuracy (100% in our series). The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are lower than those related to OLB. We conclude that VTLB is an effective and safe procedure in the diagnosis of ILD.     

Percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy for the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary consolidation

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of persistent pulmonary consolidations. The secondary objective was to determine the complication rate and identify factors affecting diagnostic yield.Materials and methodsTwo radiologists retrospectively reviewed 98 percutaneous CT-guided biopsies performed in 93 patients (60 men, 33 women; mean age, 62 ± 14.0 (SD) years; range: 18–88 years) with persistent pulmonary consolidations. Final diagnoses were based on surgical outcomes or 12 months clinical follow-up findings. Biopsy results were compared to the final diagnosis to estimate diagnostic yield.ResultsA final diagnosis was obtained for all patients: 51/93 (54.8%) had malignant lesions, 12/93 (12.9%) specific definite benign lesions (including 9 infections, two pneumoconiosis and one lipoid pneumonia) and 30/93 (32.3%) non-specific benign lesions. CT-guided biopsy had an overall diagnostic yield of 60% (59/98) with a correct diagnosis for 50/51 malignant lesions (diagnostic yield of 98% for malignancy) and for 9/47 benign lesions (diagnostic yield of 19% for benign conditions). Major complications occurred in 4/98 (4%) of lung biopsies (four pneumothoraxes requiring chest tube placement).ConclusionPercutaneous CT-guided biopsy is an alternative to endoscopic or surgical biopsy for the diagnosis of persistent consolidation with a low risk of severe complication.     

Stereotactic biopsy considerations for pineal tumors

Pineal region tumors represent 0.4% to 1.0% of intracranial tumors in American literature. Obtaining a tissue diagnosis is the cornerstone of the rational management of pineal lesions. The initial surgical decision involves choosing between a stereotactic biopsy and open microsurgical procedures. Open resection facilitates the maximal removal of tumor volume and has diagnostic accuracy and improved prognosis. Stereotactic biopsy is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications. A review of all major series reporting stereotactic biopsy for pineal region lesions reveals a mean diagnostic yield of 94%, with a morbidity of 1.3% and a mortality of 8.1%.     

Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy of mediastinal lesions

Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy of mediastinal lesions was done in 49 patients. A high diagnostic value was obtained from lung (80%) and thymoma (70%) in mediastinal metastasis. The diagnostic rate for mediastinal malignant lymphoma, benign mediastinal cysts, and teratoma was 66.7%, 50% and 50% respectively. Pathological diagnosis of neurogenic tumors showed a positive rate of 33.3%. The procedure therefore, should be used selectively.     

Needle biopsy in the assessment and management of hypofunctioning thyroid nodules

Needle biopsy of hypofunctioning solitary thyroid nodules provides direct diagnostic information which would be otherwise obtainable only by surgery. The technique is safe and cost-effective. It provides a high diagnostic yield. It is also useful in planning surgery and reducing dependence on frozen-section diagnosis, which is often difficult with thyroid nodules. Technical and interpretative precautions are discussed. Of 192 patients undergoing this procedure, a satisfactory specimen was obtained in 95 percent. Needle aspiration biopsy (fine needle) was done in 110 patients with good cytologic correlation. Of 52 glands subsequently excised, carcinoma was present in 22 (42 percent). The preoperative diagnosis had been made in 19 (86 percent) of the latter group. This procedure is recommended for consideration in the assessment and management of hypofunctioning thyroid nodules.     

Prostate cancer detection with office based saturation biopsy in a repeat biopsy population

PURPOSE: Patients at increased risk for prostate cancer with previously negative biopsies pose a diagnostic challenge. We have previously demonstrated that extensive saturation biopsy can be performed in an office setting. We now report the diagnostic yield of office saturation biopsy in patients at increased risk for prostate cancer and at least 1 negative prior biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed saturation prostate biopsy with local anesthesia in the office in 116 patients with at least 1 prior negative biopsy and with certain risk factors, namely persistently elevated prostate specific antigen, abnormal digital rectal examination, or prior atypia or PIN on prior biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 34 cancers were detected for an overall diagnostic yield of 29%. A 64% detection rate was noted when a patient had undergone a single prior sextant biopsy. Subgroup analysis revealed a cancer detection rate of 41% when only prior sextant biopsies were performed, and a 24% detection rate when 10 or more cores were taken on prior biopsy. The detection rate was 33% when only 1 prior biopsy was taken and it was 24% when 2 or more prior biopsies were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Saturation biopsy can be performed safely and effectively in the office with a significant diagnostic yield even in patients with previous extended biopsy schemes. We believe that it should be the next diagnostic step after an initial negative biopsy in patients in whom the diagnosis of prostate cancer is strongly suspected.     

经皮肾穿刺活检术中的临床应用

经皮肾穿刺活检术是较为安全、准确的肾肿瘤诊断方法。良性肾肿瘤通常无需手术治疗,穿刺活检术可以用于良性肾肿瘤的诊断,使患者避免不必要的外科治疗。经皮肾穿刺活检能明确肿瘤性质,为临床医师选择合理的治疗方案提供重要依据。目前经皮肾穿刺活检也应用于射频消融治疗肾肿瘤术后病灶残留或复发的评估与确诊。本文就经皮肾穿刺活检的诊断效果、适应证及风险作一综述。