Does the size of the needle influence the number of portal tracts obtained through percutaneous liver biopsy?
Journal Title: Annals of Hepatology - Year 2012, Vol 11, Issue 5
Abstract
Aim. Liver biopsy (LB) is often essential for the diagnosis and staging of chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of our paper was to establish if the size of the biopsy needle influences the number of portal tracts obtained through LB. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 596 echoassisted percutaneous LBs performed in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Timisoara during a 4 yearsperiod. We included only those biopsy results that had mentioned both the type of needle and the number of portal tracts. All LBs were echoassisted and performed with Menghini modified needles 1.4 and 1.6 mm in diameter (technique with two passages into the liver). The liver fragments were analyzed by a senior pathologist and Knodell score was used to describe necroinflammatory activity as well as fibrosis. We compared the number of portal tracts obtained with 1.4 vs. 1.6 Menghini needles. Results. Type 1.4 mm Menghini needles were used for 80 LBs, while 1.6 mm type were used in 516 LBs. Liver fragments obtained with1.6 mm Menghini needles had a significantly higher mean number of portal tracts as compared to those obtained with 1.4 needles (24.5 ± 10.6 vs. 20.8 ± 8.6, p = 0.003). Conclusion. The 1.6 mm Menghini needles provide better liver biopsy specimens, with higher number of portal tracts, as compared to 1.4 mm Menghini needles.
Authors and Affiliations
Ioan Sporea, Diana Gherhardt, Alina Popescu, Roxana Sirli, Maria Cornianu, Simona Bota
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP78192
- DOI -
- Views 101
- Downloads 0
Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia in a hospital survey: genetics, metabolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Introduction. Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by abnormally low levels of apolipoprotein-B (apoB) containing lipoproteins. FHBL is caused by APOB, PCSK9 or ANGPTL3 m...
Association of GST null genotypes with anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity in Western Indian population
Background. The first line anti-tubercular (anti-TB) treatment normally involves isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Clearance of these drugs depends on the activity of several enzymes such as N-acetyl t...
Genotype f prevails in Venezuelan urban patients with chronic hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into 8 genotypes (A-H). Genotypes A, D and F have been identified in some South American countries, but in Venezuela studies have been more restricted to aboriginal communities...
Recurrent giant cell hepatitis in an 18 year old liver transplant patient
Is pre-treatment liver biopsy necessary for all hepatitis C genotypes?
Background. Current practice guidelines recommend liver biopsy prior to treatment of hepatitis C genotype-1 but not for genotype-2/3; this is based on expert opinion, not on published evidence. Methods. In retrospective...