Impact of positive findings at image-guided biopsy of lymphoma on patient care: evaluation of clinical history, needle size, and pathologic findings on biopsy performance.

Abstract

To analyze the effect of findings at image-guided biopsy of abdominal lymphoma (IGBL) on patient care and define the key determinants of clinical success. A retrospective, bi-institutional study was performed in 102 patients with positive or suspicious IGBL findings (93 patients with non-Hodgkin and nine patients with Hodgkin lymphoma). The proportion of patients treated on the basis of IGBL findings only was calculated and correlated with 10 determinants, including history of lymphoma, biopsy technique, needle size, immunocytochemical findings, and tumor grade. Overall, 73 patients (72%) were treated on the basis of biopsy findings only, including 41 (91%) of 45 patients with a history of lymphoma and 32 (56%) of 57 patients with no such history (P < .01). No difference in findings existed when three needle-size groups were compared (P > .50). Whenever findings were positive, IGBL provided enough tissue to enable treatment in most patients. Fine needles were just as likely as larger needles to enable both determination of tumor grade and treatment.