Transjugular liver biopsy with an automated device.

Abstract

To determine the potential for use of an automated device for transjugular liver biopsy. In 29 consecutive patients with liver dysfunction in whom percutaneous transperitoneal biopsy was contraindicated because of thrombocytopenia, severe coagulopathy, or marked ascites, transjugular liver biopsy was performed with an 18-gauge automated device. Histopathologic specimens were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Complications related to the biopsy procedure were noted. In all patients, an adequate biopsy specimen (mean length, 12.0 mm +/- 5.5; range, 5.0-20.0 mm) was obtained during a single pass. In all tissue samples, a confident histopathologic diagnosis was made. Additional information was obtained in 15 patients with cirrhosis who had coexisting diffuse hepatic disease. No complications related to the procedure were noted. Use of an automated biopsy device is recommended for transjugular liver biopsy, as it enables safe acquisition of high-quality hepatic tissue samples.