Transvenous liver biopsy in critically ill patients: adequacy of tissue samples

Radiology. 1991 Nov;181(2):497-9. doi: 10.1148/radiology.181.2.1924794.

Abstract

In a consecutive series of 33 patients (38 biopsies), the authors analyzed the pathologic specimens obtained with their relatively new transvenous biopsy method. From the point of view of establishing a useful pathologic diagnosis, the method proved worthwhile in the series of predominantly critically ill patients. A specific diagnosis or a later confirmatory tissue diagnosis was achieved in 18 patients, and a strong clinical correlation was achieved in 10 more. There were no complications from this repeatable, technically relatively simple, and safe procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy / instrumentation
  • Biopsy / methods*
  • Catheterization
  • Critical Illness*
  • Female
  • Hepatic Veins
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged