Percutaneous biopsy of small hepatic lesions using an 18 gauge automated needle.

This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsy using an 18 gauge automated side-cutting needle in the diagnosis of small (< or = 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions. 137 consecutive percutaneous biopsies of 131 different small (< or = 3 cm) focal hepatic lesions were included. 11 biopsies were performed on lesions of < or = 1 cm in diameter, 56 were on lesions 1.1-2 cm in size and 70 on lesions 2.1-3 cm in size (average 2.3 +/- 0.7 cm; median 2.3 cm; range 0.7-3 cm). The biopsy specimen was sufficient for diagnosis in 135 cases (98.5%). The sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy was 96.4%; specificity was 100%, positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 94.6%, respectively; accuracy was 97.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic efficacy for lesions of different pathology and size. No significant post-biopsy complication occurred. It is concluded that the 18 gauge Temno needle is safe and effective in diagnosing small hepatic lesions.