CT-guided biopsies of the axial skeleton. The approaches and results
Abstract
The value of percutaneous CT-guided biopsies of the axial skeleton for establishing a diagnosis is determined from a series of 75 punctures in 74 patients in retrospect. Indications showed benign conditions to prevail over malignant lesions by a ratio of 1.6:1. Biopsy routes turned out to be strongly determined by regional anatomy allowing for a standardised procedure in each area. 64 out of 75 histological diagnoses were confirmed by open surgery (n = 17) or follow-up (n = 58) accounting for an accuracy of 85.3%. In 7 cases no definite diagnosis could be made from the sample and in 4 cases the diagnosis proved false although tissue cores could be obtained in each case. No serious or irreversible complications occurred. CT-guided punctures of the axial skeleton are considered a safe and highly accurate procedure to establish a definite diagnosis unless there is a primary indication for surgery or the need for decompression.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 74 participants or records.
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