Purpose: To determine the potential for use of an automated device for transjugular liver biopsy.
Materials and methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Use of an automated biopsy device is recommended for transjugular liver biopsy, as it enables safe acquisition of high-quality hepatic tissue samples.