Systematic review and meta-analysis of percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy for diagnosing malignant biliary strictures

An alternative method in the diagnosis of intrabiliary lesions: Percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy

Background and Aim

Biliary strictures can occur as a result of various benign or malignant processes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy in the diagnosis of intrabiliary lesions.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted between January 2022 and April 2023, involving a total of 16 patients. Of the patients, 10 were male (62.5%), and 6 were female (37.5%). The average age of the patients was 68.1±8. All patients underwent the procedure using an endobiliary biopsy brush under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Cell detection was not observed in biopsy samples from 2 patients (12.5%), resulting in a diagnostic success rate of 87.5%. Access was made to the right biliary system in 14 patients (87.5%) and to the left biliary system in 2 patients (12.5%). Biopsy locations included the common bile duct in 12 patients (75%), hepatic hilum in 2 patients (12.5%), and bilioenteric anastomosis line in 2 patients (12.5%). The mean fluoroscopy time was 16.2±7.1 minutes. The average radiation dose was 660±370 mSv. Pathological diagnosis revealed malignancy in 8 patients (50%) and benign findings in 6 patients (37.5%). Liver abscess requiring drainage developed in 2 patients (12.5%).

Conclusion

Percutaneous endobiliary brush biopsy performed under imaging guidance is an effective and reliable method for the diagnosis of biliary lesions.

False-negative factors of percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy for suspected malignant biliary stricture: 194 cases analyzed from a single center

OBJECTIVE

To study the predictive factors of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture (BS) by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy (PTCB).

METHOD

From January 2016 to January 2021, 194 patients with a high suspicion of malignant tumors due to BS underwent PTCB during biliary drainage at our department. The final diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative pathology, other tissue or cell evidence, or medical imaging follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the pathological results, summarizing the independent risk factors for false-negative value (FNV) to help further clinical diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 194 cases, 176 and 18 cases were finally diagnosed as malignant and benign BS, respectively, compared to 144 and 50 cases by PTCB, including 32 false-negative cases. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive value, and FNV of PTCB were 81.8%, 100%, 0%, and 18.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that non-cholangiocarcinoma BS was an independent risk factor for FNV of PTCB (odds ratio 7.5 (95% CI 1.74-32.6), p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis. Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Identifying factors that are predictive of false-negative results by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy in the setting of biliary stricture may have a guiding effect on clinical practice.

KEY POINTS

• Factors predictive of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture etiology by PTCB may aid in the interpretation of results. • Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV on PTCB. • PTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis.

Novel method to biopsy aneurysmal bone cysts in children

PURPOSE

The thin and friable septations composing aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) may be challenging to target for percutaneous biopsy. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate a novel method of ABC biopsy using endomyocardial biopsy forceps as an attempt to capture larger fragments of tissue for diagnosis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This was a retrospective study performed over a 17-year period. Patients <18 years old who underwent percutaneous biopsy for a presumed ABC, based on pre-procedure imaging, were included. Medical records were reviewed to identify age, sex, lesion location, biopsy procedure details, complications, and pathology results. A diagnostic biopsy was defined as conclusive histologic confirmation. Inconclusive findings or findings suggestive of but not diagnostic of an ABC were treated as non-diagnostic, even if imaging and clinical findings were characteristic. Biopsy device selection and quantity of tissue obtained was at the discretion of the pediatric interventional radiologist. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the diagnostic yield of standard biopsies to those employing biopsy forceps.

RESULTS

Twenty-three biopsies were performed in 18 patients (11 female) with a median age of 14.7 years (IQR 10.6-15.6). Lesions were located in the extremities (7, 30.4%), chest (6, 26.1%), pelvis (5, 21.7%), spine (4, 17.4%), and mandible (1, 4.3%). Specimens were obtained using a 13- or 15-gauge bone coring needle (11, 47.8%); 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge soft tissue needle (6, 26.1%); or a combination of bone and soft tissue (4, 17.4%) needles. Endomyocardial biopsy forceps were utilized in 7 cases (30.4%), 2 in which it was the only device used. Overall, a conclusive pathologic diagnosis was made in 13/23 (56.5%) biopsies. Of the diagnostic biopsies, 1 was a unicameral bone cyst and all others were ABCs. No malignancy was identified. Compared to the standard approach, the use of forceps was more likely to result in a diagnostic biopsy (40.0% vs 100.0%, p = 0.008). There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Endomyocardial biopsy forceps offer an additional, novel technique to biopsy presumed ABCs and may improve diagnostic yield.

[Portal Biliopathy Misdiagnosed as Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma]

Portal biliopathy refers to the changes in the bile duct caused by portal vein thrombosis or obstruction. It is assumed to be caused by cavernous transformation due to the development of the venous system surrounding the bile duct, but the exact pathology is still unknown. Biliary morphologic abnormalities of portal biliopathy are discovered incidentally on radiographic images, but it is sometimes difficult to differentiate them from cholangiocarcinoma. Given the poor prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a surgical approach can be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain. Herein, we report a case of portal biliopathy with bile ductal wall thickening, which was diagnosed after surgical resection was performed due to the presumed diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Percutaneous Biliary Interventions: Clinical Indications, Comparative Effectiveness, Technical Considerations, Complications, and Outcomes

Percutaneous biliary interventions (PBIs) are commonly performed by interventional radiologists for a variety of clinical indications including biliary infections, strictures, leaks, and postoperative complications. PBIs have high technical and clinical success rates and are relatively safe when compared with more invasive surgical techniques. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and percutaneous biliary drainage play an essential role in the management of common posthepatobiliary complications including biliary strictures and leaks. Percutaneous biliary endoscopy can be used for direct visualization of the biliary tree and a variety of interventions including tissue biopsy, lithotripsy, stone removal, as well as stent placement and removal.