[Ultrasonically-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant abdominal diseases]

In 3-year period 340 percutaneous ultrasonographically guided needle biopsies of abdominal organs and tissues were performed in suspected neoprocesses. Positive cytologic results were obtained in 77.6% and histological in 74.8% of patients. These results were obtained thanks to good choice of a bioptic needle and the technique of performing percutaneous needle biopsy under ultrasonographic control and sometimes in combination with radioscopy, too. Experience of both a biopsy performer and a cytologist or histologist with this kind of material is of great importance. Thanks to early histologic diagnosis, made in this way, percutaneous biopsy is classified as a high sensitive method and as such it forces on to be one of the first methods in algorithm of diagnostic procedures. Even the aim of this paper is to point out not only the authors ultrasonographic experience but also reliability, simplicity and safety of percutaneous guided needle biopsies, what excludes the necessity for more difficult and more expensive diagnostic procedures significantly reducing the examination.

[Correlation of cytologic and pathohistologic findings in ultrasonically-guided thin-needle biopsy of abdominal and retroperitoneal organs]

The ultrasonically guided fine needle biopsy is cheap, very sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of nonpalpable deep-seated lesions. During 1992 in the institute of Radiology of Military Medical Academy in Belgrade 87 biopsies of abdominal and 81 biopsies of retroperitoneal organs were performed for the cytological and histopathologic analysis. Deficient material was obtained in 15.4% of the cases. A good correlation between cytologic and histopathologic findings was observed, with diagnostic concordance in 90.8%. In 9 cases with falsely positive cytological diagnosis at the first examination, the diagnosis of malignancy was later confirmed by other diagnosis procedures. Diagnostic difficulties and the significance of adequate biopsy were particularly stressed.

[Percutaneous needle biopsy of the distal part of the choledochal duct]

The indication for the biopsy was the finding of stenosis of uncertain etiology even after the endoscopy and the attempt of endoscopic or brush biopsy. The experiences with needle biopsy in 6 patients were presented in the study. The biopsy was done with the needles with diameter less than 1 mm (Chiba needle 0.6-0.95 mm), Otto-cut 0.8 mm and Vacu-cut 0.8 mm. Percutaneous cholangiography that was firstly performed, showed the site of stenosis of common bile duct distal part and simultaneously the other structures of interest for biopsy performance. The needle was guided under radioscopic control in one attempt. In that way, the precise diagnosis of pathologic process, which induced the obstruction in the early disease stage was made in all six patients. On the basis of cited results, the percutaneous needle biopsy was found to be efficient and safe method to reveal the type of lesion in this region, if necessary conditions existed. Percutaneous needle biopsy is a very valuable method, less invasive and less expensive compared to the surgical biopsies and other methods. It demonstrated reliable results in our conditions.

[Patient irradiation in the radiodiagnostic use of ionizing radiation. Present status and prevention]

Tabelar presentation of measurement results for adult patients irradiation by thermoluminescent dosimeters is given for classic and standard computed-tomographic radiodiagnostic procedure. Measurements have included not only somatic organs irradiation, but critical organs (sternum, gonads and eye lens) thyroid gland and uterus, as well. They have always been undertaken under the same conditions by modern multipulse X-ray apparatus with electronic X-ray image amplifier, iontomat and standard screens. Results have shown considerable exposition and overdosage in relation to annual standard limits so that risk in this branch of diagnostics has exceeded limits of acceptable tolerance. Failures in practice, necessary medical and technical protective measures as well as positive regulations in the law of ionizing irradiation protection have been pointed out.