Efficacy, safety and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound guided biopsies of focal liver lesions: a single center experience in 214 patients

Background and aims: Histological assessment represents an important tool in the diagnostic evaluation of focal liver lesions. In this study, we analyzed the safety and efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound guided biopsies of focal liver lesions in 212 patients. Methods: 212 ultrasound guided liver biopsies were retrospectively evaluated. All lesions were initially detected by ultrasound or CT-scan. Additional contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed in 98 patients previous to liver biopsy. Biopsies were performed under sterile conditions with a 16 or 18 G biopsy needle and a special ultrasound…