In vitro CT visualization of the biopsy location by filling the core biopsy needle with contrast media. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thunswärd, Per; Eksell, David; Ahlström, Håkan; Magnusson, Anders
• Is Part Of: Acta radiologica. Volume 63:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 1406
• Page End: 1414
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: CT -- Biopsy -- Contrast Agents-Other -- Experimental Investigations; Radiology, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiography, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1177/02841851211041831
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0284-1851

Abstract

Background: When performing computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures with non-disposable, automatic biopsy instruments, the actual course of the biopsy needle is not registered. Purpose: To evaluate the ability to visualize the sampling location after CT-guided biopsy in vitro using a novel method, where the space between the inner needle and the outer cannula in a core biopsy needle is filled with contrast media; and to compare the grade of visibility for two different concentrations of contrast media. Material and Methods: Core needle biopsies were performed in a tissue phantom using biopsy needles primed with two different iodine contrast media concentrations (140 mg I/mL and 400 mg I/mL). Commercially available needle-filling contraptions with sealing membranes were used to fill the needles. Each biopsy was imaged with CT, and the visibility was evaluated twice by three senior radiologists in a randomized order. Results: The presence of traces was confirmed after biopsy, almost without exception for both concentrations. The visibility was sufficient to determine the biopsy location in all observations with the 400 mg I/mL filling, and in 7/10 observations with the 140 mg I/mL filling. The grade of visibility of the trace and the proportion of the biopsy needle course outlined were higher with the 400 mg I/mL filling. Conclusion: With CT-guided biopsy in vitro, the sampling location can be visualized using a novel method of priming the biopsy needle with iodine contrast media, specifically highly concentrated contrast media.