Image-guided liver biopsies are generally safe procedures, but certain risk factors have been identified.
Image-guided liver biopsies can be performed safely, although adverse events can occur among patients with low platelet counts, according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, performed a retrospective study to determine the incidence of major adverse events related to a large volume of image-guided liver biopsies performed at their institution over a 12-year period, and to identify risk factors for major bleeding events.
The researchers analyzed 6,613 image-guided liver biopsies that were performed among 5,987 adult patients between December 7, 2001, and December 31, 2013. They were searching for major adverse events, defined as hematoma, infection, pneumothorax, and death.
The biopsies were mostly performed using real-time US guidance.
The results showed that 49 biopsies (0.7%) resulted in acute or major adverse events.
A total of 38 patients experienced 46 major adverse events that presented within 24 hours of the biopsy. “More than two biopsy passes, platelets 50,000/μL or less, and female sex were statistically significant risk factors for postbiopsy hemorrhage,” the authors wrote.
“With appreciation of specific risk factors, safety outcomes of this procedure can be optimized in both general and specialized centers,” the authors concluded.
Leading Breast Radiologists Discuss the USPSTF Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations
May 17th 2024In recognition of National Women’s Health Week, Dana Bonaminio, MD, Amy Patel, MD, and Stacy Smith-Foley, MD, shared their thoughts and perspectives on the recently updated breast cancer screening recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
The Reading Room Podcast: Emerging Trends in the Radiology Workforce
February 11th 2022Richard Duszak, MD, and Mina Makary, MD, discuss a number of issues, ranging from demographic trends and NPRPs to physician burnout and medical student recruitment, that figure to impact the radiology workforce now and in the near future.
Appealing Prior Authorization Denials: Can it be Effective for Emerging Technologies?
May 14th 2024While radiologists and other providers may be discouraged by insurer denials saying the use of a technological advance is “unproven and investigational,” 82 percent of appeals for prior authorization denials were approved in 2021.
Current Insights and Emerging Roles for Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
May 10th 2024In a recent lecture at the 2024 ARRS Annual Meeting, Jordana Phillips, MD, discussed the role of contrast-enhanced mammography in staging breast cancer, evaluating response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and recalls from screening.