CT-guided needle biopsy of intracranial tumours: results in 118 consecutive patients

Acta Neurochir Suppl. 1995:63:16-9. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7091-9399-0_4.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided needle biopsies and to determine the optimal indications for this technique. The case histories of 118 patients who underwent a CT-guided biopsy for brain lesions during a six-year period, from November 1986 to September 1992, were reviewed. During a preliminary CT-scan, the entry site was determined and localized using a radio opaque marker and the safest route to the lesion was chosen. One hundred and thirty four procedures were performed in 118 patients. A positive diagnosis of tumour was obtained in 106 patients (89.8%). Repeat procedures were required in 18 patients. High-grade gliomas were the more common lesions (55.1%). Morbidity and mortality was assessed over the 30-day period after the procedure. Nine patients died during this time. Eight patients from day 3 to day 30 in the expected course of their disease and one within 48 first hours from neurological deterioration following the procedure. We found that CT-scan guided biopsies are a safe and accurate way to obtain brain tissue specimens for pathological diagnosis in selected cases. For superficial and large tumours it is a simple, fast and effective procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Needle / instrumentation*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Cause of Death
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stereotaxic Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Survival Rate
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / instrumentation*