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Objective We propose the use of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy as a viable method of obtaining muscle specimen to aid the diagnosis of myopathy. We retrospectively review the diagnostic accuracy and patient feedback of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies in our neuromuscular service. Method Multidisciplinary team meeting reviewed select patients and agreed on those suitable for ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy. They then underwent biopsy using direct ultrasound guidance and a modified Bergström needle. The specimens were sent for histopathological analysis, and patients were given a feedback form. Results Ten patients underwent 11 ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies. Of these 11, one was processed incorrectly, but all others were good quality specimens suitable for analysis. All 10 of those processed correctly aided diagnosis. All patient feedback was rated good or excellent. In 4 patients with a previous unsuccessful surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy was successful in obtaining suitable muscle. Of those 4 patients, 3 preferred ultrasound-guided biopsy, and 1 did not state a preference. Discussion Our ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy technique offers a viable alternative to surgical biopsy. It yields high-quality specimen that aids diagnosis and receives good feedback from patients. It can be performed quickly as a day case and does not require theatre space. Furthermore, direct visualization of structures minimizes the risk of complications and allows biopsy of otherwise difficult to access targets. Conclusion Utilization of ultrasound guided–modified Bergström needle technique for muscle biopsy provides comparable success rates to other techniques and has practical, clinical, operational, and patient-centred benefits compared with alternative techniques.

ObjectiveWe propose the use of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy as a viable method of obtaining muscle specimen to aid the diagnosis of myopathy. We retrospectively review the diagnostic accuracy and patient feedback of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies in our neuromuscular service.MethodMul- tidisciplinary team meeting reviewed select patients and agreed on those suitable for ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy. They underwent biopsy using direct ultrasound guidance and a modified Bergström needle. The specimens were sent for histopathological analysis and patients were given a feedback form.Results10 patients underwent 11 ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies. Of these 11, 1 was processed incorrectly, but all others were suitable for analysis. All of those processed correctly aided diagnosis. All patient feedback was rated good or excellent. In 4 patients with a previous unsuccessful surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy was successful in obtaining suitable muscle. Of those 4 patients, 2 preferred ultrasound-guided biopsy and 2 did not state a preference.DiscussionOur ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy technique offers an alternative to surgical biopsy. It yields high quality specimens that aids diagnosis and receives good patient feedback. It can be performed as a day-case and does not require theatre space. Fur- thermore, direct visualization of structures minimizes complications and allows biopsy of otherwise difficult targets.ConclusionUtilisation of ultrasound-guided modified Bergström needle technique for muscle biopsy provides comparable success rates to other techniques, and has several benefits compared to alternative techniques.m.ashraghi@nhs.net

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