Dual-angled CT-guided biopsy

Abstract

A new computed tomographic (CT)-guided biopsy technique is described which employs angling both the CT-gantry and the patient to access lesions considered unapproachable using conventional CT techniques. Angling the gantry and the patient, or dual angulation, was applied in five patients with masses located in the pelvis and retroperitoneum that were not easily accessible using gantry angling or patient tilting alone. In each case, the needle tip was demonstrated in the lesion and diagnostic tissue was retrieved. No complications were recorded. A dual-angled approach defines a safe path to a mass and allows obtaining a CT image in the plane of the biopsy needle.

Transcaval Biopsy of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

“…With these procedures a dorsal approach to the retroperitneum is often chosen, which may cause discomfort to the patient. Sophisticated techniques may be used to reach the target using CT guidance [8]. The transcaval sampling access for diffuse retroperitoneal masses has the advantage of being better tolerated compared to percutaneous approaches, therefore allowing for multiple biopsies.…”