Percutaneous CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsies of Head and Neck Masses: Review of 184 Cases at a Single Academic Institution, Common and Special Techniques, Diagnostic Yield, and Safety

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous CT-guided core needle biopsies of head and neck lesions can be safely performed with vigilant planning. This largest-to-date single-center retrospective study evaluates multiple approaches with consideration of special techniques and examines the histopathologic yield. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Retrospective review of CT-guided core biopsies of head and neck lesions from January 1, 2010, to October 30, 2020, was performed. We recorded the following: patient demographics, sedation details, biopsy needle type and size, lesion location and size, approach, patient positioning, preprocedural intravenous contrast, proceduralists' years of experience, complications, and pathology results.

Ultrasound Fusion–Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Deep Head and Neck Space Lesions: Technical Feasibility, Histopathologic Yield, and Safety

“…The minor complication rate was 12.5% (2/16), including mild inflammation of the puncture site and self-limited blood-tinged sputum. Mild infection and bleeding were the most reported minor complications after image-guided biopsy in the H&N. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Other minor complications included vasovagal reaction, transient facial palsy, and CSF leakage, which did not occur in this study.…”

“…Previous studies have shown a diagnostic rate of CT-guided core needle biopsy of 73%-96.8% in lesions involving the H&N as a whole. [4][5][6][7] The average size of all target lesions was approximately 2.4-3.3 cm, 4-6 including superficial and lower cervical masses. For emerging infrared navigation-guided biopsy, the diagnostic rate was approximately 90%.…”

“…Open biopsy is used but should be carefully chosen due to risks, while percutaneous imaging-guided biopsy is now increasingly performed. CT guidance is a well-established biopsy method for H&N lesions, 3,4 but reports involving deep H&N spaces are few and mostly limited to small samples of patients. [5][6][7] In addition, infrared navigation-guided biopsy has been explored in a small number of patients at a few institutes.…”