Computed tomography-guided needle biopsies in pediatric oncology

Background. The use of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies facilitate the diagnosis and management in several medical settings. In this study, the authors analyzed how effective cutting and fine-needle biopsies are in pediatric oncology. Methods: Medical records of 75 patients were analyzed in retrospect allowing the study of 101 biopsy results. The results of these procedures were compared with clinical follow-up or surgical biopsy results and evaluated for how they affected the patient's treatment. Results: CT-guided biopsies altered the treatment in 57 of 75 patients. No major complication occurred. Cutting and fine-needle biopsies are comparable in obtaining adequate material, but cutting needle obtains a superior rate of specific diagnosis. Conclusions: CT-guided biopsies are safe procedures that can alter the management of pediatric oncology patients. Cutting and fine-needle biopsies each have one optimal specific use that must be considered to improve their accuracy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.