Technique and results of CT-guided percutanous bone biopsy

Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and results of CT-guided percutanous bone biopsy (PBB) of unknown bone lesions in a representative number of patients. Methods. In 92 patients (100 biopsies) with different bone lesions CT-guided PBB was performed. Results. The rate of technical success, defined as a successful retrieval of a sufficient tissue sample which then was sent for histological evaluation, was 89% (89/100 biopsies). The diagnostic accuracy was defined as a clinically useful histological result and was obtained in 80% (80/100 biopsies). Minor complications (minimal bleedings) occurred in 3% of all biopsies, no special therapy was necessary. Osteolytic lesions (92%) were classified more accurately by PBB than osteoplastic (80%) or mixed lesions (67%). Considering the anticipated dignity of the lesions prior to PBB, the suspected malignant bone lesions had a better diagnostic accuracy of 82% than the suspected benign bone lesions with an accuracy of 50%. Conclusion. Due to its universal availability combined with a low risk and a high diagnostic value the PBB of unknown bone lesions can be regarded as a valuable diagnostic tool. However, leave-me-alone lesions should be excluded.