The accuracy and diagnostic yield of computerized tomography guided stereotactic biopsy in brain lesions

OBJECTIVES: Radiological imaging techniques provide early detection of neurological diseases but they do not always provide an adequate and reliable diagnosis. With the help of stereotactic biopsy techniques, it is possible to access brain lesions safely and with high precision. We described the surgical method used in our clinic and discussed our results with the help of the current literature. METHODS: Ninety-four patients underwent computerized tomography-guided stereotactic brain biopsy in our clinic. Anatomical locations, diagnostic yield and accuracy of the procedure, morbidity and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 100 stereotactic surgery procedures were performed on 94 patients. The localizations of the lesions were 13.83% frontal, 21.27% temporal, 27.66% parietal, 4.25% occipital, 4.25% multiple, 27.66% deep seated and 1.06% suprasellar. The histopathological diagnoses were 61.71% neuro-epithelial tumors, 8.51% metastases and 10.64% infectious lesions. Diagnostic yield was 86.16% and the accuracy was 90% in our series. CONCLUSION: Computerized tomography-guided stereotactic brain biopsy is a reliable and safe method. Main diagnostic problems in SBB are tissue heterogeneity, insufficient material and sampling error. These problems can be minimized by careful correlation of clinical, radiological and histopathological findings by an experienced team and by using modern technologies.