Value of CT fluoroscopy for percutaneous biopsy procedures.

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical impact of computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy (CTF) with regard to procedure time and success rate for CT image-guided biopsy procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred ninety consecutive patients referred to the same radiologist underwent biopsy procedures performed with use of a CT scanner equipped with fluoroscopic capabilities during a 15-month period. CTF procedures were performed predominantly by means of a continuous fluoroscopic technique, with typical exposure factors of 50 mA at 120 kV and a slice thickness of 10 mm. The total procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and complication and procedure success rates were documented prospectively in this group. A control group consisted of retrospective analysis of 93 consecutive patients who had undergone a classic CT-guided procedure performed by the same radiologist.

RESULTS

Procedure success rate was increased in the CTF group (93.7 versus 88.2%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05: Fisher exact test). A statistically significant difference was noted when comparing mean procedure times (CTF, 27.56 minutes; range, 20-60 minutes versus control, 43.17 minutes; range, 35-80 minutes; P < .0001; Welch unpaired t test).

CONCLUSION

CT fluoroscopy facilitates CT-guided biopsy procedures by allowing visualization of the needle trajectory from skin entry to the target point, allowing procedures to be performed more rapidly and efficiently.