MRI-Guided Biopsy as a Tool for Diagnosis and Research of Muscle Disorders.

BACKGROUND

Sampling error is a common problem in muscle biopsies. MRI-guided biopsy allows verification of biopsy site during the procedure, which may reduce sampling error in patients with focal disease.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the technique for MRI-guided muscle biopsy and discuss potential applications.

METHODS

Axial MRI images were acquired to determine the target site for muscle biopsy. Needle trajectory was planned on 3D T1 weighted imaging and a MRI-guided biopsy of the vastus lateralis was performed in 13 FSHD patients.

RESULTS

An adequate amount of muscle tissue was obtained in all participants, and MRI-guided biopsy succeeded in reaching focal target sites. However, symptomatic hematomas were observed in 2/13 patientsDiscussion:MRI-guided biopsy has a higher complication rate compared to traditional needle biopsy, most likely due to proximity to blood vessels in combination with the vacuum-assisted suction of the MRI-guided technique. We recommend that this technique is reserved for select diagnostic cases and research questions, with careful assessment of vasculature and reduced suction levels.