Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the liver.

Our experience with ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in 65 patients suspected of having malignancy of the liver is reviewed. The results of cytology smears were correlated with cell block sections, histology of the liver and/or other relevant sites, and clinical course. Aspiration cytology was positive in 52 of 57 patients (91%) who had a final diagnosis of malignancy, and there were no false positive results. The cell type reported by cytology correlated completely in 23 of 27 cases with histological confirmation, whilst cytology showed better differentiating features in the remaining 4 cases. The microscopic appearances have been described. There was only one significant complication of the procedure.