Major complications due to transjugular liver biopsy: Incidence, management and outcome

Miliary tuberculosis diagnosed by diffuse hepatic uptake on PET/CT and transjugular liver biopsy

The patient was an 81-year-old man. In his 20s, he had been treated with pharmacotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis for 1 year. He presented to the Department of Respiratory Medicine with a chief complaint of dyspnea. The possibility of respiratory disease appeared to be low, but hepatic impairment was detected. The patient was thus referred to our department. Though the cause of hepatic impairment was unknown, the soluble interleukin-2 receptor level was elevated, suggesting malignant lymphoma. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse, homogenous, intense FDG uptake in the entire liver, and transjugular liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed an epithelioid granuloma, and auramine staining was positive for bacilli suggestive of tuberculosis. CT revealed diffuse micronodular shadows in the lung, yielding a diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis. Therefore, the patient was prescribed antituberculosis medication by the Department of Respiratory Medicine. His subsequent clinical course was good. The miliary (hepatic) tuberculosis was typical based on the diffuse, homogenous, intense FDG uptake throughout the liver observed on PET-CT.

Transfemoral-Transcaval Liver Biopsy (TFTC) and Transjugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB) in Patients with Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD)

PURPOSE

To describe our experience in performing transfemoral-transcaval liver biopsy (TFTC) and transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD).

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of 23 TFTC and seven TJLB performed between August 2011 and May 2023 on patients who previously underwent the Fontan procedure (median age 23.1 years, ranging 11-43 years, 48% female). Patient demographics, laboratory values, pathology, radiology, and cardiology reports were reviewed. Liver explants were correlated with histopathological evaluation to determine sampling accuracy when available.

RESULTS

All biopsies achieved technical success (accurate targeting and safe tissue sample extraction) and histopathological success (yielding sufficient tissue for accurate diagnosis). Liver biopsies were performed during simultaneous cardiac catheterization in 28 of 30 (93%) procedures. There was no statistically significant change in hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count post-procedure, and fluoroscopy times. There was one major complication within the TJLB group and one minor complication within the TFTC group.

CONCLUSION

Transvenous liver biopsies, whether via transfemoral or transjugular route, may be safely performed in FALD patients while yielding samples with technical and histopathological success. The transfemoral approach, which is our preferred method; its compatibility with simultaneous cardiac catheterization and its potentially increased safety profile stemming from the avoidance of transversing the Fontan shunt-makes it a particular advantageous option in the management of FALD.

Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy and Diagnostic Adequacy Between Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided and Percutaneous Liver Biopsies: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

A liver biopsy (LB) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating liver diseases and is traditionally performed percutaneously under ultrasound guidance (PC-LB). However, endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has emerged as an alternative approach, offering potential advantages over conventional techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of EUS-LB using modern core biopsy needles with PC-LB. A comprehensive literature search identified nine studies involving 785 patients that met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis evaluated three primary endpoints: diagnostic adequacy, diagnostic accuracy, and adverse event rates. The results indicated no significant difference in overall diagnostic adequacy (odds ratio: 0.446, 95% CI: 0.192-1.031) or diagnostic accuracy (odds ratio: 1.646, 95% CI: 0.224-12.09) between EUS-LB and PC-LB. Furthermore, the combined occurrence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two procedures (odds ratio: 0.653, 95% CI: 0.298-1.431). However, PC-LB demonstrated superiority in obtaining a higher number of complete portal tracts (mean difference: -0.985, 95% CI: -1.753 to -0.218), indicating better specimen quality. While both EUS-LB and PC-LB exhibited similar diagnostic performance and safety profiles, PC-LB provided higher-quality specimens, which may be advantageous in cases where accurate diagnosis and staging are critical, such as the evaluation of liver fibrosis. Clinicians should consider factors like specimen quality, procedural preferences, and local expertise when selecting the appropriate biopsy approach tailored to individual patient needs and clinical circumstances.

Role of Interventional Radiology (IR) in vascular emergencies among cirrhotic patients

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with liver cirrhosis. Mostly, these patients bleed from the gastroesophageal varices. However, nonvariceal bleeding is also more likely to occur in these patients. Because of frequent co-existing coagulopathy, cirrhotics are more prone to bleed from a minor vascular injury while performing percutaneous interventions. Ultrasound-guided bedside vascular access is an essential procedure in liver critical care units. Transjugular portosystemic shunts (TIPS) with/without variceal embolization is a life-saving measure in patients with refractory variceal bleeding. Whenever feasible, balloon-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an alternative to TIPS in managing gastric variceal bleeding, but without a risk of hepatic encephalopathy. In cases of failed or unfeasible endotherapy, transarterial embolization using various embolic agents remains the cornerstone therapy in patients with nonvariceal bleeding such as ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma, gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding, and procedure-related hemorrhagic complications. Among various embolic agents, N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) enables better vascular occlusion in cirrhotics, even in coagulopathy, making it a more suitable embolic agent in an expert hand. This article briefly entails the different interventional radiological procedures in vascular emergencies among patients with liver cirrhosis.

Comparison of the Safety of Transjugular and Percutaneous Liver Biopsies

PURPOSE

To compare adverse events (AEs) between the transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) and percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,300 patients who underwent liver biopsy between July 1, 2014 and January 31, 2018, were examined, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine predictors of the biopsy method used and AEs. To reduce bias in the comparison of the AE rates between patients who had TJLB or PLB, propensity score matching was used to control for baseline disease severity.

RESULTS

PLB and TJLB were performed in 601 and 699 patients, respectively. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 3 (±2), and antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy at the time of biopsy was used in <10% of patients. Patients with suspected cirrhosis or portal hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 9.9), an international normalized ratio of >1.5 (OR, 5.9), or a platelet count of <100 × 103/mL (OR, 3.9) were more likely to undergo TJLB. After propensity matching, which identified a population of patients with a mean international normalized ratio of <1.5 and platelet count of >150 × 103/mL, the only difference in the AE rate was for pain, which was present in 8% and 10% of patients after TJLB and PLB, respectively (P < .001). Bleeding requiring transfusion occurred in 2 patients who underwent TJLB and 1 patient who underwent PLB. There was 1 case of death occurring after TJLB.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe/life-threatening AEs occurring after liver biopsy were uncommon, and the 2 liver biopsy approaches appeared to have similar safety profiles for low-risk patients. After matching for underlying disease severity, pain was the AE that was more likely to occur in patients who underwent PLB.

Transjugular liver biopsy: enlarge the indications for liver biopsy with reliable diagnostic quality

BACKGROUND

Complications and diagnostic efficiency for liver biopsy are main concerns for clinicians. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) compared with percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) when patients had equal level of liver function and number of passes, using propensity score matching (PSM).

METHODS

The clinical and pathological data of patients who received TJLB or PLB between January 2012 and October 2022 were collected. Matching factors included age, gender, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver function, creatinine, number of passes, hemodialysis, history of anti-coagulation and anti-platelet, and comorbidities. Coagulation indexes were not considered as matching factors due to different indications of the two techniques.

RESULTS

2711 PLBs and 30 TJLBs were evaluated. By PSM, 75 patients (50 PLBs, 25 TJLBs) were matched. The complication rates for TJLB and PLB were 4.0% (1/25) and 10.0% (5/50) (P > 0.05). Two PLBs had hepatic hemorrhage, one of which required only close monitoring (Grade 1) and the other needed hemostasis and rehydration therapy (Grade 2). The other 3 cases presented with mild abdominal pain (Grade 1). And only one TJLB presented with mild pain. The median number of complete portal tracts were 6.0 and 10.0 for TJLBs and PLBs (P < 0.05). Moreover, the median length of sample for TJLBs and PLBs were 10.0 and 16.5 mm (P < 0.05). The diagnostic efficiency of hepatopathy of unknown etiology of TJLB versus PLB groups before and after matching were 96.4% vs. 94.1% and 95.7% vs. 93.2%, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TJLB is an effective invasive diagnostic procedure that expands indications for liver biopsy with reliable diagnostic quality.

Correlation Between Computed Tomography Findings and the Laboratory Test-Derived Severity Score in Patients With Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare computed tomography (CT) findings between patients with severe and nonsevere acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH).

METHODS

We included 96 patients diagnosed with AAH between January 2011 and October 2021 who underwent 4-phase liver CT and laboratory blood tests. Two radiologists reviewed the initial CT images with respect to distribution and grade of hepatic steatosis; transient parenchymal arterial enhancement (TPAE); and presence of cirrhosis, ascites, and hepatosplenomegaly. A Maddrey discriminant function score (4.6 × [patient's prothrombin time - control] + total bilirubin [mg/mL]) was used as cutoff indicator for severity, with a score of 32 or higher indicating severe disease. The image findings were compared between the severe (n = 24) and nonsevere (n = 72) groups using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test. After univariate analysis, the most significant factor was identified using a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, there were significant between-group differences in the TPAE, liver cirrhosis, splenomegaly, and ascites (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, and P = 0.0163, respectively). Among them, TPAE was the only significant factor for severe AAH (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 48.1; 95% confidence interval, 8.3-280.6). Using this single indicator, the estimated accuracy, positive predictive, and negative predictive values were 86%, 67%, and 97%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient parenchymal arterial enhancement was the only significant CT finding in severe AAH.

EUS-guided versus percutaneous liver biopsy: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis of outcomes

EUS-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has gained momentum in recent years, especially with availability of newer needle designs. Given the emerging comparative data on EUS-LB with second-generation needles and percutaneous LB (PC-LB), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of the two techniques. We searched multiple databases from inception through November 2021 to identify studies comparing outcomes of EUS-LB and PC-LB. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and the results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions and odds ratio (OR) along with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five studies with 748 patients were included in the final analysis. EUS-LB was performed in 276 patients and PC-LB in 472 patients. Across all studies, PC-LB had an overall higher diagnostic accuracy than EUS-LB, 98.6% confidence interval (CI: 94.7-99.7) versus 88.3% (49.6-98.3), OR: 1.65, P = 0.04. On assessing data from randomized controlled trials, there was no difference between the two. While pooled diagnostic adequacy and overall adverse events were not significantly different between PC-LB and EUS-LB, the former was superior in terms of the mean number of complete portal tracts (CPT) and total specimen length. PC-LB and EUS-LB produce similar results. PC-LB allows obtaining longer samples and more CPT. Further studies are needed to see if these trends hold up as more providers begin to perform EUS-LB.

Rational hemostatic management in cirrhosis: from old paradigms to new clinical challenges

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. Traditional hemostatic tests are inadequate to assess the complex and fragile balance of hemostasis in this setting, especially in advanced stages of disease such as decompensated cirrhosis or acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Furthermore, the indiscriminate use of pro-hemostatic agents for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes is still debated and often contraindicated. Alongside, splanchnic, and peripheral thrombotic events are frequent in this population and require management that involves a careful balance between risks and benefits of antithrombotic therapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to address the state of the art on the clinical management of the hemostatic balance of cirrhosis in terms of established knowledge and future challenges.

EXPERT OPINION

The old paradigm of cirrhosis as a naturally anticoagulated condition has been challenged by more sophisticated global tests of hemostasis. Integrating this information in the clinical decision-making is still challenging for physicians and experts in hemostasis.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Evidence-Based Guidelines for Interventions in Portal Hypertension and Its Complications

Portal hypertension is a complication of chronic liver disease. Various radiological interventions are being done to aid in the diagnosis of portal hypertension; further, an interventional radiologist can offer various treatments for the complications of portal hypertension. Diagnosis of portal hypertension in its early stage may require hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement. Measurement of gradient also guides in diagnosing the type of portal hypertension, measuring response to treatment and prognostication. This article attempts to provide evidence-based guidelines on the management of portal hypertension and treatment of its complications.

Clinical Usefulness of Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Patients With Hematological Diseases With Liver Dysfunction

Introduction

Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is indicated for patients in whom percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated, such as those with hematological diseases complicated by liver dysfunction. However, the clinical utility of TJLB in this group of patients has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of TJLB in patients with hematological diseases complicated by liver dysfunction.

Methods

We analyzed the data of patients who developed liver disorders during treatment for hematological diseases at our hospital and required tissue diagnosis via TJLB. The clinical features of patients were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (mean age, 60.07 years; 12 men, 15 women) requiring tissue diagnoses via TJLB after developing liver disorders while undergoing treatment for hematological diseases were enrolled. One patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury; two patients with amyloidosis had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; one patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia had a drug-induced liver injury; one patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia had liver infiltration caused by an underlying disease; three patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura had autoimmune hepatitis; four patients with malignant lymphoma had liver infiltration by the underlying disease, and one patient with multiple myeloma had liver disorder caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation. Moreover, one patient had hepatitis B reactivation, another had hepatitis E, and six patients had a drug-induced liver injury. The treatment regimen was altered in cases of liver infiltration caused by the underlying disease, and the drug was changed for patients with drug-induced liver injury.

Conclusion

The etiology of liver disorders in patients with hematological diseases varies widely. Therefore, histological diagnosis using TJLB is useful to determine an appropriate therapeutic strategy for underlying hematological diseases.

Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) was first performed in 1970 and has since become a standard procedure in interventional radiology practices. TJLB can be used when a percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated, such as patients with ascites, coagulopathy, congenital clotting disorders or for patients undergoing concurrent evaluation for portal hypertension. While TJLB specimens tend to be smaller with less complete portal triads numerous studies have shown the samples to be adequate for diagnosis and staging. This article will review what the interventional radiologist needs to know about TJLB including indications/work-up, technical details, tips and tricks, and complications.

Accuracy and Safety of 1,055 Transjugular Liver Biopsies in Postliver Transplant Patients

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of complications and diagnostic yield of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients.

METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2019, 1,055 TJLBs were performed in 603 adult DDLT recipients with a mean age of 54 (±12 years). Data were retrospectively reviewed to determine the diagnostic efficacy and incidence of major and minor complications in the 3-day and 1-month period after TJLB. In addition, data were stratified according to platelet count and international normalized ratio to determine the safety of TJLB in patients with varying degrees of coagulopathy.

RESULTS

TJLB yielded diagnostic rate of 98.1% (1,035/1,055), with an overall complication rate of 8.3% (88/1,055). Major complications accounted for 0.85% (9/1,055), and minor complications occurred in 7.48% (79/1,055). When patients were stratified by platelet count (0-50, 51-100, 101-200, 201-300, and >300 × 103 platelets/μL), no significant difference was noted in complication rates (9.5%, 8.6%, 7.6%, 8.5%, and 10.7%, respectively). When grouped by international normalized ratio (0-1, 1.1-2.0, 2.1-3.0, and >3.0), there was no statistical difference in complication rates (8.3%, 8.5%, 7.7%, and 0%, respectively).

DISCUSSION

TJLB is a safe, adequate, and effective method to investigate hepatic disorders in DDLT recipients with severe coagulopathy.

Transjugular Liver Biopsy with Hemodynamic Evaluation: Correlation between Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Histologic Diagnosis of Cirrhosis

Objectives:

Measurement of hepatic vein pressures is the accepted gold standard for the evaluation of portal hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between hepatic vein pressure measurements and histologic findings from transjugular liver biopsies. The hypothesis was that higher hepatic venous pressure gradients would correlate with a histologic diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Material and Methods:

We identified all patients who underwent transjugular liver biopsies at our institution between January 2015 and December 2019. Of these, 178 patients who had undergone hemodynamic evaluations during the biopsy procedure were included in the study. Demographic information and laboratory data were extracted from the patients’ electronic medical records. The hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) was determined by subtracting the free hepatic venous pressure from the wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP), and the portosystemic gradient (PSG) was determined by subtracting the right atrial pressure from the WHVP. HVPG and PSG were compared by linear regression analysis and by calculating their receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Results:

HVPG and PSG measurements were significantly associated with cirrhosis, with area under the ROC curve of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. At the optimal cutoff of 9 mmHg, sensitivity and specificity for HVPG were 71% and 83% for HVPG and 67 % and 81% for PSG, respectively. No statistical difference was observed between the two measurements.

Conclusion:

A transhepatic venous pressure gradient above a cutoff of 9 mmHg is predictive of histologic cirrhosis, regardless of whether it is expressed as HVPG or PSG, with acceptable to excellent performance characteristics.

Feasibility and Safety of Transjugular Liver Biopsy for Japanese Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

Background and study aim: Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) can be used in patients who are ineligible for percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) with acute and chronic hepatic disease. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of TJLB in patients who were not indicated for PLB. Methods: Between July 2014 and February 2019, a total of 134 patients underwent liver biopsies at our institution. Among these, PLB was performed in 110 patients and TJLB in 24 patients. A retrospective comparison of clinical results in these patients was then performed. The primary endpoints of this study were the utility and safety of TJLB in patients who were not indicated for PLB. Results: The procedural success rate was 100% in both groups. The clinical response rate and the effective tissue sampling rate were 100% in the TJLB group and 97% in the PLB group (p = 0.55). There was no difference in the number of portal fields examined retrospectively between the two groups. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. Conclusions: It is suggested that TJLB is useful because it can be safely performed in patients with poor general condition who are not indicated for PLB.

Non-invasive diagnosis of severe alcoholic hepatitis: Usefulness of cross-sectional imaging

PURPOSE

To describe the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (SAAH) and estimate the capabilities of CT and MRI in differentiating SAAH from alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with pathologically proven SAAH (SAAH group) who underwent CT or MRI examinations up to 30 days before or 15 days after liver biopsy between January 2008 and June 2018 were retrospectively included. There were 31 men and 29 women with a mean age of 52±9 (SD) years (range: 33-67 years). Imaging features of the SAAH group were compared to those obtained in two control groups including 62 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis without acute alcoholic hepatitis (control group 1) and 19 patients with NASH cirrhosis (control group 2) by two independent radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis. Univariate analyses were performed to compare imaging characteristics between the three groups, followed by diagnostic performance analysis for the diagnosis of SAAH of the main CT features.

RESULTS

Heterogeneous steatosis was significantly more frequent in SAAH group than in the control groups (41/50; 82% vs. 7/62; 10% and 1/19; 5% in control groups 1 and 2, respectively for reader 1 and 34/50; 68% vs. 8/62; 13% and 1/19; 5% in control groups 1 and 2, respectively for reader 2; both P=0.01). Transient perfusion disorders were more frequent in SAAH group than in the control groups (35/50; 70% vs. 12/62; 21% and 5/19; 26% in control groups 1 and 2, respectively for reader 1 and 39/50; 78% vs. 14/62; 23% and 13/19; 6% in control groups 1 and 2, respectively for reader 2; both P=0.01). The combination of these two findings yielded 100% specificity (45/45; 95% CI: 92-100) for readers 1 and 2 for the diagnosis of SAAH vs. alcoholic cirrhosis and NASH cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

The imaging features of SAAH are specific and mainly associate transient heterogeneous steatosis and liver perfusion disorders. CT/MRI may be useful to differentiate SAAH from alcoholic cirrhosis and NASH cirrhosis.

Transjugular Liver Biopsy: Safe Even in Patients With Severe Coagulopathies and Multiple Biopsies

To investigate the safety profile and diagnostic efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), with a focus on patients with severe coagulopathies and with multiple biopsies.

Transjugular versus Transfemoral Transcaval Liver Biopsy: A Single-Center Experience in 500 Cases

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy of transfemoral transcaval liver biopsies (TFTC) with that of transjugular liver biopsies (TJLB) at a single tertiary-care institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 500 consecutive transvenous liver biopsies between December 2010 and December 2018. The cases included 286 TFTC patients at a median age of 54 years old (interquartile range [IQR], 42-63 years of age), 37.4% were female; and 214 TJLB patients at a median age of 55 years old (IQR, 46-61 years of age), 45.4% female. Patient demographic and laboratory data and technical and histopathological success, fluoroscopy times, and complications were recorded. Comparative statistical analyses were performed using a 2-sample test or a Wilcoxon ranked sum test for continuous variables and a chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables when appropriate.

RESULTS

TFTC and TJLB data are presented as: technical success rates of 99.3% (283 of 286) and 100% (214 of 214), respectively; histopathologic success rates of 96.5% (275 of 285) and 95.8% (205 of 214), respectively; and major complication rates of 1.4% (4 of 284) and 5.6% (12 of 214), respectively (P = .009). There were no hepatic injuries in the TFTC group, whereas the TJLB group included 6 significant hepatic injuries requiring intervention. Median fluoroscopic times were 5.5 minutes (IQR, 3.9-8.6 minutes) for TFTC and 8.1 minutes (IQR, 5.2-13.1) for TJLB (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-institution study, TFTC was associated with a lower major complication rate and lower fluoroscopy times than conventional TJLB with similar technical and histopathologic successes.

Medical liver biopsy: background, indications, procedure and histopathology

Histological analysis of liver tissue continues to play an important role in modern hepatological practice. This review explores the indications for medical liver biopsy in addition to the procedure itself, potential complications, preparation of tissue and routine staining. A broad selection of histological images is included to illustrate the appearance of liver tissue both in health and in several important diseases.

Predictors of bleeding complications following percutaneous image-guided liver biopsy: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Percutaneous tissue biopsy is a mainstay of diagnostic and interventional radiology, providing a minimally invasive method for diagnosing malignant and benign disease. The purpose of this review was to collect and summarize the best available evidence regarding the risk factors associated with bleeding complications in image-guided liver biopsy.

METHODS

A literature review was performed, searching Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) databases for any studies evaluating bleeding complications in image-guided liver biopsy. A total of 68 articles, published between January 1994 and April 2015, were reviewed in full, with 34 ultimately eligible for inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Bleeding of any kind occurred in up to 10.9% of image-guided liver biopsies, with major bleeding episodes ranging from 0.1% to 4.6% and minor bleeding events occurring in up to 10.9% of biopsies. The overall rate of bleeding was, however, found to be less than 2%. Several risk factors (patient, operator, and procedure-related) were identified as potentially indicative of an increased risk of post-biopsy bleeding. Patient-related risk factors included patient age (>50 years or <2 years), inpatient status (8/12 vs. 4/12, P < 0.001), comorbidities and/or concurrent diagnoses and coagulation status (rate of bleeding was 3.3% for international normalized ratio [INR] 1.2-1.5 vs. 7.1% for INR >1.5, P < 0.001). There was no consensus on impact of operator experience (>200 biopsies/year vs. <50/year) on post-biopsy bleeding rate. Procedure-related risk factors included needle size (cutting biopsy vs. fine needle aspiration, P < 0.001) and the presence of a patent track on post-biopsy ultrasound (P < 0.001). Lastly there was no difference found between targeted vs. nontargeted biopsies and number of needle passes.

CONCLUSION

Reported rate of post-biopsy bleeding ranges between 0% and 10.9%, although the vast majority of studies reported bleeding rates under 2%. Several patient, operator, and procedure-related risk factors are associated with a higher risk of bleeding following liver biopsy.

Bile leak after transjugular liver biopsy in a cholecystectomy patient

Introduction

Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is a minimally invasive procedure performed to obtain hepatic tissue in patients whom standard percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated due to abnormal coagulation profile and/or severe ascites. Additionally, it has the advantage of simultaneously measuring the hepatic venous pressures.

Case Presentation

61-year-old male with history of pulmonary fibrosis, cholecystectomy and Hepatitis C underwent transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) as part of his lung transplant workup. Shortly after the procedure, the patient developed sharp right upper abdominal pain. Immediate CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed small foci of contrast and gas in the gallbladder fossa and porta hepatis indicating hepatic capsular penetration without perihepatic hematoma or other evidence of hemorrhage. Follow up CT of the abdomen and HIDA scan confirmed the presence of bile leak. Sphincterotomy and stent placement through ERCP was performed.

Conclusion

Bile leak after a TJLB is a rare, however, potential complication. ERCP and biliary stent seems an effective treatment for persistent symptomatic bile leak post TJLB.

Liver Biopsy Can Be Safely Performed in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure to Aid in Diagnosis and Management

OBJECTIVES

Liver biopsy can be a valuable tool to help determine the etiology of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF), but is often not performed due to safety concerns. The primary aim was to describe the incidence of major complications after liver biopsy performed in the setting of PALF.

METHODS

Medical records from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Patients age 0 to 17 years, who met criteria for PALF, and had a liver biopsy performed while their international normalized ratio (INR) was ≥1.5 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 26 cases of liver biopsy in the setting of PALF were identified. The majority (n = 22, 85%) of patients had primary liver disease. Most biopsies (n = 17, 65%) were performed by the transjugular route, with 5 (19%) performed percutaneously under ultrasound guidance and 4 (15%) during a surgical procedure. Median INR before biopsy was 2.1 (IQR = 1.73-2.9). Blood products were given before or during the procedure in 23 (88%) cases. One patient (3.8%) had a major complication of biopsy-associated bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. An additional 3 patients had a hemoglobin decrease of 2.1 to 2.9 g/dL post-biopsy that was attributed to the procedure but no interventions were necessary. Biopsy results contributed to establishing a diagnosis in 62% (n = 16) of cases, and influenced treatment decisions in 9 of those cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver biopsy is safe in the majority of patients with PALF and associated with infrequent major complications. Clinicians should consider performing liver biopsy in this setting, especially when the transjugular approach is feasible, since findings may guide diagnosis and therapy.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure 2018: a need for (urgent) liver biopsy?

'Acute-on-Chronic-Liver Failure (ACLF)' entered hepatology practice by the end of the 20th century. Although we lack precise and universally agreed definitions, acute decompensation of chronic liver disease with jaundice and deranged clotting, multi-organ failure and high, short-term mortality are hallmarks of the syndrome. Timely recognition and and treatment, including urgent liver transplantation, may save the life of certain patients. The diagnosis and management are mostly based on clinical features, but some have suggested to incorporate histopathology (liver biopsy). This may add to the differentiation between acute and chronic disease, primary and concomitant etiologies, and identify prognostic determinants. Areas covered: A review of the literature on ACLF and the outcome of the discussions at a topical international meeting on specific histopathological aspects of diagnosis and prognosis of the syndrome. Expert commentary: There is a lack of standardized descriptions of histopathological features and there is limited prospective experience with the role of pathology of ACLF. It is important for the clinical hepatologist to understand the potential and limitations of (transjugular) liver biopsy in ACLF and for the pathologist to help address the clinical question and recognise the histopathological features that help to characterize ACLF, both in terms of diagnosis and prognosis.

Transjugular liver biopsy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS): Is it feasible, effective, and safe?

PURPOSE

To evaluate our experience with transjugular liver biopsies (TJLB) in patients with previously placed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review was performed looking at all TJLBs in patients with previously placed TIPS or DIPS over the past seven years. There were six men and one woman (mean age 57.9±8.8 [SD] years; range: 47-71 years). Patient demographics, indications, procedural details, laboratory data, complications, and pathology were recorded. Patients with occluded TIPS were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

Seven TJLBs were performed, five in patients who had a TIPS and two who had a DIPS. Of the patients with TIPS, biopsies were performed from the same hepatic vein as TIPS in three procedures and from a different hepatic vein in two procedures. In DIPS patients, both biopsies were performed from the right hepatic vein. The reasons for the transjugular rather than the percutaneous approach to liver biopsy included ascites, coagulopathy, or need for concurrent TIPS/DIPS evaluation and/or revision. All procedures were technically successful with adequate samples obtained. There were no immediate or delayed complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that if needed a TJLB can safely and effectively be performed in patients with previously placed TIPS or DIPS.

Assessing the Risk of Hemorrhagic Complication following Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Bone Marrow Transplantation Recipients

PURPOSE

To determine if recipients of bone marrow transplants (BMTs) are at increased risk of hemorrhagic complications following transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TJLBs in BMT and non-BMT patients between January 2007 and July 2014 were reviewed. Patient demographic and pre- and postprocedural laboratory data were reviewed. Mean platelet count and International Normalized Ratio were 174,300 × 10(3)/µL ± 107.3 (standard deviation) and 1.2 ± 0.4, respectively, for BMT recipients, compared with 88,100 × 10(3)/µL ± 70.9 and 1.2 ± 0.5, respectively, for non-BMT. Patients in whom hemoglobin level decreased by > 1 g/dL and/or required transfusion within 15 days of TJLB were reviewed to determine the presence of a biopsy-related hemorrhagic complication.

RESULTS

A total of 1,600 TJLBs in 1,120 patients were analyzed. Of these, 183 TJLBs in 159 BMT recipients and 1,417 TJLBs in 961 patients non-BMT patients were performed. Thirteen TJLBs were complicated by hemorrhage: five in BMT (2.9%) and eight in the non-BMT cohorts (0.6%; P < .01). Preprocedural platelet counts were within normal range (57-268 × 10(3)/µL) in all but one patient (8 × 10(3)/µL). BMT recipients had an odds ratio of 4.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-17.3) for post-TJLB bleeding/hemorrhage compared with those without BMTs (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

TJLB continues to be a safe procedure in the vast majority of patients. However, hemorrhagic complications occurred at a rate of 2.9% in BMT recipients, compared with 0.6% in patients without BMTs, and therefore caution should be exercised when performing TJLB in this group.

Transfemoral Transcaval Core-Needle Liver Biopsy: An Alternative to Transjugular Liver Biopsy

PURPOSE

To describe the technique and outcome of transfemoral transcaval (TFTC) core-needle liver biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed on 121 patients who underwent transvenous liver biopsies at a single institution between February 2014 and July 2015, yielding 66 total TFTC liver biopsies for review (65.2% male; mean age, 53.2 y ± 15.0). From August 2014 through July 2015, TFTC biopsies accounted for 64 of 77 (83%) transvenous biopsies. Hepatic tissue was obtained directly through the intrahepatic inferior vena cava from a femoral venous approach. Procedural complications were classified according to Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 66 biopsies, technical success was achieved in 64 cases (97.0%). Histopathologic diagnoses were made in 63 cases (95.5%). Fragmented or limited specimens in which a pathologic diagnosis was still made occurred in four cases (6.1%). Complications occurred in two cases (3.0%). Venous pressure measurements were requested in 60 cases, and all were successfully obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

TFTC core-needle liver biopsies are feasible and safe as demonstrated in this series of patients.