e16606 Background: Unlike other malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most often diagnosed radiologically, based on previous studies suggesting complication rates of 1.4%-3.4% (e.g., bleeding) and concerns regarding “tumor seeding.” Lack of tissue for analysis has led to a lag in understanding the molecular biology of HCC. Molecular characterization of biopsies may allow HCC subtyping in order to personalize medicine, thus the potential of liver biopsy’s safety and utility needs to be reassessed. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent biopsy for suspected HCC or other liver diseases between Jan 1, 2010 and Jan 1, 2020. Demographics and clinical data including comorbidities, renal function, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, varices, and labs including hemoglobin, WBC, platelets, sodium, creatinine, liver function test and coagulation studies were collected. Child Pugh (CP) and MELD-Na scores were calculated. Adherent medications at the time of biopsy and type of biopsy with any complications were included. Results: A total of 427 patients underwent liver biopsy. Patient characteristics are given in the table. Most patients (97%) underwent core needle biopsy. Biopsy complication rate was 1.23% (n = 5); these included bleeding (80%, n = 4), hospitalization (60%, n = 3), infection (20%, n = 1), and death (20%, n = 1). In the 5 patients, increased creatinine was associated with bleeding complications; however, one patient was on dialysis (Cr = 11.20), and this should be interpreted with caution. Existing comorbidities, concurrent medication use (including anticoagulants), CP and MELD-NA score, and lab findings were not associated with biopsy complications. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this review is first to demonstrate a low complication rate of 1.23% in suspected HCC patients who underwent liver biopsy in the current era of improved radiological techniques. This is consistent with historical data in liver disease patients. Comorbidities, being on anticoagulants, CP and MELD scores do not predict for biopsy complications. Higher creatinine was associated with more complications, but this needs to be examined in a larger study. Biopsy should be considered a valuable tool in understanding the molecular profiles of HCC, which could lead to more novel treatment. [Table: see text]
Four Cases of a Cerebral Air Embolism Complicating a Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy
