MR-guided abdominal biopsy using a 1.5-Tesla closed system: A feasibility study

Background: MR-guided biopsy may aid to obtain samples in cases which are not feasible with conventional US or CT guidance. Purpose: To evaluate safety and efficacy of MRI-guided abdominal biopsy at 1.5-T closed MR system. Methods and materials: MRI guided abdominal biopsy was performed using Siemens Avanto 1.5-T closed MR system. Eighteen samples were obtained in 10 patients under local anesthesia using a novel technique to define skin entry site. None of the cases included in the study were amenable to biopsy using the conventional ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) guidance. MR compatible 18G needle (US Biopsy) was used to obtain biopsy samples. Intravenous gadolinium was used in two patients for better delineation during biopsy. Patients were followed up for 3-5 h and were discharged on the same day. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients. Average number of biopsy passes were two (range 1-4). All biopsy samples were adequate for histopathological examination. Average size of the core biopsy specimen was 9 mm. Conclusion: 1.5-T closed MR system allows adequate biopsy sampling from various abdominal organs. This technique may help to sample lesions which are not otherwise amenable for biopsy under conventional CT or US guidance.