Digestive Disease Interventions 2018; 02(02): 087-094
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657793
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Liver Biopsy

Mohamed Attaya
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Ashraf Thabet
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

11 February 2018

20 April 2018

Publication Date:
18 June 2018 (online)

Abstract

Liver biopsies are among the most common procedures performed by the interventional radiologist. Liver biopsies may be performed through the percutaneous or transjugular approaches. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for imaging guidance. Transjugular liver biopsies are generally reserved for specific circumstances in which the percutaneous method is associated with increased risk to the patient, such as coagulopathy, or when portal pressure measurements are desired. In addition, endobiliary biopsy through percutaneous transhepatic tracts may be an important means of assessing biliary strictures when the endoscopic route is impossible. This article serves as a general review of the multiple diagnostic hepatic interventions that may be performed by the interventional radiologist.

 
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