DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY-GUIDE PERCUTANEOUS LIVER MASS CORE BIOPSY BY USING 16 AND 18 GAUGE NEEDLES

Background: Histopathological examination is the definitive method for diagnosing liver masses. Aim: to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous liver mass core biopsy, with concentration on the diagnostic success and efficacy of using 16 and 18 gauge needles. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 180 patients who had ultrasound-guided liver mass biopsies using 16G and 18G cutting needles. A conclusive diagnosis was established based on histological analyses for the lesions that were biopsied, the results of further biopsies for certain individuals, and any follow-up clinical and imaging findings. For 16G or 18G needles, the following metrics were computed: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy. Results: A conclusive diagnosis revealed that 162 (90%) of the 180 liver tumors were can malignant and 18 (10%) were benign. For liver mass biopsies using 18G needles, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), Diagnostic accuracy and negative predictive value (NPV) were 90.7%, 100.0%, 75.0%, and 91.6%, respectively. 87.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 66.7%, and 88.3% were the comparable findings for liver mass biopsies used with 16 G needles. There was no discernible difference between the two outcomes (p=0,28). Conclusion: The current research showed that a safe and reliable method for identifying liver pathology is percutaneous liver core biopsy guided by ultrasonography. In US-guided liver mass core biopsy, both 16G and 18G sharp needles show comparable diagnostic success and effectiveness; however, the larger 16G needle may be more likely to cause minor complication such as pain and local bleeding. Because of its fine calibration, the 18 G sharp needle is recommended for patient populations at high risk, particularly those who having blood disease.