• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2004

Purpose: To determine the utility of sonographically guided percutaneous core needle biopsy to diagnose musculoskeletal soft tissue masses. Methods: A prospective study was performed in 55 patients referred for image-guided needle biopsy of primary or recurrent soft tissue masses and bone lesion or suspected solitary metastasis with extraosseous masses. Tissue samples were obtained with a 14-gauge or 18-gauge cutting needle coupled to an automated biopsy device under local anesthesia and sonographic guidance. Statistical analysis was based on 49 biopsies confirmed by successful clinical treatment (11 cases) or surgical resection (38 cases). Results: An accurate diagnosis was obtained in 47 (97%) of 49 biopsies; sensitivity was 95%, and specificity was 100%. The method did not yield sufficient tissue to establish a diagnosis in 6 cases. Considering all 55 biopsies, high-quality specimens were obtained in 87%. There were no serious complications. Conclusions: Sonographically guided core needle biopsy is accurate and safe, in soft tissue masses and bone tumors with extraosseous masses in the appendicular skeleton. In such patients, the sonographically guided procedure is the most prompt and effective method for obtaining tissue samples.