Radiologically guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the spleen: a reliable and safe diagnostic procedure for neoplastic and reactive conditions

Rationale Percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) of the spleen is rarely performed, due to concerns about its complications and low diagnostic yield. However, this procedure represents a potentially useful diagnostic tool, especially in patients with splenomegaly and no definitive diagnosis after a clinical and radiological work-up. Methods and results We report the data on a cohort of 45 radiologically guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of the spleen from 44 patients performed at two centres. Platelet count and prothrombin time were within normal limits in all patients at the time of the procedure. The biopsy was ultrasound-guided in all cases except one, which was guided by computed tomography. An 18G needle was used in 82% of the cases, followed by 16G (10.2%) and 20G (7.8%) needles. The biopsy provided sufficient material for histological examination (including immunohistochemical studies) in 41 cases (91.1%). Haematological malignancies were most commonly diagnosed (52.3%); diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most frequent, followed by splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). For the most recent cases of DLBCL, the CNB provided sufficient material for fluorescence in-situ hybridisation to assess the status of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6. This allowed the identification of a case of high-grade B cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangement. Major complications were not reported; minor complications occurred in three cases (6.7%). Conclusions Our data demonstrate that radiologically guided percutaneous CNB should be considered as a valid diagnostic tool, as it provides quick and reliable histological diagnoses avoiding the complications and risks of splenectomy.

Automated summary

Radiologically guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the spleen is a valuable diagnostic tool, providing quick and reliable histological diagnoses while avoiding the complications and risks of splenectomy. The procedure yielded sufficient material for histological examination in majority of cases, with haematological malignancies being the most commonly diagnosed conditions. Minor complications occurred in a small percentage of cases, while major complications were not reported.