American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 155, 1217-1219, Copyright © 1990 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Nonaspiration fine-needle cytology of the liver: a new technique for obtaining diagnostic samples
D Fagelman and Q Chess
Great Neck Imaging, NY 11023.
We studied a new method of obtaining diagnostic cytology samples from the
liver that differs from fine-needle aspiration cytology in that no suction
is used to obtain the sample. This method is simpler to perform than
traditional aspiration biopsy and yields concentrated cell smears that are
easier to interpret. The sample enters the needle because of capillary
action, a physical property of fluid that causes it to flow into the lumen
of a narrow channel. This nonaspiration technique was used in 40
consecutive patients undergoing fine-needle biopsy of mass lesions of the
liver. A 22-gauge spinal needle was used in all procedures. The cytology
smears obtained were prepared, stained, and interpreted by the same methods
used for conventional fine-needle cytology specimens. Specific diagnoses
were rendered in 36 patients (90%) and in 32 (94%) of those patients with
malignant tumors. An average of 1.7 needle passes (range, 1-4) was needed
per patient. We conclude that the results from nonaspiration fine-needle
cytology of the liver are as good as those from conventional aspiration
technique, and the nonaspiration technique is easier to perform and results
in smears that are easier to interpret.