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Published in: Skeletal Radiology 11/2020

Open Access 01-11-2020 | Ultrasound | Technical Report

Ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy: a practical alternative for investigation of myopathy

Authors: Anish Raithatha, Mohammad Reza Ashraghi, Christopher Lord, Clara Limback-Stanic, Stuart Viegas, Dimitri Amiras

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 11/2020

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Abstract

Objective

We propose the use of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy as a viable method of obtaining muscle specimen to aid the diagnosis of myopathy. We retrospectively review the diagnostic accuracy and patient feedback of ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies in our neuromuscular service.

Method

Multidisciplinary team meeting reviewed select patients and agreed on those suitable for ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy. They then underwent biopsy using direct ultrasound guidance and a modified Bergström needle. The specimens were sent for histopathological analysis, and patients were given a feedback form.

Results

Ten patients underwent 11 ultrasound-guided muscle biopsies. Of these 11, one was processed incorrectly, but all others were good quality specimens suitable for analysis. All 10 of those processed correctly aided diagnosis. All patient feedback was rated good or excellent. In 4 patients with a previous unsuccessful surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy was successful in obtaining suitable muscle. Of those 4 patients, 3 preferred ultrasound-guided biopsy, and 1 did not state a preference.

Discussion

Our ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy technique offers a viable alternative to surgical biopsy. It yields high-quality specimen that aids diagnosis and receives good feedback from patients. It can be performed quickly as a day case and does not require theatre space. Furthermore, direct visualization of structures minimizes the risk of complications and allows biopsy of otherwise difficult to access targets.

Conclusion

Utilization of ultrasound guided–modified Bergström needle technique for muscle biopsy provides comparable success rates to other techniques and has practical, clinical, operational, and patient-centred benefits compared with alternative techniques.
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Metadata
Title
Ultrasound-guided muscle biopsy: a practical alternative for investigation of myopathy
Authors
Anish Raithatha
Mohammad Reza Ashraghi
Christopher Lord
Clara Limback-Stanic
Stuart Viegas
Dimitri Amiras
Publication date
01-11-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-020-03484-y

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