Accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle core biopsy of renal masses

Our aim is to determine the sufficiency, accuracy, and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle core biopsy of renal masses in Chinese patients. Patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided needle core renal mass biopsy from June 2012 to June 2016 at West China Hospital, China were retrospectively reviewed. The information obtained included demographics, mass-related parameters, biopsy indications, technique, complications, pathologic results, and follow-up. Concordance of surgical resection pathology and follow-up data were assessed. Renal mass biopsies were performed in 106 patients. Thirty-nine (36.8%) were asymptomatic. The male/female ratio was 60/46, with a median age of 49.5 years. Median mass size was 8.1 cm (range 1.8–20). Biopsy was performed through a 16-gauge needle, with median cores of 2 taken (range 1–5). Only one significant biopsy-related complication (hemorrhage requiring transfusion) was encountered. An adequate tissue sample was obtained in 97.2% (103/106) of biopsies. Eighty-seven biopsies (82.1%) showed malignant neoplasms, 16 (15.1%) yielded benignity, and 3 (2.8%) were nondiagnostic. After biopsy, 46 patients (43.4%) underwent surgery. Compared with the subsequent mass resection pathology, the biopsy diagnoses were identical in 43 cases. The accuracy rate of biopsy distinguishing malignant from benign lesions was 99.1%, and the rate for determining tumor histological type (excluding the nondiagnostic biopsies) was 95.1%. The sensitivity and specificity in detecting malignancy were 98.9% and 100%, respectively. In several situations, there is still a role for biopsy before intervention. Percutaneous needle core biopsy under ultrasonography guidance is highly accurate and safe, and can determine the proper management of undefinable masses.