Abstract

Background
/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided trucut biopsy (EUS-TCB) is a relatively new method, which facilitates obtaining a core biopsy through the gut wall. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-TCB based on the types of lesions.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the database of 37 cases in 35 patients (mean age, 57.2±2.3 years; 23 men) with thoracic and abdominal masses who got EUS-TCB between January 2007 and June 2008. Final diagnoses were determined by malignant positive EUS specimens, surgical pathology, or the clinical course.
Results
Adequate samples were obtained by EUS-TCB in 78.4% (29/37) of the cases. The overall diagnostic accuracies of the EUS-TCB were 73.0%. The mean size of the masses was 3.7±2.6 cm. The diagnostic accuracies of EUS-TCB according to the lesions were as follows: lymph node, 85.7% (18/21); subepithelial lesion, 60.0% (6/10); and solid tumor, 50% (3/6). With respect to accuracy, lymph nodes were significantly superior to non-lymph node lesions (p=0.046). There was a minor bleeding controlled by hemoclipping (2.7%).
Conclusions
EUS-TCB is a useful technique for the diagnosis of lymph nodes, subepithelial tumors, and solid tumors that were not able to be diagnosed by other methods. In addition, EUS-TCB is a safe and minimally invasive method. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2010;40:9-15)

• Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound, Trucut biopsy, Lymph node, Subepithelial lesion