CT guided biopsy

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 23 Mar 2023

CT guided biopsy is a type of image-guided biopsy. It is generally less commonly used than ultrasound-guided biopsy, however, in some anatomical areas, it has greater precedence, such as lung and bone biopsies.

CT guided biopsy requires good teamwork with radiographic staff as it is not truly dynamic like ultrasound-guided biopsies.

It may be performed using the 'CT fluoroscopy' capabilities of modern CT scanners or with the traditional step-wise approach.

CT biopsies are usually performed using a co-axial needle technique to gain a stable position through which the biopsy may be performed.

Most common percutaneous biopsies

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Cases and figures

  • Co-axial needle used in CT biopsy procedures
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  • Skin surface markers - for planning biopsy approach
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  • Typical core ascertained using a 18G needle
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  • Case 1: transgluteal biopsy
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  • Case 3: lung biopsy
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  • Case 2: of para-aortic lymphadenopathy
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  • Case 4: presacral mass
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  • Case 5: renal biopsy
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  • Case 6: bone biopsy
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  • Case 7: transpedicular bone biopsy
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  • Case 8: paraspinal biopsy
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  • Case 9 : intercostal biopsy
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  • Case 10: in spondylodiscitis
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  • Case 11: para-aortic mass biopsy
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  • Case 12: para-aortic lymph node
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