Update on endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has emerged as a minimally-invasive alternative to the traditional (percutaneous or transjugular) liver biopsy techniques for the diagnosis of liver parenchymal diseases. Po-tentially, EUS-LB combines the advantages of percutaneous and transjugular liver biopsy in addressing focused sampling in addition to measuring portal pressure. Additionally, EUS-LB facilitates access to both the lobes of the liver which is not considered with the traditional percutaneous liver biopsy. Multiple studies have compared EUS-LB with conventional liver biopsy and reported comparable diagnostic yield, increased acquisition of complete portal tracts, and longer specimen length as compared to the traditional approaches. EUS-LB is associated with lesser post-procedural pain and shorter recovery time, while providing lower risk of complications when compared to traditional liver biopsy. Innovations in needle types, needle sizes and suction techniques have aimed at further optimizing the EUS-LB technique. This review article updates current literature with focus on the variations in the technique and equipment used for EUS-LB, and compares EUS-LB with traditional methods of liver biopsy.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound guided liver biopsy; Liver biopsy; Liver parenchymal disease; Percutaneous liver biopsy; Portal pressure gradient; Transjugular liver biopsy.

Figure 1

Needle for endoscopic ultrasound guided liver biopsy accessing left lobe of the liver. Orange arrow denotes needle. Image obtained by Krishna SG at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.