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Percutaneous Muscle Biopsies: Review of 900 Consecutive Cases at London Health Sciences Centre

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Kendra L. Derry
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Michael N. Nicolle
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Julia A. Keith-Rokosh
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Robert R. Hammond*
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
*
Department of Pathology, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, 339 Windermere Road, London, Ontario, N6A 5A5, Canada
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Abstract

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Objective:

In the present study we review our experience with 900 consecutive percutaneous muscle biopsies over the period 1993 to 2007. We examined the advantages and limitations of the procedure, biopsy site preferences, diagnostic range, frequency of diagnoses and quality of histopathology. Demographics, referral patterns and patients' perceptions of the procedure were also assessed.

Methods:

Cases were identified through the London Health Sciences Centre Department of Pathology database. Standard biopsy procedures were followed using a manual trocar style instrument. With a neuropathology technologist in attendance at all biopsies, biopsies were oriented in the fresh state and snap frozen.

Results:

Most referrals for muscle biopsy were from neuromuscular neurologists. The procedure was found to be efficient, well-tolerated and produced high quality specimens in all diagnostic categories. No major complications occurred. Failure to obtain an adequate tissue sample, although uncommon (<2%), was usually due to marked obesity, edema or muscle wasting. Bleeding at the site was rarely problematic and no wound infections were reported.

Conclusions:

Needle muscle biopsies represent an efficient alternative to open biopsies when peripheral nerve sampling is not required and when large tissue samples are not needed for extensive biochemical analyses.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2009

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