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Abstract: SA-PO708

Necessity Drives Innovation: Using Transjugular Liver Biopsy Sets for Renal Biopsies

Session Information

Category: Pathology and Lab Medicine

  • 1602 Pathology and Lab Medicine: Clinical

Authors

  • Adams, Paul M., University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
  • Ahmed, Sadiq, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
  • Cornea, Virgilius, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Group or Team Name

  • University of Kentucky
Background

Renal biopsies are a cornerstone of nephrology, providing valuable diagnosis and treatment information. In some cases, traditional percutaneous biopsies are limited by factors such as obesity, coagulopathy and critical illness. Previously, an intravascular transjugular approach using a renal biopsy set from Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN) was used. However, the Cook set was discontinued in 2016, leaving few options for such patients in the United States. As a solution to this problem, our institution has employed a liver biopsy set manufactured by Argon Medical Devices (Frisco, TX). Our case series describes the novel and successful use of a transjugular liver biopsy set for renal biopsies in complex patients.

Methods

We reviewed patients undergoing transjugular renal biopsy using the Argon liver biopsy set at our center from 2017-2018. Indications, demographics, and outcomes were noted. Briefly, the procedure involves catheterization of the right internal jugular vein and subsequent right renal vein catheterization with renal cortex identification by venography. Biopsy specimens are then obtained using the Argon core biopsy needle set.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent a transjugular renal biopsy with the liver set. Biopsy adequacy was 95% as judged by interpreting pathologists. Complications were rare, with only one patient experiencing bleeding which was self-limited. Results are summarized in Table 1.

Conclusion

Our novel case series demonstrates that a transjugular liver biopsy set is safe and effective for renal biopsies in patients unsuitable for percutaneous biopsy. These findings are significant as there are limited options for transjugular renal biopsies in the United States. Hopefully this will lead to wider use of such techniques.

Table 1