Sonographically guided core-needle biopsy of focal splenic lesions: report of four cases.

There are few published reports about the use of splenic needle biopsies in the investigation of focal splenic lesions. We report our experience with sonographically guided core-needle biopsies of splenic lesions in 4 patients. The biopsies resulted in the following diagnoses: sarcoidosis, malignant lymphoma, infarction, and scar tissue. Surgery was avoided in the 3 patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis, infarction, and scar tissue by ruling out the possibility of a malignant splenic tumor. None of the patients experienced significant complications. We conclude that splenic core-needle biopsy is a useful and safe diagnostic tool for the evaluation of focal splenic lesions. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.