How accurate is fine-needle biopsy in malignant neoplasia of the pancreas?

The accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the pancreas in 77 patients was studied, in 47 by the percutaneous route and in 30 under direct vision at the time of operation. Seventeen (49%) of 35 pancreatic malignant neoplasms were detected percutaneously and 13 (65%) of 20 at surgery. The predictive value of a positive test was 100% in both situations. The sensitivity of the percutaneous test was 57%; the sensitivity of the test done at operation rose to 72%. No complications were encountered. The test, when positive, can be relied on in surgical decision making but is of limited value when negative. Our findings are essentially similar to those of others who have reported their experience in the literature.