Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of bowel lesions under ultrasound guidance: indications and results.

Twenty-four patients with bowel lesions that could be imaged on a sonogram underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Indications for biopsy included: poor condition of the patient precluding the use of barium studies and/or endoscopy (9 cases) or hindering technically adequate examinations (3); nonspecific radiographic images (6); inability to obtain an adequate biopsy sample during endoscopy (6). The results of biopsy were correct in the 18 cases proven by surgery or autopsy; in the remaining 6 patients, histologic results were considered conclusive, and were later confirmed by clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound follow-up. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be considered a simple, rapid, and accurate diagnostic procedure when an alternative approach to the study of gastrointestinal tract lesions is needed.