Sonal Krishan MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick Joseph Edwin MBBS, DMRD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

 The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to calculate the risk of needle track seeding following percutaneous diagnostic and therapeutic approach for hepatocellular cancer.

Medline, Embase, Web of science were searched for english language studies reporting the incidence of needle track seeding defined as new neoplastic disease outside the liver capsule along the track of needle. All studies which evaluated the risk of seeding and where percutaneous approach was used for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons for suspected or known hepatocellular cancer were included. Pooled incidence was calculated using random effects model. Meta- regression was used to calculate the effect of any risk factors, duration to seeding and prognosis of seeding.

14 such studies were identified. The pooled incidence of seeding was 2.6% (95% CI; 1.4-4.1%). Poor differentiation of tumour and high baseline tumour markers were poor prognostic indicators.

There is a definite risk of seeding following percutaneous approach for hepatocellular cancer. Any decision to biopsy should be made in a multidisciplinary setting keeping the probability of tumour seeding in mind.

The risk of seeding following percutaneous approach for hepatocellular cancer is not low enough to warrant its use routinely.

Krishan, S, Edwin, P, Risk of Seeding Following Percutaneous Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach for Hepatocellular Cancer: Real or Imaginary? Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9004742.html