Comparison of tru-cut biopsy and fine-needle aspiration cytology in an experimental alcoholic liver disease model

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Liver biopsies such as tru-cut (sharp needle) and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are the most commonly preferred techniques to detect the grade and stage of certain liver diseases. in this study, we aimed to compare the efficiency of USG-guided tru-cut biopsy and fine-needle aspiration cytology in an experimental alcoholic liver disease model. METHODS: Thirty-six female Wistar albino rats, 4-6 months old, and weighing from 190 to 250 g, were used in this study. the animals were randomly divided into six equal groups: GI (control), G2 (tru-cut control), G3 (FNAC control), G4 (Alcoholic liver disease model), G5 (Alcoholic liver disease model + FNAC), and G6 (Alcoholic liver disease model + tru-cut biopsy). After a histopathological evaluation by light microscopy, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of FNAC and tru-cut biopsy for the diagnosis of liver lesions were calculated. RESULTS: No pathology was detected in GI except for mild congestion. on the other hand, hepatocyte damage, periportal inflammation, congestion, and fatty changes were detected in all liver tissues of the alcoholic liver disease groups. the sensitivity of hepatocyte damage, inflammation, congestion, and fatty change parameters for FNAC were 33.3%, 80%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, while the sensitivity of the same variables for tru-cut were 66.7%, 40%, 100%, and 20%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Both techniques were superior in some aspects. FNAC can be an attractive alternative to tru-cut biopsy and applied in routine practice in the diagnosis of non-tumoral liver diseases.