[Hepatic hematomas due to Menghini liver biopsy].

Unlabelled: Hepatic hematomas, after liver biopsy, are collections of blood within the hepatic parenchyma and/or the hepatic capsula. The frequency of hematomas is reported to vary from 0% to 23% as a consequence of the patient selection and/or of the different diagnostic techniques (angiography, isotope techniques, ultrasound and CT scan).
Aim: To study prospectively, using the ultrasound scan, the incidence and the clinical significance of hematomas.
Methods: 115 liver punctures were prospectively studied; before and 24 hours after the procedure the patients were submitted to liver US scan and CBC, transaminase and bilirubin were also checked.
Results: The procedure was unsuccessful in one patient and none had more than one needle pass; five patients had two biopsies in different sessions. The 24 hour post-biopsy liver US scan did not show any hepatic hematomas. No patient had a significant drop in hemoglobin or in red blood cells.
Conclusions: Hepatic hematomas after liver biopsy are uncommon and of little clinical significance.