Diagnostic value of laparoscopy-directed liver biopsy in fever of unknown origin
Maradona Hidalgo, J.A.; Alvarez Alvarez, C.; Fernández Rippe, M.L.; Suárez García, E.
Medicina Clinica 77(9): 386-388
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 6460144 Document Number: 173894
The diagnostic value of laparoscopy-directed liver biopsy was studied in 34 patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). In 2 cases (5.88%) the procedure was diagnostic, in 9 (26.4%) it was helpful, and in the remaining 22 results were normal or irrelevant and without value as a diagnostic aid. Alterations in liver function tests were most reliable as a possible indication of biopsy results. Biopsy results were compared to those of other authors. Liver biopsy is a procedure which is of limited value in establishing a firm diagnosis in FUO and should be used only when non-invasive diagnostic procedures have failed to establish a firm diagnosis.