Australian rheumatologists conducted a study to compare the feasibility and diagnostic performance of two techniques of muscle tissue sampling: one based on open biopsy, usually in a surgical setting, and the other consisting of needle puncture biopsy with guidance from muscle ultrasound (percutaneous technique).
- 38 adult patients (median age 64 years) were divided into two groups according to the technique used.
- Needle biopsy was found to be an easier approach, less invasive and offering a wider choice of muscles to be sampled.
- In contrast, surgical biopsy had a significantly better diagnostic performance.
- The authors recommend an increase in the diameter of the needles and in the number of passes at the time of coring to remedy the latter point.
