Work

Adequacy and Safety of Liver Biopsy Performed During Cardiac Catheterization in Patients With Fontan and Non-fontan Heart Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aims: Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. Biopsy performed during cardiac catheterization is a unique approach performed at few centers. It allows for simultaneous hepatic and cardiac assessment and may be useful in the surveillance of Fontan-associated liver disease, a recognized complication in Fontan patients. This study reviews the indications, outcomes, and adequacy of liver biopsy performed during cardiac catheterization, with special attention to patients with Fontan-associated liver disease. Methods: A multidisciplinary, retrospective review of patients at a single quaternary-care center who underwent liver biopsy during right heart catheterization was performed. One hundred thirty liver biopsies taken between December 2011 and October 2022 were analyzed. Results: < .001). In total, 88.5% of biopsies were classified as "adequate," 9.2% were "limited," and 2.3% were "inadequate." A definitive histopathologic diagnosis was reached in 99.2% of biopsies, with the only undiagnosed specimen in the Fontan group. Conclusion: Liver biopsy during a clinically warranted cardiac catheterization can be safely performed with adequate yield and minimal complication risk. It may be useful in Fontan patients undergoing catheterization to assess Fontan-associated liver disease development.

Source: Gastro Hep Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2025.100841