Ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsies: feasible and safe use of pathology services in a resource-limited, high TB/HIV prevalence setting

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies (CNB) for lymph nodes in a high TB/HIV prevalence area.
• Investigated the use of ultrasound-guided CNB in routine ART clinics.
• Analyzed patients with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes after negative Xpert-Ultra fine needle aspiration (FNA).
• Conducted abdominal ultrasounds to identify spleen lesions and other findings.
• Ultrasound-guided CNB is shown to be a safe and effective procedure.
• Hematological malignancies were frequently diagnosed after negative FNA results.
• Abnormal abdominal ultrasound findings and hypoechoic spleen lesions were common in patients with hematological issues.