Transfemoral-Transcaval Liver Biopsy (TFTC) and Transjugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB) in Patients with Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD).

PURPOSE: To describe our experience in performing transfemoral-transcaval liver biopsy (TFTC) and transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD).

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of 23 TFTC and seven TJLB performed between August 2011 and May 2023 on patients who previously underwent the Fontan procedure (median age 23.1 years, ranging 11-43 years, 48% female). Patient demographics, laboratory values, pathology, radiology, and cardiology reports were reviewed. Liver explants were correlated with histopathological evaluation to determine sampling accuracy when available.

RESULTS

All biopsies achieved technical success (accurate targeting and safe tissue sample extraction) and histopathological success (yielding sufficient tissue for accurate diagnosis). Liver biopsies were performed during simultaneous cardiac catheterization in 28 of 30 (93%) procedures. There was no statistically significant change in hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count post-procedure, and fluoroscopy times. There was one major complication within the TJLB group and one minor complication within the TFTC group.

CONCLUSION

Transvenous liver biopsies, whether via transfemoral or transjugular route, may be safely performed in FALD patients while yielding samples with technical and histopathological success. The transfemoral approach, which is our preferred method; its compatibility with simultaneous cardiac catheterization and its potentially increased safety profile stemming from the avoidance of transversing the Fontan shunt-makes it a particular advantageous option in the management of FALD.