Diagnostic Performance and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Diagnosing Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Lymphoma arises from transformed lymphoid cells. Although surgical excision biopsy is the standard diagnostic tool for patients with lymphoma, image-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy (CNB) is considered an alternative diagnostic option. Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in patients with lymphoma. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. A literature search was performed up to January 1, 2024, using the Ovid-MELIBE and EMBASE databases to identify studies focusing on US-guided CNB in lymphoma patients. Relevant outcomes, including sensitivity, specificity, and complication rates, were extracted from the included studies. The Der-Simonian-Laird random-effects model was applied to analyze the pooled data. Results: The pooled sensitivity of US-guided CNB in lymphoma patients was 94% (95% CI = 89%–96%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI = 94%–100%). The pooled complication rate was 1% (95% CI = 0%–3%), with self-limiting complications being the most common. Conclusion: US-guided CNB demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and low complication rates in patients with lymphoma, supporting its use as an alternative diagnostic tool.