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

ABSTRACT 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.