The role of contrast-enhanced sonography for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the feasibility and usefulness of contrast-enhanced sonography for tumor detection and guidance of liver VX2 tumor ablation and to evaluate post radiofrequency ablation effectiveness.

METHODS:

VX2 tumors were implanted into the livers of 6 rabbits. Both conventional and harmonic gray scale and power Doppler imaging were performed with a commercially available scanner to evaluate the liver tumors before and after intravenous injection of a sonographic contrast agent before and after radiofrequency ablation. Contrast-enhanced imaging was used to detect the tumors before ablation, to guide needle insertion, and to measure the ablation sites after radiofrequency ablation. Pathologic examination was performed for comparison.

RESULTS:

Three tumors were seen without contrast enhancement, whereas 10 tumors (<1 cm) were detected with contrast enhancement. Intentionally, 2 tumors were completely ablated and 5 tumors were partially ablated. In 3 cases, incompletely ablated tumors could only be identified on contrast-enhanced Doppler imaging by enhancing the detection of residual tumor vascularity. There was excellent concordance between sonographic imaging and gross pathologic findings.

CONCLUSIONS:

Contrast-enhanced sonographic imaging appears useful for detection of liver tumors and for guiding and monitoring tumor ablation therapies.

• Authors: J B Liu, B B Goldberg, D A Merton, N M Rawool, L Needleman, F Forsberg
• Journal: Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (J Ultrasound Med) Vol. 20 Issue 5 Pg. 517-23 (May 2001) ISSN: 0278-4297 [Print] England
• PMID: 11345109 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media

Topics

• Animals
• Catheter Ablation
• Contrast Media
• Feasibility Studies
• Image Enhancement
• Liver Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Liver Neoplasms, Experimental (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Rabbits
• Ultrasonography, Doppler (methods)