Abstract | AIM: Conventional contrast harmonic sonography has the technical problem of a short enhancement time during targeting of hepatic malignancies for radiofrequency (RF) ablation. This study investigated the effectiveness of contrast harmonic sonographic guidance using perfluorocarbon microbubbles ( Sonazoid) during RF ablation of hepatic malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nodules were detected on contrast-enhanced computed tomography, but could not be resolved clearly by B-mode sonography. Sixty-six patients (51 men, 15 women; mean age, 65.8 years) with 108 hepatic malignancies were enrolled. Fifty-one patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 15 patients with liver metastases were treated by RF ablation guided by contrast harmonic sonography using perfluorocarbon microbubbles for a target lesion identified as a defect image after the administration of contrast medium. RESULTS: The maximal diameters of all tumours ranged from 0.7 to 3.5 cm (mean +/- SD, 1.7 cm +/- 0.9) on sonography. Complete tumour necrosis was achieved by a single session of RF ablation in 62 (94%) of the 66 patients, while two sessions were required for the remaining four (6%) patients. The average number of treatment sessions was 1.1 +/- 0.3. In the post-vascular phase, 105 (97%) of a total of 108 malignant hepatic tumours were depicted as a defect with a margin. Clinical courses have been satisfactory without any signs of local tumour progression during 1-12 months of follow-up (mean, 4.3 months). CONCLUSION: Using perfluorocarbon microbubbles, contrast harmonic sonographic-guided RF ablation is an efficient approach for guiding further ablation of hepatic malignancies that are not clearly demarcated by B-mode sonography.
|
Authors | Yasunori Minami, Masatoshi Kudo, Kinuyo Hatanaka, Satoshi Kitai, Tatsuo Inoue, Satoru Hagiwara, Hobyung Chung, Kazuomi Ueshima |
Journal | Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
(Liver Int)
Vol. 30
Issue 5
Pg. 759-64
(May 2010)
ISSN: 1478-3231 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 20456042
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Ferric Compounds
- Oxides
- Phospholipids
- Sonazoid
- contrast agent BR1
- Iron
- Sulfur Hexafluoride
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
(diagnostic imaging, surgery)
- Catheter Ablation
(adverse effects, methods)
- Female
- Ferric Compounds
- Humans
- Iron
- Liver Neoplasms
(diagnostic imaging, surgery)
- Male
- Microbubbles
- Middle Aged
- Oxides
- Phospholipids
- Sulfur Hexafluoride
- Ultrasonography
|