Ces radiol. 2016, 70(3):143-148 | DOI: 10.55095/CesRadiol2016/022

Our first experience with the use of contrast enhancement ultrasound in monitoring the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency ablationOriginal article

Eva Korčáková¹, Hynek Mírka^1,3, Jan Brůha^2,3, Václav Liška^2,3, Tomáš Skalický²

¹ Klinika zobrazovacích metod LF UK a FN, Plzeň

² Chirurgická klinika LF UK a FN, Plzeň

³ Biomedicinské centrum LF UK, Plzeň

Aim: To assess the ability of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in order to evaluate the effect of local treatment of liver tumors by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods: We retrospectively compared the results of CEUS and CT in group of 29 patients who underwent percutaneous RFA of liver tumors in our department within years 2014-2015. We examined our patients by CEUS immediately before RFA and within 48 hours after ablation. CEUS results were compared with the results of biphasic CT scan which was performed 48 hours post surgery. The confirmation of the finding was made by the examination which was done three months after surgery.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity for detection the complete ablation of liver tumors in our group is for CEUS 80% and 100% and for CT 60% and 93.1%.

Conclusion: CEUS has sensitivity and specificity comparable with CT. It seems be suitable for monitoring the early effect of RFA for the lesions, which are well found by ultrasound. Our experiences show that CEUS could replace CT in early control, which is performed two days after surgery. We expect inclusion CEUS into the algorithm of the long-term monitoring of patients after percutaneous RFA.

Keywords: CEUS, RFA, liver tumor

Grants and funding:

Podpořeno projektem Ministerstva zdravotnictví ČR Koncepční rozvoj výzkumné instituce 00669806 - FN Plzeň, grantem IGA MZ ČR 13326 a projektem CZ.1.05/2.1.00/03.0076 Evropského fondu pro regionální rozvoj.

Accepted: September 15, 2016; Published: September 1, 2016  Show citation