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European Radiology

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01-05-2013 | Ultrasound

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) follow-up after radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation of focal liver lesions: treated-area patterns and their changes over time

Authors: Aymeric Guibal, Caroline Bertin, Sophie Egels, Eric Savier, Philippe A. Grenier, Olivier Lucidarme

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Objectives

To describe the early patterns of liver lesions successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoablation (CA) and their changes over time.

Methods

Twenty-two RFA-treated and 17 CA-treated patients underwent CEUS from week 1 to year 3 post-ablation. Patterns, margins and volumes of RF-induced and cryolesions were evaluated and compared over time.

Results

After contrast enhancement, shortly after ablation, undefined margins with persistent enhancing small vessels penetrating >2 mm into the treated zone were significantly more frequent after CA (67 %) than RFA (22 %) (P < 0.02). During the arterial phase, a thin, enhancing marginal rim was seen during week 1 (T1) in around 28 % of RF lesions, while 75 % of cryolesions had thick enhancing rims (P < 0.02). The mean RF-induced lesion volume, maximum at T1 (44.1 ± 37.5 ml), shrank slowly over time, remaining clearly visible at 1 year (8.3 ± 7.4 ml). Cryolesions shrank faster (P = 0.009), from an average of 16.6 ± 7.1 ml at T1 to 1.7 ± 1.3 ml 1-year post-ablation.

Conclusion

RF-induced and cryolesions differ, particularly their margins and shrinkage rates. Knowing these differences allows avoidance of incomplete treatment or falsely diagnosed recurrence, especially after CA.

Key Points

• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides new follow-up information following hepatic radiological inyervention.

• CEUS provides good visualisation of vascular modifications after thermoablation.

• RFA-induced lesions and cryoablated lesions differ.

• Knowledge about RF and cryolesion patterns is essential for correct CEUS follow-up.

• Cryolesions have thicker peripheral inflammatory reactions and shrink faster than RFA-induced lesions.

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Title: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) follow-up after radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation of focal liver lesions: treated-area patterns and their changes over time
Authors: Aymeric Guibal
Caroline Bertin
Sophie Egels
Eric Savier
Philippe A. Grenier
Olivier Lucidarme
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2702-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) follow-up after radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation of focal liver lesions: treated-area patterns and their changes over time

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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