Intraoperative ultrasound patterns predict recurrences after surgical treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high incidence of postoperative recurrence, despite high rates of complete necrosis with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and curative hepatic resections (HR). The aim of this study was to identify intraoperative ultrasound patterns observed during HR or RFA that predicting intrahepatic HCC recurrence.Materials and methodsFrom January 1997 through August 2008, we treated 377 patients with HCC (158 with HR and 219 with surgical RFA). All patients underwent intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) examination. Primary HCCs was classified according to diameter, HCC pattern (nodular or infiltrative), echogenicity (hyper- or hypo-), echotexture (homogeneous or inhomogeneous), capsular invasion, mosaic pattern, nodule-in-nodule appearance, and infiltration of portal vessels. Number of HCC nodules was also considered. Comparisons between the groups of possible factors for intrahepatic recurrence of treated tumors were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.ResultsPatients were followed for 9–127 months (median: 18.6 months), and intrahepatic recurrence was observed in 198 (52.5%). In 138 patients (36.5%), recurrences were located in different segments with respect to the primary tumor. In 60 HCC tumors (16%), local recurrences were found in the same segment as the primary tumor. At univariate analysis, primary HCC echogenicity and mosaic pattern were the only factors not significant associated with intrahepatic recurrences.ConclusionIOUS is an accurate staging tool for use during “surgical” resection or RFA. This study shows that IOUS patterns can also be used to estimate the risk of post-treatment HCC recurrence. In patients at high risk for this outcome, closer follow-up and use of adjuvant therapies could be useful.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after percutaneous ablation therapy: helical CT patterns

Background: To categorize the helical computed tomographic (CT) intrahepatic recurrence patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment with percutaneous ablation procedures. Methods: Double-phase helical CT studies of 67 patients with HCC recurrence were reviewed. The study population had undergone percutaneous ablation therapy procedures (multisession or single-session ethanol injection therapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation therapy, and interstitial laser photocoagulation therapy) for 120 HCC nodules. Results: Four patterns were defined. (A) Enhancing tissue within the edge of the ablated nodule on arterial phase images (ingrowth): this pattern was seen in five treated lesions (4.2% of all treated nodules) in five patients (7.5% of all patients with recurrence) 3–7 months after treatment (mean = 4 months). (B) Enhancing tissue around the treated nodule but continuously to its border on arterial-phase images (outgrowth): this pattern was found in 12 (10%) treated lesions in 12 patients (18%) 3–6 months after ablation (mean = 4 months). (C) Enhancing tissue within the same segment of the treated nodule on arterial phase images (spread): this pattern was detected in 10 (8%) treated lesions in 10 patients (15%) 3–6 months after treatment (mean = 5 months). (D) Enhancing tissue within different segments from the treated nodule on arterial phase images (progression): this pattern was identified in 34 patients (51%) with 53 (44%) treated tumors 5–22 months after ablation (mean = 8 months). A mixed pattern was found in six subjects (9%) with seven (6%) treated nodules. Among the 61 patients with a nonmixed pattern, there were 85 treated nodules with persistent necrosis, 17 treated nodules with local recurrence (pattern A or B), and 107 new nodules due to nonlocal recurrence (pattern C or D). Portal phase enhanced images and especially unenhanced images showed a lower detection rate and a lower lesion-to-liver conspicuity score (for all patterns but mainly for pattern C). Conclusion: Four patterns of recurrence after percutaneous ablation procedures can be categorized on double-phase helical CT and are best depicted on arterial phase images. Knowledge of these patterns is relevant for early detection and may be helpful in understanding the recurrence mechanism. Received: 25 September 2000/Accepted: 15 November 2000     

Hepatic computed tomography for simultaneous depiction of hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins in real-time virtual sonography: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine a double-step injection of contrast material in hepatic computed tomography (CT) for the simultaneous depiction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins in real-time virtual sonography. METHODS: This study consisted of 6 patients with solitary HCC nodules with early enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomographic scanning was performed in a combined late arterial/hepatic phase after 2 sequential contrast material injections. RESULTS: In all 6 patients, the solitary HCC nodule, intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins were simultaneously visualized with enhancement, for which CT values were appreciably higher than that of the liver parenchyma. In virtual sonography, HCC nodules and intrahepatic vessels were simultaneously shown, and the HCC lesions were treated by radio frequency ablation without vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: A double-step injection of contrast material in hepatic CT was helpful in the identification of the relationship between the HCC nodule and intrahepatic vessels under virtual sonography and contributed to the accurate and safe performance of radio frequency ablation for HCC.     

实时超声造影在原发性肝癌鉴别诊断中的应用研究

目的应用实时超声造影技术观察肝细胞癌及肝内胆管细胞癌的血流灌注特征，探讨其对两者的鉴别诊断价值。方法肝细胞癌组患者29例34个结节，肝内胆管细胞癌组患者8例12个结节。观察注射造影剂SonoVue后两组肿瘤结节的血流灌注特征，并用ImageLab软件绘制时间一强度曲线，分析造影增强期及消退期各参数。结果两组造影特征均为“陕进快出”，两组间的时间-强度曲线形态相似，始增时间、峰值时间、增强时间及下降斜率等参数差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。但到达峰值时间时，两组肿瘤结节血流灌注模式的差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05），肝细胞癌组主要表现为整体型（22／34）或部分型（10／34），肝内胆管细胞癌组主要为周边型（10／12）。结论实时超声造影技术对肝细胞癌及肝内胆管细胞癌有鉴别诊断价值。     

Ablation of large HCCs using a new saline-enhanced expandable radiofrequency device

PurposeEvaluation of a new device designed to achieve large volumes of necrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules by application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Materials and Methods29 consecutive patients with 31 HCC nodules ≥3 cm in diameter (range 3–7.5 cm; mean diameter 5.5 cm) underwent ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous RFA using an expandable electrode with 7 active arrays and saline injection designed to create tissue ablation in areas of up to 7 cm (Starburst XLi-enhanced RFA device). Treatment was performed in general anesthesia (6 patients) or deep sedation (23 patients). Treatment efficacy was assessed by three-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and bimonthly US follow-up.ResultsOne to three electrode insertions (mean number 1.6) were performed in each patient. CT showed complete necrosis in 23/31 HCC nodules (74%) in 22 patients. Follow-up of these 22 patients ranged from 2 to 15 months (mean time 8.3 months). In 6/22 patients (28%) intrahepatic recurrence occurred within 5–10 months (mean time 8.3 months). Major complications were post-ablation syndrome in 7/29 (24%), peritoneal effusion in 4/29 (14%), pleural effusion in 2/29 (7%) and transient obstructive jaundice in 1/29 (3.4%) patients. One patient died 6 months after treatment because of tumor progression.ConclusionsIn the treatment of large HCC nodules, Starburst XLi-enhanced is an effective and safe device.     

Characterization of focal liver lesions using contrast-enhanced sonography with a low mechanical index mode and a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent

PURPOSE: To characterize focal liver lesions (FLLs) using real-time contrast-enhancedsonography (CEUS) with a low mechanical index mode and a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent. METHODS: CEUS was performed in 190 patients with FLLs, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 107), liver metastasis (n = 21), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) (n = 7), liver hemangioma (n = 37), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) (n = 11), regenerative nodule (n = 6) and liver lipoma (n = 1). The cadence contrast pulse sequencing technique and the contrast agent SonoVue(R) were used for CEUS examination. The enhancement patterns during the arterial, portal, and late phases were evaluated. RESULTS: HCC showed hyperenhancement in 100 (93.5%) of 107 nodules during the arterial phase and hypoenhancement in 102 (95.3%) during the late phase. Liver metastases showed homogeneous enhancement in 8 of 21 (38.1%) nodules and a peripheral regular rim-like enhancement in 11 of 21 (52.4%) nodules during the arterial phase and marked hypoenhancement in 16 of 21 (76.2%) nodules during the late phase. ICC exhibited irregular rim-like enhancement in 4 of 7 (57.1%) nodules during the arterial phase and hypo-enhancement in 7 of 7 (100%) nodules during the late phase. Hemangioma showed peripheral nodular hyperenhancement, and progressive centripetal enhancement was seen in 35 of 37 (94.6%) lesions during the arterial phase. All 11 cases of FNH exhibited homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and hyperenhancement (n = 1) or isoenhancement (n = 9) during the late phase. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, respectively, were 88.8%, 89.2%, and 91.3% for HCC; 81%, 100%, and 100% for liver metastasis; 57.1%, 100%, and 100% for ICC; 94.6%, 100%, and 100% for liver hemangioma; and 90.9%, 97.8%, and 71.4% for FNH. CONCLUSIONS: Low-mechanical index CEUS permits real-time, complete assessment of vascularity in FLLs, which in turn facilitates their characterization.     

Percutaneous ethanol injection under general anaesthesia for hepatocellular carcinoma: 3 year survival in 112 patients

Objective: percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) under general anesthesia (One Shot PEI) is a new therapy for large and multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the injection of large amount of ethanol in the tumor. We report our results with 3 years survival rates in patients with HCC on cirrhosis treated with One Shot PEI. Patients and methods: between October 1992 and July 1996, 112 cirrhotic patients (79 males; age: 45–80; mean: 64 years) with 215 HCC nodules (diameter 0.6–14 cm; mean 4.1 cm) underwent One Shot PEI. Fifty-three patients had a single nodule (diameter=3–14 cm; mean=4.5 cm), 59 had two or more (two to five) nodules (diameter=0.6–13 cm; mean=4.9). Ethanol injected ranged between 16 and 120 ml per session. Survival rates were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method and Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. Results: five patients died within 7 h–10 days after the treatment for rupture of oesophageal varices in three cases, rupture of subcapsular HCC in one case and liver failure in one case. In the remaining 107 patients, dynamic CT or spiral CT, performed 72 h–1 month after the treatment, showed complete necrosis in 76 cases (71%) and incomplete necrosis (although always >50%) in 31. Survival rates at 1, 2, 3 years in all 107 patients were 88, 76, and 76% respectively. Survival rates in Child A Class patients were 100, 92, 92% and in Class B patients were 84, 72, and 72% at 1, 2, 3 years respectively; in Class C were 70 and 40% at 1 and 2 years respectively (P=0.01). Survival rates in patients with single nodule were 95, 82 and 82% at 1, 2 and 3 years, while in patients with multiple nodules were 80, 68 and 58% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively (P=n.s.). During the follow-up (6–46 months) 48 patients showed intrahepatic recurrences; 41 out of them were retreated with new sessions of One Shot PEI or traditional PEI. Conclusions: PEI One Shot is more aggressive than traditional PEI. Survival rates of PEI One Shot seems similar to those obtainable by conventional PEI and even better than surgery.     

射频消融治疗肝癌晚期复发的危险因素、模式和生存分析

目的 本研究旨在确定肝细胞肝癌(HCC)射频消融术(RFA)术后晚期复发的危险因素、模式和生存率,并建立诺谟图预测无复发生存率(RFS).方法 这项回顾性研究纳入了符合米兰标准的HCC患者398例,在2011年1月～2016年12月行射频消融治疗.采用单因素和多因素分析对临床的变量进行分析.结果 中位随访时间58.7个...     

超声引导下射频消融治疗肝癌的疗效分析

目的分析经皮射频消融(RFA)治疗肝癌的疗效。方法 33例肝癌患者的40个肿块接受了经皮肝穿射频消融治疗,行超声造影检查评估RFA的治疗效果,并随访观察其复发情况。结果射频消融治疗后,直径<3 cm的肿瘤完全消融率95%,直径≥3 cm的肿瘤完全消融率79%;单个病灶的完全消融率86%,多发病灶者完全消融率75%。结论射频消融治疗肝癌的完全消融率与肿瘤的大小有关。     

Irregular Defects in Hepatocellular Carcinomas During the Kupffer Phase of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography with Perfluorobutane Microbubbles: Pathological Features and Metastatic Recurrence After Surgical Resection

The present study aimed to elucidate the association between post-vascular–phase (Kupffer-phase) images from contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with perfluorobutane microbubbles and metastatic recurrences after the resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study examined 73 patients with solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter who underwent CEUS before resection. HCC was defined as irregular type (including an irregular defect on Kupffer-phase images) or non-irregular type. Intrahepatic metastatic recurrence was defined as >3 intrahepatic recurrences. Metastatic recurrence included both extrahepatic and intrahepatic recurrences. Frequencies of microscopic portal invasion and intrahepatic metastasis were significantly higher in the irregular group than in the non-irregular group. Cumulative 5-y metastatic recurrence rates in the irregular and non-irregular groups were 43% and 7% (p = 0.028), respectively. Multivariate analyses identified Kupffer-phase findings as a factor significantly related to metastatic recurrence. In conclusion, HCCs with an irregular defect during Kupffer-phase CEUS are characterized by more frequent microscopic vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis and are significantly associated with metastatic recurrence after resection.     

Evaluation of posttreatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of ultrasonography with second-generation ultrasound contrast agent and multidetector CT

We evaluated the ability of one-month follow-up contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with second-generation contrast agent in monitoring radio frequency ablation (RFA) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One-hundred forty-eight HCCs were studied using CEUS: 110 nodules were treated with RFA [41/110 RFA were performed using a pretreatment and an immediate postablation evaluation using CEUS (group 1); 69/110 using only US guidance (group 2)] and 38 nodules treated with TACE. For statistical analysis, McNemar test was used. Overall complete response was observed in 107/148 nodules (92/110 treated with RFA and 15/38 with TACE). A better rate of complete response was found in group 1 compared to group 2 (92.7% vs. 78.3%). In RFA treatment, CEUS showed a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 100% (diagnostic accuracy of 97%) using MDCT as reference standard with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). CEUS detected all cases of incomplete response in HCC treated with TACE using angiography as reference standard (diagnostic accuracy 100%). We recommend assessing residual intratumoral flow on CEUS during RFA procedure to determine the necessity of immediate additional treatment. In case of positive CEUS results, HCC treated with TACE should be considered still viable.     

A strategy for early detection of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following initial remission by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

OBJECTIVES: To find a better surveillance method in detecting recurrent HCCs, patterns of recurrences following initial remission by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were evaluated. METHODS: Of 235 consecutive HCC patients who underwent TACE, 69 with initial remission were followed for >12 months. We compared the recurrence rates according to the characteristics of original HCCs and analyzed the locations of recurrent HCCs. We also evaluated the diagnostic efficacies of CT scan with serum AFP, angiography and Lipiodol CT scan in detecting recurrent HCCs. RESULTS: In 37 of 69, recurrent HCCs were detected after a median period of 17 months. Multinodular HCCs recurred more frequently than single-nodular HCCs. All of 5 patients with portal vein thrombosis recurred. Although 46% of recurrences were adjacent to original tumors, 62% were separated from them (8% at both). HCC with heterogeneous lipiodol uptake frequently recurred adjacent to original tumors. Only 18 of 37 recurrent HCCs were initially detected by serum AFP and CT scans; 17 by angiography, 2 only by lipiodol CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: Regular angiography may be valuable in detecting recurrent HCCs, especially in multinodular HCC. HCC with heterogeneous lipiodol uptake should be treated in combination with local ablation therapy.     

Needle-tract implantation in hepatocellular carcinoma: frequency and CT findings after biopsy with a 19.5-gauge automated biopsy gun

BACKGROUND: Needle-tract implantation is an important complication of cutting biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was performed to evaluate the frequency of needle-tract implantation after ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous biopsy of HCC and to describe triple-phase helical computed tomographic (CT) findings of implanted nodules. METHODS: Between April 1994 and December 1997, 205 patients underwent US-guided percutaneous biopsy for HCC. Review of medical records and the pathology database disclosed seven patients who were found to have needle-tract implantation of HCC. Among these patients, five underwent triple-phase helical CT examination. We analyzed the frequency of needle-tract implantation and triple-phase helical CT findings of implanted nodules, with particular attention to the morphology and enhancement pattern. RESULTS: Seven of 205 patients (3.4%) had tumor implantation along the needle tract at histologic examination after surgical resection. Eight implanted nodules in five patients were found on triple-phase helical CT images (one nodule in three patients, two nodules in one patient, and three nodules in one patient). All implanted nodules has well-circumscribed margins and were ovoid or lobulated in contour. On triple-phase helical CT, six (75%) implanted nodules were isodense compared with abdominal wall muscle on all triple-phase CTs, and two (25%) nodules were hyperdense on hepatic arterial and portal venous phases and isodense on equilibrium phase. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of needle-tract implantation of HCC after percutaneous needle biopsy was higher than reported previously, and careful attention should be paid during interpretation of CT images in patients with a history of previous percutaneous biopsy.     

Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma capsule by contrast-enhanced ultrasound using Levovist: correlations with pathological findings

Purpose To determine the most appropriate therapy for each hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodule, it is important to ascertain whether the tumor has a capsule. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in HCC capsule detection by comparing ultrasound findings with histological results from operative specimens. Methods Thirty-six HCC nodules (all smaller than 5 cm) from 36 patients who had undergone hepatectomy were examined by CEUS using Levovist with agent detection imaging. The vascular phase images and time course changes of HCC were observed after a bolus injection of Levovist. We classified the appearance of the tumor artery, tumor enhancement, and washout into several patterns. We grouped HCCs into encapsulated or nonencapsulated on the basis of the histology of the operative specimens, taking into account the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Ultrasound and pathological findings were compared to assess the ability of CEUS to detect HCC capsules. Results During the arterial phase, 12 (80.0%) encapsulated and 3 (14.3%) nonencapsulated HCC nodules showed a surrounding artery with branches pattern (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this pattern for HCC capsule detection were 80%, 86%, and 83%, respectively. A branching artery was found in 15 (71.4%) nonencapsulated but in only 3 (20.0%) encapsulated HCC nodules (P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this branching artery pattern for confirming the absence of a capsule in HCC nodules were 71%, 80%, and 75%, respectively. Almost all HCC nodules showed strong–moderate or weak enhancement and strong–moderate or mild washout. Neither enhancement nor washout pattern correlated with the presence of a capsule. Conclusion The arterial phase of CEUS is very useful for detection of HCC capsules and therefore facilitates selection of the most appropriate treatment method for HCC.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection under general anesthesia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis: long-term results in 268 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) under general anesthesia (One-shot PEI) is a therapy for large and multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the injection of a large amount of ethanol into the tumor. We report our results with 5-year survival rates in patients with HCC on cirrhosis treated with One-shot PEI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1992 to March 1998, 268 cirrhotic patients (age 42-82 years; 191 males; 95 Child-Pugh's A class, 150 B and 23 C class of cirrhosis) with 515 HCC nodules underwent One-shot PEI. Diameter of HCC nodules ranged from 0.6 to 14 cm (mean 5.02 +/- 2.2 cm; median: 4 cm). One hundred and thirty-eight patients had a single nodule (range 3.2-14 cm; mean 5.6 +/- 2.1 cm), 130 had multiple nodules, up to six nodules (mean 2.9 nodules) (range 0.6-11 cm; mean 4.8 +/- 2.1 cm) RESULTS: CT showed complete necrosis in 357/506 nodules (70%). Five patients (1.8%) with nine nodules died as a result of the procedure (variceal bleeding in three cases, liver failure in one and hemoperitoneum in one). The overall survival rates were 93, 83, 74, 65 and 59% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Survival rates were 90, 84, 82 and 82% at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively, in patients with a single nodule less than or = 5 cm, and 97, 71, 59, 59 and 59% at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, respectively, in patients with single nodule >5 cm. Patients with multiple nodules had survival rates of 97, 89, 75, 60 and 60% at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: PEI of large and multiple HCC showed survivals similar to conventional PEI for patients with smaller tumors.     

介入治疗后CT表现不典型的肝癌残留和复发病灶的早期诊断

目的探讨MRI、PET/CT早期诊断肝细胞癌(HCC)介入治疗后CT表现不典型的残留及复发病灶的价值。方法回顾性分析19例接受介入治疗的HCC患者的资料,术后定期复查发现甲胎蛋白(AFP)升高,螺旋CT三期增强扫描呈不典型表现,经MR和(或)PET/CT检查发现HCC残留和复发病灶。对所有病灶均获得病理结果。比较治疗前、后的AFP。结果对19例HCC患者行MR检查25例次,发现31个结节;PET/CT检查14例次,发现17个结节,MRI、PET/CT联合检查共发现35个结节;诊断HCC残留和复发病灶31个,直径0.90～2.50cm,平均(1.50±0.32)cm。介入治疗后1、4周,AFP明显降低,与治疗前相比差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。MRI、PET/CT诊断肝内残留和复发病灶的敏感度分别为87.10%(27/31)、89.47%(17/19),MRI联合PET/CT的诊断敏感度为100%(31/31)。结论 MRI、PET/CT均能较好地早期诊断HCC患者介入治疗后CT表现不典型的残留及复发病灶;MRI联合PET/CT能进一步提高早期诊断率,减少假阴性和假阳性。     

术中超声造影评价肝射频消融效果的实验研究

目的 探讨术中超声造影(contrast enhanced intraoperative uhrasound,CE-IOUS)评价肝射频消融(radio frequency ablation,RFA)的价值.方法 12条狗共15个消融灶于RFA后15 min及30 min行术中超声(intraoperatiVe ultrasound,IOUS)和CE-IOUS扫查,评价显示效果,并与大体标本对比.结果 RFA结束15 min后行CE-IOUS可获得满意图像;与IOUS相比,CE-IOUS能更清楚地显示消融灶的边界(P=0.000),且CE-IOUS所示消融灶形态与大体标本一致性好;IOUS、CE-IOUS和大体标本显示坏死灶面积分别为(4.82±1.49)cm2、(3.48±1.25)cm2及(2.93±0.87)cm2,IOUS和CE-IOUS与太体标本显示面积差别均有统计学意义(P=0.000),但前者与大体标本间无线性相关(r=0.28,P=0.316),后者与大体标本相关性良好(r=0.75,P=0.002).结论 CE-IOUS能在一定程度上准确评价RFA效果,值得进一步临床研究.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by radiofrequency hyperthermia with a 'cooled-tip needle'. A preliminary clinical experience.

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency hyperthermia using the newly-developed 'cooled-tip' needle has recently been proposed as a therapeutic modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein we report our preliminary results on feasibility and effectiveness of the thermal ablation of mono- or pauci-focal hepatocellular carcinoma with the cooled-tip needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 15 cirrhotic patients (mean age 68.8 years; 12 males; 14 HCV-positive; 13 in Child's Class A and 2 in Class B) with 20 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (mean diameter 28.1 mm; range 10-43 mm; nine lesions with diameter greater than 3 cm). None of the patients had portal thrombosis and/or extrahepatic spread. We used a radiofrequency generator (100 W of power) connected to a 18 g perfusion electrode needle with an exposed tip of 2-3 cm. The circuit was closed through a dispersive electrode positioned under the patient's thighs. A peristaltic pump infused a chilled (2-5 degrees C) saline solution to guarantee the continuous cooling of the needle tip. The needle was placed into target lesions under US guidance. The interventional procedure was carried out in general anesthesia without intubation. Dynamic helical CT was carried out 15-20 days after thermal ablation to assess therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: In all, 38 areas of coagulation necrosis (at 1000-1200 mA for 10-15 min) were generated in 24 sessions in the 20 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (mean 1.9 lesions per nodule and 1.2 sessions per nodule). Complete necrosis as assessed at dynamic CT (lack of enhancement during the arteriographic phase) was achieved in 75% of cases in a single session; after a second RF session success rate was 90% (18 out of 20 nodules). A self-limited pleurisy along with a 5-fold increase in transaminases occurred in one patient; a 3-fold elevation of transaminases was encountered in three other patients. During the follow-up (median 15 months) five patients had recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with a 1-year disease free interval of 64%. Of the three recorded deaths, two were due to intrahepatic tumor diffusion. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience radiofrequency hyperthermia with the cooled-tip needle afforded an effective and safe percutaneous ablative method for HCC in cirrhosis and shortened treatment time.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma with nodule-in-nodule appearance: demonstration by contrast-enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic imaging

OBJECTIVE: A nodule-in-nodule hemodynamic pattern, namely a vascular spot in a hypovascular nodule, is specific for the diagnosis of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to assess whether this unique hemodynamic pattern can be detected by contrast-enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI). METHODS: 159 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent contrast-enhanced coded PIHI were retrospectively reviewed. Cases with nodule-in-nodule patterns were selected, and findings were compared with those on computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) and intraarterial contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US angiography). RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced coded PIHI successfully displayed the nodule-in-nodule hemodynamic pattern in two cases of histologically proven HCC and the hemodynamic transition in one of the two cases, which corresponded well with findings on CTA and US angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced coded PIHI can demonstrate the special nodule-in-nodule hemodynamic pattern. It is useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of early-stage HCC or suspected nodules because of its noninvasiveness and easy performance.     

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of the retained iodized oil after simultaneous combination with transarterial embolization in small recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy and safety of transarterial embolization (TAE) in simultaneous combination with computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine the risk factors influencing local tumor progression following this procedure.MethodsOne hundred eighteen patients with recurrent or residual HCC (tumor size, 10–30 ​mm) underwent RFA. During the 19-month follow-up, 59 patients received RFA only (RFA group), and the remaining 59 received RFA immediately after TAE (TAE ​+ ​RFA group). All patients were followed up to observe the short-term therapeutic effects and complications. The cumulative local tumor progression rates in both groups were calculated using unpaired Student’s t tests and the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsThe rate of major complications was 5.08% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group and 3.39% in the RFA group. The overall response rate was 96.61% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group and 79.66% in the RFA group (P ​= ​0.008). The disease control rate was significantly higher in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group than in the RFA group (94.92% vs. 79.66%, P ​= ​0.024). The median time to local tumor progression was 4.8 months in the RFA group and 9.6 months in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group. The cumulative local tumor progression rate at 1 year was 10.60% in the RFA group and 23.60% in the TAE ​+ ​RFA group (P ​= ​0.016).ConclusionTAE in simultaneous combination with CT-guided RFA was effective and safe against recurrent or residual HCC. Local tumor progression can be minimized by the complete ablation of targeted iodized oil deposits after simultaneous TAE.