MRI contrast enhancement of malignant liver tumours following successful cryoablation.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2012

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and degree of MRI contrast enhancement in liver tumours following successful percutaneous cryoablation.

METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with liver metastases (n = 29) or hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 9) underwent percutaneous cryoablation of 45 tumours between March 2004 and June 2009, with complete ablation zone coverage of the tumour and no local recurrence on follow-up imaging to date (range 3-60 months, mean 16). Contrast-enhanced MRI was used to assess 45 tumours at 24 h, 32 tumours at 2-4 months, and 21 tumours at 5-7 months. Percentage of tumours with contrast enhancement was assessed using dynamic spoiled gradient echo T1-weighted images.

RESULTS: Twenty-four hours post-cryoablation, 23 out of 45 tumours (51%) enhanced compared with 42 out of 43 (98%) pre-ablation (p < 0.001). Mean percentage tumour enhancement decreased from 157% (range 26-745%) pre-ablation, to 107% (27-260%) at 24 h (p = 0.003), and 43% (24-103%) at 2-4 months (p < 0.001). The incidence and degree of tumour enhancement decreased through 5-7 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previously reported studies of radiofrequency ablation, successful cryoablation of liver tumours is often associated with persistent tumour contrast enhancement on MRI performed at 24 h and decreasing over 2-7 months.

KEY POINTS: • Liver neoplasms often demonstrate MRI contrast enhancement following successful percutaneous cryoablation. • This differs from radiofrequency ablation techniques where contrast enhancement suggests residual tumour • This difference could potentially lead to important errors in follow up strategies.

Volume

22

Issue

2

First Page

398

Last Page

403

ISSN

1432-1084

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

21898153

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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