[The seriatim echographic assessment of the volume of hepatic metastases].
The quantitative study of neoplastic growth patterns is the ground for a correct clinical approach to patients with malignant tumors, for both prognosis and evaluation of treatment outcome. The growth of 19 hepatic metastases in 13 patients was therefore followed; the lesions diameters were measured by means of US and their volumes were calculated. The results were plotted in semilogarithmic scale and doubling times (DT) were calculated. The DT values observed were ordered according to the origin of the tumors and to their growth rate; our values were in substantial agreement with literature data. Moreover, the differential increase in the metastases diameters along the 3 orthogonal planes was analysed and a significant rate of asymmetrical growth was shown. Changes in the echo structure of the observed metastases were evaluated and the changes in peripheral hypoechoic halo were demonstrated. The authors stress the importance of a correct volumetric study during US follow-up of patients with hepatic metastases.
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Servizio di Radiodiagnostica, E. O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova.
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
Valutazione ecografica seriata del volume di metastasi epatiche.