[MRI-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic neoplasms--first technical and clinical experiences].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MR-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic neoplasms.


METHODS
16 hepatic neoplasms (1.3-3.0 cm in diameter) in 11 patients were treated by 22 percutaneous RFA sessions during a prospective study. 16 G, MR-compatible cooled-tip electrodes with active lengths of 2 cm and 3 cm, respectively, were placed under MR-guidance in an open 0.2 Tesla MR system (Magnetom Open, Siemens, Erlangen) using fast T1-weighted sequences. Pretreatment studies, evaluation of tumor necrosis (one week after last RFA), and further follow-up studies every 3 months were performed using 1.5 Tesla MR systems.


RESULTS
The mean procedure time was 2.8 (1.5-3.3) h. Complications related to percutaneous treatment were not encountered. 14 of 16 neoplasms (87%) showed no CM enhancement during MRI after the last RFA and were judged to be completely necrotic. In 11 tumors one treatment session was necessary, in 4 tumors two and in one tumor three. Follow-up studies revealed persistent complete necrosis in 13 of 14 (93%) tumors during a period of 3-18 (median: 11.8) months. In 5 patients new intrahepatic tumors developed that were not suitable for further RFA treatment because of their number, size and location.


CONCLUSIONS
MR-guided RFA using single cooled tip electrodes is safe and technically effective for treatment of hepatic neoplasms up to 3 cm in size, however further improvements are necessary.
Huppert
P E
PE
Abteilung für Radiologische Diagnostik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen. PeterHuppert@t-online.de
Trübenbach
J
J
Schick
F
F
Pereira
P
P
König
C
C
Claussen
C D
CD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005706:Gallbladder Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011846:Radio Waves