Radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary lesions.
OBJECTIVE
Radiofrequency ablation uses the thermal energy produced by a generator to create a coagulative necrosis. The method is well established for the treatment of a variety of primary and secondary cancers of the liver but is less well studied for the treatment of lung malignancies.


METHODS
From March 2005 to March 2006, 11 patients (seven men and four women) with single or multiple pulmonary nodules underwent radiofrequency ablation of 12 unresectable pulmonary tumours. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after radiofrequency ablation. Lesions were evaluated for dimensions and contrast enhancement.


RESULTS
Radiofrequency ablation was well tolerated by all patients. Postprocedural complications included four cases of pneumothorax treated with simple aspiration without tube placement and one case of small parenchymal haemorrhage. There were no major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation of primary or secondary pulmonary lesions is a safe and technically feasible option for the management of unresectable pulmonary malignancies.
Cariati
M
M
U.O. Radiologia Diagnostica Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, and Scuola di Scpecializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università di Milano, Italy. maurizio.cariati@ao-sanpaolo.it
Giordano
G
G
Midulla
M
M
Calati
A M
AM
Sacrini
A
A
Raveglia
F
F
Cornalba
G P
GP
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome