[The impact of large vessel proximity on effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a controlled study].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the risk of radiofrequency ablation treatment failure for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) next to large vessels.


METHODS
Between May 2000 and October 2002, from a total of 83 patients treated by radiofrequency ablation for HCC in a single center, 13 patients with tumor<or=3.5 cm contacting a vessel >or=3 mm in diameter (Group A) were matched with 13 patients with similar size tumors located away from large vessels (Group B). Immediate response and recurrence rate were evaluated on CT.


RESULTS
After mean follow-up interval of 39+/-16.5 months for Group A and 39+/-14 months for Group B, local recurrence rates were 7/12 versus 1/12 respectively (p=0.03). For Group A, 6/7 local recurrences clearly contacted a large vessel.


CONCLUSIONS
The cooling effect from flowing blood in large vessels markedly increases the rate of local failure of radiofrequency ablation for small HCC located near large vessels.
Seror
O
O
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, avenue du 14 Juillet, 93140 Bondy. olivier.seror@jvr.aphp.fr
N'Kontchou
G
G
Muhammad
M
M
Barrucand
C
C
Tin Tin Htar
M
M
Assaban
M
M
Haddar
D
D
Trinchet
J C
JC
Beaugrand
M
M
Sellier
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012074:Remission Induction; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome