title: Contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasound in the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.
abstract: Liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinomas are two of the most common causes of cancer deaths in the world. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well recognized, effective and minimally invasive means of treating malignant hepatic tumors. This article describes the use of contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasound (CE-3DUS) in the staging, targeting and follow-up of patients with liver tumors undergoing RFA. In particular, its value in the management of large hepatic lesions will be illustrated. Current limitations of CE-3DUS and future developments in the technique will also be discussed. In summary, CE-3DUS is useful in the RFA of liver tumors with improved detection and display of occult lesions and recurrence, in the assessment of lesional geometry and orientation for a more accurate planning and guidance of multiple RFA needle electrodes in large tumors and in the evaluation of residual or recurrent disease within the immediate and/or subsequent follow-up periods.
authors.affiliation: Imaging Science Department, Imperial College London, UK. edward.leen@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leen
authors.forename: Senthil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Shahid A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: Keh Oon
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tait
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Averkiou
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography