Liver tumor laser ablation - increase in the subacute ablation lesion volume detected with post procedural MRI.
BACKGROUND
The use of image-guided thermoablative methods in liver tumor treatment has expanded rapidly due to encouraging results and advanced imaging. However, little is known about the treatment-induced tissue response and effects on imaging findings during the subacute post procedural period.


OBJECTIVE
To study the development of subacute ablation zone volume with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after laser-mediated liver tumor thermal therapy.


METHODS
In all, 16 laser ablations were performed on 16 liver tumors resulting in 16 ablation zones in 11 consecutive patients. A low-field 0.23 T C-arm MRI scanner was used for imaging and procedural guidance. Repeated dynamic contrast-enhanced T1, contrast-enhanced T1 FSE, and T2 FSE studies of liver were performed at 0 and 72 h after the procedure. Ablation zone volumes were registered from the acquired image data.


RESULTS
MRI scans showed a significant increase of ablation volume in all imaging sequences obtained at 72 h after the initial therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
After laser ablation, there is a progressive perfusion decrease in the ablation site leading to an increase in the ablation volume. Post procedural baseline MRI at 72 h from the treatment provides more precise information about the ablation result than can be obtained with immediate post procedural MRI.
Sequeiros
Roberto Blanco
RB
Department of Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. roberto.blanco@oulu.fi
Kariniemi
Juho
J
Ojala
Risto
R
Chengli
Li
L
Haapea
Marianne
M
Sequeiros
Andreas Blanco
AB
Tervonen
Osmo
O
D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software
D003287:Contrast Media