title: Surveillance of HCC Patients after Liver RFA: Role of MRI with Hepatospecific Contrast versus Three-Phase CT Scan-Experience of High Volume Oncologic Institute.
abstract: Purpose. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of hepatospecific contrast-enhanced MRI versus triple-phase CT scan after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods. Thirty-four consecutive HCC patients (42 hepatic nodules) were treated with percutaneous RFA and underwent MR and CT scans. All patients were enrolled in a research protocol that included CT with iodized contrast medium injection and MR with hepatospecific contrast medium injection. All patients were restaged within four weeks and at 3 months from ablation. The images were reviewed by four different radiologists to evaluate tumor necrosis, residual or recurrence disease, and evidence of new foci. Results. Thirty-two nodules were necrotic after treatment; 10 showed residual disease. Six new HCCs were identified. At first month followup CT has identified 34 necrotic lesions and 8 residual diseases; no new foci were recognized. At MRI instead, 32 complete necrotic lesions were identified, 10 lesions showed residual disease, and 2 new HCCs were found. At three months, CT demonstrated 33 completely necrotic lesions, 9 residual diseases, and 2 new HCCs. MR showed 31 complete necrotic lesions, 11 cases of residual disease, and 6 new HCCs. Conclusions. Hepatospecific contrast-enhanced MRI is more effective than multiphase CT in assessment of HCC treated with RFA.
authors: Division of Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiant and Metabolic Therapy, "Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Giovanni Pascale-IRCCS", Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
authors: Vincenza
authors: V
authors: Granata
authors: Mario
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authors: Petrillo
authors: Roberta
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authors: Fusco
authors: Sergio Venanzio
authors: SV
authors: Setola
authors: Elisabetta
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authors: de Lutio di Castelguidone
authors: Orlando
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authors: Catalano
authors: Mauro
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authors: Piccirillo
authors: Vittorio
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authors: Albino
authors: Francesco
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authors: Izzo
authors: Antonella
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authors: Petrillo