Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma by three-dimensional sonography with a perflubutane-based contrast agent

High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) represents a method employing high-intensity ultrasound energy to induce thermal ablation of cancerous cells. Regarded as minimally invasive, HIFU treatment offers reduced risk of complications and abbreviated recovery periods compared to surgical interventions. Although predominantly utilized in the management of pancreatic malignancies, ongoing investigations are exploring its viability in addressing hepatocellular carcinoma. Although HIFU may be employed independently in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, its potential as a synergistic component within combination therapies is under scrutiny. Moreover, emerging research endeavors have explored the multifaceted utility of HIFU, encompassing not only localized thermal ablation but also functionalities like drug delivery and gene therapy, augmenting its therapeutic efficacy. Despite the promising outlook of HIFU in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, existing constraints and challenges persist. Continued research initiatives and technological innovations are anticipated to propel HIFU into a pivotal and established therapeutic modality in the foreseeable future. This article provides an overview of HIFU therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and presents a comprehensive update on its current clinical status.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating the treatment response after locoregional therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a useful tool to assess treatment response after percutaneous ablation or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the usefulness of CEUS in identifying residual tumor after locoregional therapy.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched from their inception until March 8, 2021, for diagnostic test accuracy studies comparing CEUS to a reference standard for identifying residual tumors after locoregional therapy of HCC. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were obtained using a bivariate random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed by stratifying the studies based on study design, type of locoregional therapy, CEUS criteria for residual tumor, timing of CEUS follow up, and type of standard reference.

RESULTS

Two reviewers independently evaluated 1479 publications. After full-text review, 142 studies were found to be relevant, and 43 publications (50 cohorts) were finally included. The overall sensitivity of CEUS in detection of residual disease estimated from the bivariate random effects model was 0.85 (95% CI 0.80-0.89). Similarly, the overall specificity was 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.96). The diagnostic accuracy was 93.5%. The DOR was 70.1 (95% CI 62.2-148), and the AUROC was 0.95. Importantly, subgroup analysis showed no apparent differences in the diagnostic performance between locoregional therapy (TACE vs. ablation) and criteria used to define residual enhancement, timing of performing CEUS, study design, or type of reference standard.

CONCLUSION

CEUS is a highly accurate method to identify HCC residual tumor after TACE or percutaneous ablation.

Systematic review of the role of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating malignant lesions of the hepatobiliary system

BACKGROUND

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging non-invasive, targeted treatment of malignancy. The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy, safety and optimal technical parameters of HIFU to treat malignant lesions of the hepatobiliary system.

METHODS

A systematic search of the English literature was performed until March 2020, interrogating Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The following key-words were input in various combinations: 'HIFU', 'High intensity focussed ultrasound', 'Hepatobiliary', 'Liver', 'Cancer' and 'Carcinoma'. Extracted content included: Application type, Exposure parameters, Patient demographics, and Treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles reported on the clinical use of HIFU in 940 individuals to treat malignant liver lesions. Twenty-one studies detailed the use of HIFU to treat hepatocellular carcinoma only. Mean tumour size was 5.1 cm. Across all studies, HIFU resulted in complete tumour ablation in 55% of patients. Data on technical parameters and the procedural structure was very heterogeneous. Ten studies (n = 537 (57%) patients) described the use of HIFU alongside other modalities including TACE, RFA and PEI; 66% of which resulted in complete tumour ablation. Most common complications were skin burns (15%), local pain (5%) and fever (2%).

CONCLUSION

HIFU has demonstrated benefit as a treatment modality for malignant lesions of the hepatobiliary system. Combining HIFU with other ablative therapies, particularly TACE, increases the efficacy without increasing complications. Future human clinical studies are required to determine the optimal treatment parameters, better define outcomes and explore the risks and benefits of combination therapies.

Clinical significance of performing Sonazoid-based contrast-enhanced ultrasonography before ablation of uterine fibroids by high-intensity focused ultrasound: A preliminary cohort study

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is effective for the ablation of uterine fibroids. However, no research has indicated whether HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids might be improved by application of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with Sonazoid as a contrast agent. This study aimed to assess the clinical significance of Sonazoid-based CEUS 30 minute before HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids.This retrospective cohort study included Asian patients with solitary uterine fibroids who were treated with HIFU at Seoul HICARE Clinic (South Korea; n = 34) and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (China; n = 30) between August 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017. The patients in Seoul underwent Sonazoid-based CEUS 30 minute before HIFU. All the patients received contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose uterine fibroids. The ablation results were evaluated 1 day after HIFU by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or Sonazoid-based CEUS.All the patients were successfully treated with HIFU. The CEUS+HIFU group had lower values for sonication power, treatment time, sonication time, total energy applied, and energy efficiency factor compared with HIFU alone group (P < .001). There were no major adverse events after ablation therapy in either group. The incidence of post-procedure sacrococcygeal pain was lower in the CEUS+HIFU group than that in the HIFU alone group (P = .045), while the incidences of all other intraoperative and postoperative adverse events were similar between the 2 groups.Our findings suggest that Sonazoid-based CEUS before HIFU may enhance the ablation of uterine fibroids.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Unresectable Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer: Real-World Research in a Chinese Tertiary Center With 275 Cases

This retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer. Patients with liver cancer who received high-intensity focused ultrasound were included in this analysis, including a primary liver cancer cohort (n=80) and a metastatic liver cancer cohort (n=195). The primary endpoint of our research was tumor response. The secondary endpoints included survival outcomes, visual analog scale pain scores, alpha-fetoprotein relief, and complications. Objective response rate and disease control rate were observed to be 71.8% and 81.2%, respectively, in patients with primary liver cancer and were 63.7% and 83.2% in cases with metastatic liver cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein levels and visual analogue scale levels significantly decreased after treatment compared with the baseline levels in patients with primary liver cancer (p<0.05). Median overall survival was estimated to be 13.0 and 12.0 months in the primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer cohorts. The 1-year survival rate was 70.69% and 48.00%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that visual analogue scale ≥ 5, longest diameter ≥ 5 cm, and portal vein invasion were the independent risk factors for poor survival in primary liver cancer. For patients with metastatic liver cancer, independent risk factors were identified as visual analogue scale ≥ 5, longest diameter ≥ 5 cm, existence of extrahepatic metastases, existence of portal vein invasion, and time to high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment from diagnosis < 3 months. Severe adverse events were rarely reported. In conclusion, high-intensity focused ultrasound might be an effective and safe option for patients with liver cancer regardless of primary and metastatic lesions.

The AFSUMB Consensus Statements and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound using Sonazoid

The first edition of the guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004, dealing with liver applications. The second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some nonliver applications. The third edition of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidelines was the joint World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology-European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB-EFSUMB) venture in conjunction with other regional US societies such as Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, resulting in a simultaneous duplicate on liver CEUS in the official journals of both WFUMB and EFSUMB in 2013. However, no guidelines were described mainly for Sonazoid due to limited clinical experience only in Japan and Korea. The new proposed consensus statements and recommendations provide general advice on the use of Sonazoid and are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of Sonazoid in hepatic and pancreatobiliary applications in Asian patients and to improve patient management.

The AFSUMB Consensus Statements and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound using Sonazoid

The first edition of the guidelines for the use of ultrasound contrast agents was published in 2004, dealing with liver applications. The second edition of the guidelines in 2008 reflected changes in the available contrast agents and updated the guidelines for the liver, as well as implementing some nonliver applications. The third edition of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidelines was the joint World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology-European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB-EFSUMB) venture in conjunction with other regional US societies such as Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, resulting in a simultaneous duplicate on liver CEUS in the official journals of both WFUMB and EFSUMB in 2013. However, no guidelines were described mainly for Sonazoid due to limited clinical experience only in Japan and Korea. The new proposed consensus statements and recommendations provide general advice on the use of Sonazoid and are intended to create standard protocols for the use and administration of Sonazoid in hepatic and pancreatobiliary applications in Asian patients and to improve patient management.

Application of new ultrasound techniques for focal liver lesions

Ultrasonography (US) has the overwhelming advantages of not entailing radiation exposure and being a noninvasive, real-time, convenient, easy-to-perform, and relatively inexpensive imaging modality. It is used as the first-line imaging modality for screening, detection, and diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLLs) [small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), in particular]. However, with the increasing demand for accurate and early diagnosis of small HCCs, newer radiologic methods need to be explored to overcome certain limitations of US. For example, the imaging is easily negatively affected by the presence of gas, rib cage, and subcutaneous fat, and is insensitive for capturing the subtle but vital information on the blood flow. It was in response to this need that new promising technologies such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and fusion imaging were introduced for the detection of liver lesions. This paper presents an overview of the epidemiology and mechanisms of the development of HCCs, with an emphasis on the application of US in the diagnosis and treatment of FLLs. The aim of this article is to provide the state-of-the-art developments in the imaging diagnosis of FLLs and evaluation of ablation treatment of early HCCs. By keeping abreast of these recent advances, we hope that doctors and researchers working in the field of diagnosis/treatment of liver diseases will be able to discriminate benign FLLs such as regenerative nodules and focal nodular hyperplasia from HCCs, so as to avoid unnecessary repeated tumor biopsies and overtreatment. In particular, we expect that small HCCs or precancerous nodules (such as dysplastic nodules) can be accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated even at an early stage.

Comparison of vascularity observed using contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasonography and pathological changes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after sorafenib treatment

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare vascularity observed using contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasonography and pathological changes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and surrounding non-tumorous areas after sorafenib treatment.

Materials and methods: Twelve patients with HCC were enrolled in this clinical study. The maximum tumor diameter as measured using sonography ranged from 15 to 33 mm (mean, 24.0 mm; SD, 5.7 mm). Assessments using contrast-enhanced (0.2 mL of Sonazoid suspension; Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan) 3D ultrasonography (LOGIQ 7; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee) were performed in all the patients before and 1 week after sorafenib treatment. The microvessel density (MVD) of the HCC and surrounding non-tumorous area was evaluated based on the immunohistochemical staining of microvessels using an antigen for CD34.

Results: Blood flow in the tumor was decreased in all 12 cases after sorafenib treatment. The MVD of the tumorous area at 1 week after sorafenib administration (38.8 ± 5.2) was significantly lower than that observed before sorafenib administration (72.4 ± 13.0) (P < 0.01). Blood flow in the non-tumorous area had decreased in 6 cases at 1 week after sorafenib treatment and had not changed in the 6 other cases. In the reduced blood flow group, the MVD of the non-tumorous area at 1 week after sorafenib administration had decreased significantly, compared with the MVD of the non-tumorous area before sorafenib administration. However, in the group with no change in blood flow, the MVD of the non-tumorous area at 1 week after sorafenib treatment had not changed, compared with the MVD of the non-tumorous area before sorafenib treatment.

Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasonography studies showed a correlation between vascularity and pathological changes in human HCC and the surrounding non-tumorous area after sorafenib treatment.

Servoing Performance Enhancement via a Respiratory Organ Motion Prediction Model for a Non-Invasive Ultrasound Theragnostic System

[abstFig src='/00290002/15.jpg' width='300' text='Proposed method for tracking and following respiratory organ motion' ] High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is potentially useful for treating stones and/or tumors. With respect to HIFU therapy, it is difficult to focus HIFU on the focal lesion due to respiratory organ motion, and this increases the risk of damaging the surrounding healthy tissues around the target focal lesion. Thus, this study proposes a method to cope with the fore-mentioned problem involving tracking and following the respiratory organ motion via a visual feedback and a prediction model for respiratory organ motion to realize highly accurate servoing performance for focal lesions. The prediction model is continuously updated based on the latest organ motion data. The results indicate that respiratory kidney motion of two healthy subjects is successfully tracked and followed with an accuracy of 0.88 mm by the proposed method and the constructed system.

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applied to hepato-bilio-pancreatic and the digestive system-current state of the art and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is emerging as a valid minimally-invasive image-guided treatment of malignancies. We aimed to review to current state of the art of HIFU therapy applied to the digestive system and discuss some promising avenues of the technology.

METHODS

Pertinent studies were identified through PubMed and Embase search engines using the following keywords, combined in different ways: HIFU, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, rectum, and cancer. Experimental proof of the concept of endoluminal HIFU mucosa/submucosa ablation using a custom-made transducer has been obtained in vivo in the porcine model.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies reported on the clinical use of HIFU to treat liver lesions, while 19 series were found on HIFU treatment of pancreatic cancers and four studies included patients suffering from both liver and pancreatic cancers, reporting on a total of 1,682 and 823 cases for liver and pancreas, respectively. Only very limited comparative prospective studies have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Digestive system clinical applications of HIFU are limited to pancreatic and liver cancer. It is safe and well tolerated. The exact place in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management algorithm remains to be defined. HIFU seems to add clear survival advantages over trans arterial chemo embolization (TACE) alone and similar results when compared to radio frequency (RF). For pancreatic cancer, HIFU achieves consistent cancer-related pain relief. Further research is warranted to improve targeting accuracy and efficacy monitoring. Furthermore, additional work is required to transfer this technology on appealing treatments such as endoscopic HIFU-based therapies.

Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid for hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence from a 10-year experience

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents primary liver cancer. Because the development of HCC limits the prognosis as well as the quality of life of the patients, its management should be properly conducted based on an accurate diagnosis. The liver is the major target organ of ultrasound (US), which is the simple, non-invasive, and real-time imaging method available worldwide. Microbubble-based contrast agents are safe and reliable and have become popular, which has resulted in the improvement of diagnostic performances of US due to the increased detectability of the peripheral blood flow. Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA), a second-generation contrast agent, shows the unique property of accumulation in the liver and spleen. Contrast-enhanced US with Sonazoid is now one of the most frequently used modalities in the practical management of liver tumors, including the detection and characterization of the nodule, evaluation of the effects of non-surgical treatment, intraoperative support, and post-treatment surveillance. This article reviews the 10-year evidence for contrast-enhanced US with Sonazoid in the practical management of HCC.

Regulatory SNPs Alter the Gene Expression of Diabetic Retinopathy Associated Secretary Factors

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication in both type I and type II diabetes. Several previous reports indicated the serum centration of some secretary factors were highly associated with DR. Therefore, we hypothesis regulatory SNPs (rSNPs) genotype in secretary factors may alter these gene expression and lead to DR.

METHODS

At first, pyrosequencing were applying to screen the SNPs which present allele frequency different in DR and DNR. Then individual genotyping was processed by Taqman assays in Taiwanese DR and DNR patients. To evaluate the effect of SNP allele on transcriptional activity, we measured promoter activity using luciferase reporter constructs.

RESULTS

We found the frequencies of the CC, CG, and GG genotype of the rs2010963 polymorphism were 15.09%, 47.14%, and 37.74% in DR and 12.90%, 19.35%, and 67.74% in DNR, respectively (p = 0.0205). The prevalence of DR was higher (p = 0.00793) in patients with the CC or CG genotype (62.26% and 32.26% for DR and DNR, respectively) compared with the patients with the GG genotype. To evaluate the effect of rs2010963-C allele on transcriptional activity, we measured promoter activity using luciferase reporter constructs. The rs2010963-C reporter showed 1.6 to 2-fold higher luciferase activity than rs2010963-G in 3 cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Our data proposed rs2010963-C altered the expression level of VEGFA in different tissues. We suggested small increase but long term exposure to VEGFA may lead to DR finally.

The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Guiding Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using ultrasound (US)-specific microbubbles in guiding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 50 patients with HCC treated with CEUS guided RFA using perflutren at our institution was performed. CEUS images were first compared to B-mode US images performed at the same RFA session to determine the ability of CEUS to increase the conspicuity of lesions. A qualitative score (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = excellent) was used to grade the ability to visualize the lesions. The preprocedure CEUS images were then evaluated using the most recent prior contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated with short-term follow-up imaging (median 1 month) for presence of residual or recurrent disease.

Results

CEUS allows at least fair visualization (score ≥2) in 78% (reader 1) and 80% (reader 2) of the lesions not visualized by B-mode US, and 50% (reader 1) and 42% (reader 2) of the lesions poorly visualized by B-mode US. Lesion appearances on CEUS are largely concordant with those on CT or MRI: 88% for reader 1, 96% for reader 2. With CEUS-guided RFA, complete response was achieved in the vast majority of the lesions at short-term follow-up: 82% for reader 1, 94% for reader 2.

Conclusions

CEUS increases the conspicuity and provides better characterization of hypervascular HCC that are either not seen or poorly seen on B-mode US, and CEUS provides real-time guidance of RFA with good short-term treatment responses.

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation assisted using color Doppler imaging for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas

PURPOSE

We evaluated the usefulness of color Doppler flow imaging to compensate for the inadequate resolution of the ultrasound (US) monitoring during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

US-guided HIFU ablation assisted using color Doppler flow imaging was performed in 11 patients with small HCC (<3 lesions, <3 cm in diameter). The HIFU system (Chongqing Haifu Tech) was used under US guidance. Color Doppler sonographic studies were performed using an HIFU 6150S US imaging unit system and a 2.7-MHz electronic convex probe.

RESULTS

The color Doppler images were used because of the influence of multi-reflections and the emergence of hyperecho. In 1 of the 11 patients, multi-reflections were responsible for the poor visualization of the tumor. In 10 cases, the tumor was poorly visualized because of the emergence of a hyperecho. In these cases, the ability to identify the original tumor location on the monitor by referencing the color Doppler images of the portal vein and the hepatic vein was very useful. HIFU treatments were successfully performed in all 11 patients with the assistance of color Doppler imaging.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler imaging is useful for the treatment of HCC using HIFU, compensating for the occasionally poor visualization provided by B-mode conventional US imaging.

A case of mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver: description of Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasound imaging and histopathologic findings

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the hepatobiliary system are rare tumors that usually arise within the liver. We encountered a 63-year-old woman with a surgically proven MCN of the liver. We first performed contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, and the mass was found to have the appearance of a solid tumor, showing peripheral nodular enhancement in the arterial and portal phases with persistence of enhancement. The lesion remained enhanced in the post-vascular phase (Kupffer phase). Based on these findings, we incorrectly identified the tumor as a cavernous hemangioma, despite negative findings in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In our immunohistologic analysis using anti-CD68 antibody, the antibody-positive cells were identified as macrophages. Therefore, the Sonazoid microbubbles could have been retained within these macrophages, resulting in late enhancement. These findings appear to be of key importance in accurately diagnosing MCNs and clarifying their pathophysiology.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound: Roles in immediate post-procedural and 24-h evaluation of the effectiveness of thermal ablation of liver tumors

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of immediate post-procedural CEUS, 24-h CEUS, and 24-h CT in verifying the effectiveness of thermal ablation of liver tumors ablation, using the combined results of 3-month post-procedure CEUS and MDCT as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From our database, we selected patients who had immediate post-procedural CEUS and 24-h CEUS and MDCT examinations after undergoing thermal ablation of a liver tumor between January 2009 and March 2010. The study population consisted of 53 subjects and 55 tumors (44 HCC and 11 metastasis) were evaluated. Thirty-seven tumors were treated with radiofrequency and 18 with microwave ablation. Post-procedural CEUS, 24-h CEUS and MDCT, and 3-month follow-up CEUS and MDCT images were blindly reviewed by two radiologists, who measured the size of the ablation area on the post-procedural and 24-h studies. They also evaluated the ability of each of these three index tests to predict the outcome (residual tumor vs. no residual tumor) using imaging studies done at the 3-month follow-up as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Mean tumor diameter on preablation CEUS (the day before treatment) was 20 ± 9 mm. Mean diameter of the necrotic area was 29 ± 9 mm on post-procedural CEUS, 34 ± 11 mm on 24-h CEUS, and 36 ± 11 mm on 24-h MDCT. Diameters of the necrotic area (mean and maximum) on post-procedural CEUS were significantly smaller than those measured on 24-h CEUS or 24-h MDCT, which were not significantly different. For predicting the presence of residual tumor at the 3-month follow-up, post-procedural CEUS, 24-h CEUS, and 24-h MDCT displayed sensitivity of 33%, 33%, and 42%; specificity of 92%, 97%, and 97%; negative predictive value of 84%, 85%, and 83%. The accuracy parameters of these three imaging modalities were not significantly different from one another.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing thermal ablation for liver tumors, the immediate post-procedural CEUS seems comparable to 24-h CEUS and MDCT in terms of detecting residual disease.

New paradigm for management of hepatocellular carcinoma by imaging

Based on recent clinical practice guidelines, imaging is largely replacing pathology as the preferred diagnostic method for determination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A variety of imaging modalities, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and angiography, are currently used to examine patients with chronic liver disease and suspected HCC. Advancements in imaging techniques such as perfusion imaging, diffusion imaging, and elastography along with the development of new contrast media will further improve the ability to detect and characterize HCC. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential for prompt treatment, which may in turn improve prognosis. Considering the process of hepatocarcinogenesis, it is important to evaluate sequential changes via imaging which would help to differentiate HCC from premalignant or benign lesions. Recent innovations including multiphasic examinations, high-resolution imaging, and the increased functional capabilities available with contrast-enhanced US, multidetector row CT, and MRI have raised the standards for HCC diagnosis. Although hemodynamic features of nodules in the cirrhotic liver remain the main diagnostic criterion, newly developed cellspecific contrast agents have shown great possibilities for improved HCC diagnosis and may overcome the diagnostic dilemma associated with small or borderline hepatocellular lesions. In the 20th century paradigm of medical imaging, radiological diagnosis was based on morphological characteristics, but in the 21st century, a paradigm shift to include biomedical, physiological, functional, and genetic imaging is needed. A multidisciplinary team approach is necessary to foster an integrated approach to HCC imaging. By developing and combining new imaging modalities, all phases of HCC patient care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and therapy, can be dramatically improved.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound: Should it play a role in immediate evaluation of liver tumors following thermal ablation?

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of immediate CEUS with results of 24-h CEUS and MDCT in early evaluation of liver tumors following thermal ablation, using the combined results of a 3 month follow-up MDCT and CEUS as a reference standard.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From our database, we selected patients who underwent a thermal ablation immediately followed by CEUS (within 5-10min) between February 2009 and February 2011. There were 92 patients (median age 73 years), two of whom had repeat ablation during the study period for a total of 94 tumors. Sixty tumors were treated with radiofrequency and 34 with microwave ablation. All patients underwent CEUS and CT examinations at 24h. For patients with more than one treated tumor in the same session, the lesion imaged post-procedural and at 24-h with CEUS in all vascular phases was selected. All measurements of the necrotic zone, as an avascular zone, were performed during the portal-venous phase. Immediate post-procedural CEUS and 24h CEUS and MDCT were blindly reviewed by two radiologists. One radiologist blindly reviewed the follow-up imaging. The mean diameters of the necrotic zone at post-procedural CEUS, and CEUS and MDCT at 24h were compared and diagnostic accuracy to detect residual tumor calculated for each index tests compared to 3-months follow-up imaging.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the necrotic zone was: 29±9mm at post-procedural CEUS, 34±10mm at 24h CEUS and 35±11mm at 24h MDCT. Mean diameter of the necrotic zone was significantly smaller at post-procedural CEUS compared to either CEUS or MDCT at 24h (p<0.001 for all). With a 95% confidence interval, the sensitivity was 25% (11-47%) for immediate CEUS, 20% (8-42%) for CEUS at 24-h, and 40% (22-61%) for CT at 24-h. Specificity was 96% (89-99%) for immediate CEUS, 97% (91-99%) for CEUS at 24-h, and 97% (91-99%) for CT at 24-h.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic accuracy of post-procedural CEUS in early evaluation of liver tumors following thermal ablation is comparable to both CEUS and MDCT performed at 24h. Therefore, post-procedural CEUS can be used to detect and retreat residual viable tissue in the same ablation session.

Considerations for two inoculation methods of rabbit hepatic tumors: Pathology and image features

The rabbit VX2 hepatic tumor model has been widely used for the investigation of liver cancer. The present study was designed to compare two inoculation methods in order to identify an improved modality for establishing rabbit hepatic tumors. A total of 44 rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. All inoculations were performed by open laparotomy. In group 1, 22 rabbits received a VX2 tumor cell suspension in a volume of 0.2 ml, which was slowly injected into the rabbit liver parenchyma using an 18-gauge needle. In group 2, a 0.2-ml suspension of small, minced tumor fragments of a VX2 carcinoma, inserted into an 18-gauge needle, was implanted into the liver parenchyma. The tumor survival ratio, size and extrahepatic metastases were evaluated and compared using computed tomography (CT)-scan, angiography and pathological specimens. At 2 weeks following implantation, successful liver tumor growth was achieved in 14 out of the 22 rabbits in group 1 (63.6%) and 21 out of the 22 rabbits in group 2 (95.5%) (P<0.05). Further sub-analysis revealed that single nodular tumors in the liver were observed in 4 out of the 14 rabbits in group 1 (28.6%) and 14 out of the 21 rabbits in group 2 (66.7%), and that multinodular tumors in the liver were observed in 10 out of the 14 rabbits in group 1 (71.4%) and 7 out of the 21 rabbits in group 2 (33.3%) (P<0.05). Extrahepatic metastases were observed in 5 out of the 14 rabbits in group 1 (35.7%) and 1 of the 21 rabbits in group 2 (4.8%) (P<0.05). Imaging findings of hepatic tumors were in concordance with histopathology. In conclusion, direct implantation of VX2 tumor fragments into the liver using a fine needle achieved a higher success rate than injecting VX2 tumor cells. The rabbit hepatic tumors inoculated by this method may therefore be a more suitable animal model for investigating liver cancer.

Role of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

About 70 per cent of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages, and most of them are technically unresectable. As a novel, emerging therapeutic modality, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has a great potential for tumor treatment. In this review, principle of HIFU technique is introduced, and an overview of clinical applications and limitations of HIFU for HCC treatment, as well as prospects for future development, is provided. Consequently, HIFU has been considered a safe and feasible procedure for HCC treatment.

Treatment of small hepatocellular carcinomas with US-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive method that can cause complete coagulation necrosis without requiring the insertion of any instruments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HIFU treatment for small liver cancers without performing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or rib resection. HIFU ablation was performed without rib resection or the aid of TACE or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in 12 patients with hepatocelullar carcinoma. The HIFU system (Chongqing Haifu Tech, Chongqing, China) was used under ultrasound guidance. All 12 patients completed the treatment without experiencing any adverse events. Complete coagulation was achieved by applying the sonications from the intercostal space when the tumor was located in the right lobe. After treatment, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly higher than the baseline values; these levels recovered within 1 week. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased 1 week after treatment but decreased within 1 month. An epidural anesthetic provided sufficient pain suppression during the procedure. Edema of the subcutaneous tissue was detected in five cases, but the edema disappeared within 1 month. None of the patients developed acute hepatic failure, liver abscess or renal dysfunction. In conclusion, HIFU is effective for the treatment of patients with small liver cancer.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) for Echographic Detection of Hepato Cellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients Previously Treated with Multiple Techniques: Comparison of Conventional US, Spiral CT and 3-Dimensional CEUS with Navigator Technique (3DNav CEUS)

A commercially available technique named “NAVIGATOR” (Esaote, Italy) easily enables a 3-D reconstruction of a single 2-D acquisition of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of the whole liver (with a volumetric correction thanks to the electromagnetic device of NAVIGATOR). Aim of the study was to evaluate this “panoramic” technique in comparison with conventional US and spiral CT in the detection of new hepatic lesions. 144 cirrhotic patients (previously treated for hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC)) in follow-up with detection of 98 new nodules (N), 28 multinodular (Nmulti), 14 loco-regional regrowth (LR) 94 efficaciously treated without new nodules (neg) and four multinodular without new nodules, were submitted to 200 examinations with this new technique from November 2008 to November 2009. 3DNavCEUS was performed using SonoVue (Bracco), as contrast agent, and a machine (Technos MPX, Esaote). Spiral CT and 3DNav CEUS were performed in the same month during follow up. Sens.,Spec.,diagn.-Acc.,PPV and NPV were evaluated; comparison and differences between the techniques were obtained with chi-square (SPSS release-15). Final diagnosis was: 98 new lesions (N) (one to three), 28 multinodular HCC (Nmulti) and 14 loco-regional regrowth (LR); in 94 no more lesions were observed during follow-up; conventional US obtained: 58 N (+18 multinodularN and 8 LR), 40 false negative (+10 Nmulti and 6 LR) (sens:59.2, spec:100%, Diagn Accur:73.6, PPV:100; NPV:70.1); spiral CT obtained: 84N (+26-multinodularN and 14-LR), 14 false-negative (+2-Nmulti), and one false-positive (sens:85.7, spec:97.9%, Diagn Accur:90.9, PPV:97.7; NPV:86.8); 3DNAV obtained: 92N (+28 multinodularN and 14LR), 6 false-negative, and two false-positives (sens:93.9, spec:97.9%, Diagn Accur:95.6, PPV:97.9; NPV:93.9). 3-DNav CEUS is significantly better than US and almost similar to spiral CT for detection of new HCC. This technique, in particular, showed the presence of lesions even in the cases not detected with spiral CT.

Findings of multidetector row computed tomography of HCCs treated by HIFU ablation

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and a long-term study by follow-up multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) was conducted to evaluate the changes occurring in the treatment area following the HIFU ablation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HIFU ablation was carried out in 14 patients with small HCCs (≤3 lesions, ≤3cm in diameter). The HIFU system (Chongqing Haifu Tech) was used under ultrasound guidance. The evaluations were performed by follow-up CT at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the HIFU ablation.

RESULTS

HIFU ablation was carried out successfully in 11 of the 14 patients. At 1 week after the HIFU, a peripheral rim enhancement was found in all cases (100%). This finding was persistent in 6 of the 11 cases (54.5%) at 1 month, and in 1 of the 11 (9%) cases at 3 months after HIFU ablation. In all cases, the rim enhancement disappeared by 6 or 12 months after the HIFU ablation. At the 12 months follow-up, a decrease in the diameter of the ablated lesions was found. The enhancement around the treated area was found to be persistent at the 12 months follow-up in the one case of recurrence of the treated site in which the safety margin was not sufficiently wide. During the follow-up period, there were 2 cases with residual of HCC tumors. We performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for these residual tumors after the HIFU ablation.

CONCLUSION

To ascertain the cause of the peripheral enhancement on follow-up CT images after the HIFU ablation, in particular, to determine whether it might be caused by residual tumor or recurrence at the treated site, careful follow-up is important, especially in cases where the safety margin of the ablated area was not sufficiently wide.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound of hepatocellular carcinoma

Sonazoid (Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan), a second-generation of a lipid-stabilized suspension of a perfluorobutane gas microbubble contrast agent, has been used clinically in patients with liver tumors and for harmonic gray-scale ultrasonography (US) in Japan since January 2007. Sonazoid-enhanced US has two phases of contrast enhancement: vascular and late. In the late phase of Sonazoid-enhanced US, we scanned the whole liver using this modality at a low mechanical index (MI) without destroying the microbubbles, and this method allows detection of small viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions which cannot be detected by conventional US as perfusion defects in the late phase. Re-injection of Sonazoid into an HCC lesion which previously showed a perfusion defect in the late phase is useful for confirming blood flow into the defects. High MI intermittent imaging at 2 frames per second in the late phase is also helpful in differentiation between necrosis and viable hypervascular HCC lesions. Sonazoid-enhanced US by the coded harmonic angio mode at a high MI not only allows clear observation of tumor vessels and tumor enhancement, but also permits automatic scanning with Sonazoid-enhanced three dimensional (3D) US. Fusion images combining US with contrast-enhanced CT or contrast-enhanced MRI have made it easy to detect typical or atypical HCC lesions. By these methods, Sonazoid-enhanced US can characterize liver tumors, grade HCC lesions histologically, recognize HCC dedifferentiation, evaluate the efficacy of ablation therapy or transcatheter arterial embolization, and guide ablation therapy for unresectable HCC. This article reviews the current developments and applications of Sonazoid-enhanced US and Sonazoid-enhanced 3D US for diagnosing and treating hepatic lesions, especially HCC.