Author/Authors :
Yan, Yuchang Department of Radiology - Beijing Friendship Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China , Jiang, Tao Department of Radiology - Beijing Chaoyang Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China , Yang, Zhenghan Department of Radiology - Beijing Friendship Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China , Wang, Zhenchang Department of Radiology - Beijing Friendship Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China , Jin, Erhu Department of Radiology - Beijing Friendship Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China , Pan, Zhenyu Department of Radiology - Beijing Friendship Hospital - Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
Abstract :
Background: Accurately assessing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and early detection
of tumor residues or recurrence after radiofrequency ablation is important to improve the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Objectives: To investigate the application of gemstone spectral imaging in the evaluation of abnormal enhancement of the edge
of HCC after radiofrequency ablation.
Patients and Methods: From November 2013 to April 2019, patients with HCC admitted to the department underwent regular gemstone spectral imaging and energy spectrum analysis after radiofrequency ablation. The abnormal enhancement within and around
the radiofrequency ablation lesion was observed, and the energy spectrum data of the radiofrequency ablation lesion and the abnormal enhancement focus were measured.
Results: A total of 133 lesions with marginal enhancement following radiofrequency ablation were included. Of these lesions, 62
were eventually diagnosed as inflammatory reaction zone, and 71 were diagnosed as residual or recurrent HCC. The results of energy
spectrum analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the iodine concentration between the inflammatory
reaction zone and the residual or recurrent HCC (P < 0.001). The iodine concentration in the inflammatory reaction zone was lower
than the iodine concentration in the residual or recurrent HCC (9.70±3.00 100 µg/mL vs. 13.24 ± 4.51 100 µg/mL). In the enhanced
arterial and portal venous phases, the difference between the slope of the energy spectrum curve of the inflammatory reaction zone
and the residual or recurrent HCC was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Gemstone spectral imaging can effectively differentiate residual or recurrent HCC from the inflammatory reaction
zone after radiofrequency ablation. It is conducive to early detection of residual or recurrent tumors, helps clinicians formulate the
next treatment plan, and improves the prognosis of patients.
