David J. Breen

Image-guided Tumor Ablation: Standardization of Terminology and Reporting Criteria—A 10-Year Update

Image-guided tumor ablation has become a well-established hallmark of local cancer therapy. The breadth of options available in this growing field increases the need for standardization of terminology and reporting criteria to facilitate effective communication of ideas and appropriate comparison among treatments that use different technologies, such as chemical (eg, ethanol or acetic acid) ablation, thermal therapies (eg, radiofrequency, laser, microwave, focused ultrasound, and cryoablation) and newer ablative modalities such as irreversible electroporation. This updated consensus document provides a framework that will facilitate the clearest communication among investigators regarding ablative technologies. An appropriate vehicle is proposed for reporting the various aspects of image-guided ablation therapy including classification of therapies, procedure terms, descriptors of imaging guidance, and terminology for imaging and pathologic findings. Methods are addressed for standardizing reporting of technique, follow-up, complications, and clinical results. As noted in the original document from 2003, adherence to the recommendations will improve the precision of communications in this field, leading to more accurate comparison of technologies and results, and ultimately to improved patient outcomes. Online supplemental material is available for this article .

Image-guided tumor ablation: standardization of terminology and reporting criteria--a 10-year update.

Image-guided tumor ablation has become a well-established hallmark of local cancer therapy. The breadth of options available in this growing field increases the need for standardization of terminology and reporting criteria to facilitate effective communication of ideas and appropriate comparison among treatments that use different technologies, such as chemical (eg, ethanol or acetic acid) ablation, thermal therapies (eg, radiofrequency, laser, microwave, focused ultrasound, and cryoablation) and newer ablative modalities such as irreversible electroporation. This updated consensus document provides a framework that will facilitate the clearest communication among investigators regarding ablative technologies. An appropriate vehicle is proposed for reporting the various aspects of image-guided ablation therapy including classification of therapies, procedure terms, descriptors of imaging guidance, and terminology for imaging and pathologic findings. Methods are addressed for standardizing reporting of technique, follow-up, complications, and clinical results. As noted in the original document from 2003, adherence to the recommendations will improve the precision of communications in this field, leading to more accurate comparison of technologies and results, and ultimately to improved patient outcomes.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Colorectal Hepatic Metastases – Initial Experience

Background and Aim: Most patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma are unsuitable for resection. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been applied to such lesions at laparotomy. This study aimed to evaluate the less invasive approach of percutaneous RFA. Method: Patients with unresectable liver metastases identified on cross-sectional imaging were considered for percutaneous RFA either alone or in combination with systemic chemotherapy. Subjects with >6 lesions or lesions of maximum size >70 mm were excluded. Percutaneous RFA was applied under sedation and radiological guidance (CT/US). Treatment effect was determined by follow-up imaging. Actuarial survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Thirty patients (21 males), median age 74.5 years (range 44–85 years), underwent percutaneous RFA to 56 lesions during 54 treatment sessions. The median size of lesion was 30 mm (range 8–70 mm). Fifteen lesions were treated more than once because of recurrence or incomplete ablation. The median ablation time per lesion was 12 min (range 4.5–36 min). Eleven patients had pre-procedural chemotherapy and 15 patients received chemotherapy after treatment. There was minimal associated morbidity (5.6% of treatments). Median hospital stay per treatment was 1 day (range 1–7). Median actuarial survival from the date of first percutaneous RFA was 22 months (95% CI 12.9–31.1 months). Eleven patients were alive at the time of data collection. Conclusion: Percutaneous RFA is a safe, well-tolerated intervention for unresectable hepatic metastases which can be repeated, if required. The technique may be associated with prolonged survival in this selected group of subjects. Future studies should consider the role of percutaneous RFA either in place of or as an adjunct to palliative chemotherapy.

Percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of a post-pancreatitis pseudoaneurysm

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms are often treated surgically or by transcatheter embolisation. We report a case of a pseudoaneurysm in a patient with chronic pancreatitis, which was successfully occluded by percutaneous injection of thrombin into the pseudoaneurysmal sac as a first-line management.

Routine Follow-up by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Does Not Improve Detection of Resectable Local Recurrences From Colorectal Cancer

Objective:To determine if routine follow-up by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the detection of resectable local recurrences from colorectal cancer. Summary Background Data:Surgical treatment offers the best prospect of survival for patients with recurrent colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, most cases are often diagnosed at an unresectable stage when traditional follow-up methods are used. The impact of MRI surveillance on the early diagnosis of local recurrences has yet to be ascertained. Methods:Patients who underwent curative surgery for rectal and left-sided colon tumors were included in a program of pelvic surveillance by routine MRI, in addition to the standard follow-up protocol. Cases were then analyzed for mode of diagnosis, resectability, and overall survival. Results:Pelvic recurrence was found in 30 (13%) of the 226 patients studied. MRI detected 26 of 30 (87%) and missed 4 of 30 (13%) cases with local recurrence. Of the latter, 3 were anastomotic recurrences. In 28 (14%) patients, local recurrence was suspected by an initial MR scan but cleared by subsequent MRI or CT-guided biopsy. Recurrent pelvic cancer was diagnosed by MRI with 87% sensitivity and 86% specificity. In 19 (63%) cases, CEA was abnormally elevated, and 9 patients (30%) were symptomatic. Surgical resection was possible in only 6 patients (20%). There was no difference between MRI and conventional follow-up tests in their ability to detect cases suitable for surgery. Conclusions:Pelvic surveillance by MRI is not justified as part of the routine follow-up after a curative resection for colorectal cancer and should be reserved for selectively imaging patients with clinical, colonoscopic, and/or biochemical suspicion of recurrent disease.

Immediate and long-term CT appearances following radiofrequency ablation of renal tumours

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma is increasing and image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is emerging as a safe and effective primary treatment. Therefore, it is essential for radiologists to appreciate the varied computed tomography (CT) imaging features following RFA. Prompt recognition of residual or recurrent tumour is crucial in facilitating timely re-treatment where necessary. Conversely, involuting, completely ablated lesions may be mistaken for residual disease. Using examples from experience of treating 105 renal tumours over a 5-year period, the spectrum of post-RFA CT appearances will be illustrated.

Long-Term Results of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Unresectable Colorectal Hepatic Metastases: Final Outcomes

Introduction: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PcRFA) provides alternative means of treating patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. We previously reported our initial experience in 30 patients treated with PcRFA. We present the final long-term results in these 30 patients. Methods: The final outcome of the 30 patients treated with PcRFA is reported, 30 months following the initial results published in 2004. Results: Thirty patients (21 males and 9 females), median age 74.5 (44–85) years, underwent PcRFA for 57 lesions in 60 sessions. The final results in this cohort of patients are reported: 28 dead and 2 lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 22 (3–53) months. Median size was 31 (8–70) mm. Nineteen lesions required repeat PcRFA. Median ablation time per lesion was 12 (4.5–36) min. Eleven patients received chemotherapy pre-PcRFA and 15 received chemotherapy post-PcRFA. Three patients went on to have limited hepatectomies. Complications occurred in 3 (5%) and median hospital stay was 1 (1–7) day. The median hepatic disease-free survival was 12 (95% CI 6.1–17.9) months and actuarial survival was 23.2 (95% CI 18.5–27.8) months. Conclusion: PcRFA is safe and associated with increased disease-free and overall survival in patients with unresectable colorectal hepatic metastases.

Intrahepatic arterioportal shunting and anomalous venous drainage: understanding the CT features in the liver.

The increased use of high-contrast volume, arterial-phase studies of the liver has demonstrated the frequent occurrence of arterioportal shunts within both the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. This article sets out to explain the underlying microcirculatory mechanisms behind these commonly encountered altered perfusion states. Similarly, well-recognised portal perfusion defects occur around the perifalciform and perihilar liver and are largely caused by anomalous venous drainage via the paraumbilical and parabiliary venous systems. The underlying anatomy will be discussed and illustrated. These vascular anomalies are all caused by or result in diminished portal perfusion and are often manifest in the setting of portal venous thrombosis. The evolving concept of zonal re-perfusion following portal vein thrombosis will be discussed.

Health Care Systems of Developed Non-U.S. Nations: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Recommendations for the United States— Observations From Internationally Recognized Imaging Specialists

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to survey imaging experts from developed nations on their impression of their own health care system and recommendations for the U.S. health care system as it seeks to enact health care reform. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey was sent to individual imaging experts from developed nations requesting information on their health care systems (type of system, strengths, and weaknesses) and their recommendations for the United States. RESULTS Eighteen respondents from 17 developed nations completed the survey. All respondents reported universal health care coverage: four with government-operated health care, one with mixed government and private insurance-operated health care, 10 with predominantly government run with private insurance supplementation health care, and one with predominantly private insurance with government-operated supplementation health care. The most commonly cited strength was universal health care coverage for all citizens. The most commonly cited weakness was prolonged wait times. Notably absent was concern by the respondent physicians about malpractice litigation. The most commonly cited recommendation was the implementation of a universal health care coverage program. CONCLUSION In our survey of 18 imaging experts from 17 nations outside the United States, most respondents thought that their nations offered adequate universal health care coverage for their citizens, with the primary drawback of long wait times.

Chemotherapy plus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in patients with inoperable colorectal liver metastases

AIM To access the efficacy of chemotherapy plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as one line of treatment in inoperable colorectal liver metastases. METHODS Eligible patients were included in three Phase II studies. In the first study percutaneous RFA was used first followed by 6 cycles of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan combination (FOLFIRI) (adjunctive chemotherapy trial). In the other two, chemotherapy (FOLFIRI or 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin combination) up to 12 cycles was used first with percutaneous RFA offered to responding patients (primary chemotherapy trials). RESULTS Thirteen patients were included in the adjunctive chemotherapy trial and 17 in the other two. At inclusion they had 1-4 liver metastases (up to 6.5 cm in size). Two patients died during chemotherapy. All patients in the adjunctive chemotherapy trial and 44% in the primary chemotherapy studies had their metastases ablated. Median PFS and overall survival in the adjunctive study were 13 and 24 mo respectively while in the primary chemotherapy studies they were 10 and 21 mo respectively. Eighty one percent of the patients had tumour relapse in at least one previously ablated lesion. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy plus RFA in patients with low volume inoperable colorectal liver metastases seems safe and relatively effective. The high local recurrence rate is of concern.