Ultrasonography.  2015 Oct;34(4):235-245. 10.14366/usg.15018.

Local ablation therapy with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma: a practical review

• Kim TK
• Khalili K
• Jang HJ

• KMID: 2381991
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14366/usg.15018

Abstract

A successful program for local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires extensive imaging support for diagnosis and localization of HCC, imaging guidance for the ablation procedures, and post-treatment monitoring. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has several advantages over computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI), including real-time imaging capability, sensitive detection of arterial-phase hypervascularity and washout, no renal excretion, no ionizing radiation, repeatability, excellent patient compliance, and relatively low cost. CEUS is useful for image guidance for isoechoic lesions. While contrast-enhanced CT/MRI is the standard method for the diagnosis of HCC and post-ablation monitoring, CEUS is useful when CT/MRI findings are indeterminate or CT/MRI is contraindicated. This article provides a practical review of the role of CEUS in imaging algorithms for pre- and post-ablation therapy for HCC.

Keyword

Liver neoplasms; Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Ultrasonography; Contrast media

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
Contrast Media
Diagnosis
Liver Neoplasms
Patient Compliance
Radiation, Ionizing
Ultrasonography*
Contrast Media