Application of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of microwave ablation for liver cancer.

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the evaluation of microwave ablation(MA)for liver cancer.Methods The clinical data of 51 patients with liver cancer who received MA at the General Hospital of PLA from November 2005 to June 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.The MRI findings of 65 nodules before and after the treatment of MA were evaluated by serological examination and needle biopsy of liver.Results All patients received MRI within 1 month after MA.Of all nodules.63 were presented with high signal intensity on T_1-weighted images(T_1 WI)and low signal intensity on T_2-weighted images (T_2 WI)and with peripheral ring-like enhancement.They were diagnosed as complete coagulation necrosis,and the alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)level of the patients decreased from 333.83μg/L before MA to 37.68 μg/L after MA.Two nodules were presented with low signal intensity on T_1 WI and high signal intensity on T_2 WI,and they were diagnosed as local residual.All patients were followed up l month after MA,and 5 nodules showed enhancement with the same image characteristics as local residual.They were diagnosed as local recurrence of liver cancer by needle biopsy of liver and AFP level detection.New intrahepatic nodules in 23 patients and an abdominal nodule in 1 patient were detected with an increase of AFP level(mean,120.16 μg/L).Conclusion MRI Can exactly evaluate the efficacy of MA in the treatment of liver cancer. Key words: Microwave ablation; Liver neoplasms; Magnetic resonance imaging