Using dynamic three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to evaluate the clinical efficacy and post-operative recurrence of microwave ablation for patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To explore the efficacy of dynamic three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (3D-CEU) in evaluating the clinical efficacy and recurrence of patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after microwave ablation. Methods A total of 45 patients who received microwave ablation for hepatitis B-related HCC were selected between November 2018 and January 2023. Two-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (2D-CEU) and 3D-CEU were used to evaluate the curative effect and recurrence at one month after the operation, and the two methods were compared on their imaging results of tumor in contrast mode and their efficacies on evaluating the curative effect. Results The numbers of cases in which 3D-CEUS detected tumor blood vessels was not displayed in 2 cases, normal in 5 cases, or clear in 38 cases, which were statistically significantly different with those of 8 cases, 12 cases and 25 cases, respectively, with 2D-CEUS (χ²=9.165, P=0.010). There were 4 cases, 6 cases and 35 cases in which 3D-CEUS showed no tumor boundary, normal tumor boundary and clear tumor boundary. Compared with those of 5 cases, 20 cases and 20 cases with 2D-CEUS, the difference was statistically significant (χ²=11.740, P=0.003). The results of postoperative biopsy showed that 11 of 45 patients had insufficient treatment or recurrence. Comparing their efficacy on evaluating the curative effect, the diagnostic efficacy indexes of 3D-CEUS are significantly higher than those of 2D-CEUS, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Dynamic 3D-CEUS is helpful in evaluating the clinical efficacy and recurrence of patients with hepatitis B-related HCC after microwave ablation.

Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Radiofrequency ablation, Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound

YIN Wen, SHEN Rong. Using dynamic three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to evaluate the clinical efficacy and post-operative recurrence of microwave ablation for patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma[J]. Chinese Hepatolgy, 2025, 30(9): 1249-1253.

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