Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging enables improved detection of hepatic lesions over Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging while providing comparable differential diagnostic information.

A multicenter study has been employed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the new liver-specific contrast agent gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA, Primovist), as opposed to contrast-enhanced biphasic spiral computed tomography (CT), in the diagnosis of focal liver lesions, compared with a standard of reference (SOR). One hundred and sixty-nine patients with hepatic lesions eligible for surgery underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI as well as CT within 6 weeks. Pathologic evaluation of the liver specimen combined with intraoperative ultrasound established the SOR. Data sets were evaluated on-site (14 investigators) and off-site (three independent blinded readers). Gd-EOB-DTPA was well tolerated. Three hundred and two lesions were detected in 131 patients valid for analysis by SOR. The frequency of correctly detected lesions was significantly higher on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI compared with CT in the clinical evaluation [10.44%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.88, 16.0]. In the blinded reading there was a trend towards Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, not reaching statistical significance (2.14%; 95% CI: -4.32, 8.6). However, the highest rate of correctly detected lesions with a diameter below 1 cm was achieved by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Differential diagnosis was superior for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (82.1%) versus CT (71.0%). A change in surgical therapy was documented in 19 of 131 patients (14.5%) post Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was superior in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of focal liver lesions compared with CT.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGHintergrund Der lokoregionale interventionelle onkologische Behandlungsansatz ist eine anerkannte Behandlungsoption bei Lebermalignomen, insbesondere beim hepatozellulären Karzinom (HCC) und oligonodulären Lebermetastasen. Material und Methode ABSTR AC T PurposeThe locoregional interventional oncological treatment approach is an accepted modality for liver neoplasms, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and oligonodular liver metastases. Materials and MethodsThe main aim of ablation therapies like microwave ablation (MWA) is to eradicate all malignant cells in a minimally invasive technique under imaging guidance while preserving the healthy tissue with a sufficient safety margin (at least 5 mm) surrounding the ablated lesion.Results Ablation therapy can be performed via a percutaneous, laparoscopic or intraoperative approach under ultrasound, MRI or CT guidance for adequate localization and monitoring of the ablation process.Conclusion Ablation is the method of choice for oligonodular HCCs ≤ 3 cm. The technical success rate varies from 88 % to This document was downloaded for personal use only. Unauthorized distribution is strictly prohibited.98 % and progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 years from 27 % to 91.7 %. The same criteria apply to the therapy of liver metastases. Key Points▪ Careful selection of patients proves to be essential for optimum results of MWA ▪ Interventionists should be familiar with all aspects of complication and rapid assessment of imaging methods in order to evaluate induced damage by thermal ablation ▪ MWA seems to have some advantages over radiofrequency ablation, like shorter ablation time, less pain, less heat sink effect; however, scientific proof is needed