Radiofrequency Ablation in a Porcine Lung Model: Correlation Between CT and Histopathologic Findings

Abstract

Ground-glass attenuation on CT led to overestimation of the size of necrotic lesions. The layered structural findings on CT were consistent with the histopathologic findings. Although CT findings reflect the histopathologic findings, attention should be paid to the dissociation of ablated lesions and high-density areas in clinical interpretation of CT images.

Thermal Ablation of Lung Tumors: Focus on Microwave Ablation

“…The post-ablation histological and CT findings remain largely unchanged over the first week [58]. The ablation zone is described by most authors as a succession of three concentric layers of tissue with different histological characteristics.…”

“…The middle layer has a similar appearance as the inner one but the alveolar spaces are filled with effusion and some degree of congestion can be noticed. The outer layer shows strong congestion and hemorrhage and consists of both damaged and viable cells [37,58,59].…”

“…1 -4) [33,55,58,59]. If contrast agent is administered, the outer rim usually shows circular benign periablational enhancement [60].…”

“…The outer hyperdense rim should not be counted as part of the completely ablated area as it might contain viable cells. Incomplete ablation should be considered if the tumor exceeds the GGO and/or continues to show contrast enhancement [55,58].…”

“…During the first 2 -3 months after the procedure, the necrotic tissue within the ablation zone undergoes a process of granulation and fibrosis [57,58]. As this process takes place, the GGO pattern gradually changes into a nodular or fibrotic pattern while the ablation zone steadily decreases in size.…”