Evaluation Of Low MI Real-time Ultrasonography In Assessing The Residual Tumor, Recurrence Of Metastasis After Treatment For Malignant Tumors: Experimental And Clinical Study

PART 1: Low MI real-time gray-scale ultrasonography inassessing the residual tumor after microwave coagulation therapy for VX2 tumorObjective To detect the macroscopic residual tumor with the hemodynamic features of VX2 tumor before and after microwave ablation using real-time gray-scale contrast enhancement.Methods Ultrasound contrast agent SonoVueTM(0.1 ml/kg) was administrated respectively in 9 VX2-bearing rabbits before and after microwave ablation by intravenous bolus injection. Corresponding parameters of the time-intensity curve were measured using CnTI (Contrast Tuned Imaging) and Wash-in/Wash-out time-intensity curve software.Results 1. The ET and PIT were earlier, the PSI lower, the MTT shorter and the AUC smaller in VX2 tumors than those in the liver parenchyma. There was significant difference of parameters derived from the time-intensity curve between VX2 tumors and liver parenchyma (P<0.05). 2. The ET and PIT were slightly earlier, the MTT shorter in hyperemia zone of liver parenchyma than those of none hyperemia. However, there was no significant difference of parameters of the time-intensity curve of liver parenchyma (P>0.05). 3. Even the ET and PIT wereslightly shorter, the PSI higher in liver parenchyma after VX2 treatment than those before VX2 treatment, but no significant difference between them (P>0.05). 4. The ET and PIT were earlier, the PSI higher and the AUC smaller in residual vital part of VX2 tumor than in liver parenchyma after treatment. There was significant difference of parameters between residual vital part of VX2 tumors and liver parenchyma, (P<0.05).Conclusion Real-time contrast gray-scale imaging and time-intensity curve fully delineate the typical enhancement pattern of VX2 tumors. With this technique we could detect the tiny macroscopic residual vital part of VX2 tumor after microwave treatment. However, it is difficult to detect the tiny macroscopic residual or microscopic residual vital part of VX2 tumor within the hyperemia zone.