Usefulness of dynamic CT in the evaluation of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy for liver cancer

This paper is concerned with effects of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) and evaluation of PMCT by dynamic computed tomography (CT). Between January 1996 and March 1998, 23 patients with liver cancer were selected for this study. In 5 patients in the series, the extent of heating with irradiation at 60 Watts for 60 seconds was measured. In remaining 18 patients, PMCT was repeated till the hyperechogenic areas extended the whole target area on ultrasonography (US). Dynamic CT obtained one week after PMCT was compared with histological findings of the resected specimen that had been obtained 8 days after PMCT. The temperature rose over 60degC within 7.5 mm-area from the electrode. Each area coagulated by PMCT was shown as low density one both in early and delayed phase of dynamic CT. Accurate diagnoses whether undestroyed cancerous tissue was left or not were obtained by dynamic CT in 6 of 8 patients whose tumor was incompletely destroyed, and in all of 10 patients whose tumor was completely destroyed after PMCT. PMCT as a local treatment for liver cancer was considered to be a highly effective technique, because a certain area around punctured electrode fell into necrosis without exception. And dynamic CT was revealed to be a useful method for the patients with liver cancer to evaluate the effect of PMCT. (author)