The authors fused dynamic CEUS and static contrast-enhanced CT for better evaluation of tumor microvascularization before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), according to Dr. Ernst Jung. The group looked at 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma 24 hours after TACE using dynamic ultrasound after injection of 2.4 mL of ultrasound contrast agent.
Fusion was successful in all 40 patients. Fused CEUS and CT showed residual vascularity in 24 patients that was confirmed with CT six to eight weeks later, the group reported. In 16 patients, image fusion with CEUS showed successful treatment response, but CT follow-up revealed viable tumor in six patients.
Still, CT showed no cases of treatment failure. Image fusion permitted rapid assessment of treatment efficacy with specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 80%. Image fusion boosted specificity of post-treatment response without additional radiation.
