Calogero Cicero, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Antonio Celia, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrea Casarin, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giulio Barbiero, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Guarise, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gugliemo Breda, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the ability of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in monitoring laparoscopy cryoablation treatment in comparison with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the result of the procedure.

From January 2009 to January 2011, 21 patients (mean age was 65 year, range 56-78) affected by solid renal masses (22 tumors) were prospectively enrolled in the study (15 male, 6 female). All patients underwent biopsy who showed RCC in all case. CEUS and MRI pre- and post- laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation was performed every 3 months. In 20/21 patients (21/22 tumors) both CEUS and MRI showed no enhancement. In 1/21 patient (1/22 tumor) showed a recurrence well visible in the perfusion study.

CEUS and MRI were concordant in all patients. In our experience the CEUS technique for the follow-up of renal cryoablation shows early evidence of a therapeutic effect by demonstrating changes in perfusion curves. CEUS could be an alternative technique to standard CT and MRI, with some advantages: low cost and short time consuming procedure, no radiation exposure, reduced amount of contrast agent (1-2 ml) and rare adverse reactions.

Cicero, C, Celia, A, Casarin, A, Barbiero, G, Guarise, A, Breda, G, Comparison of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and MRI in the Follow-up of Renal Tumor's Cryoablation.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11014555.html