PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of radiofrequency ablation treatment failure for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) next to large vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2000 and October 2002, from a total of 83 patients treated by radiofrequency ablation for HCC in a single center, 13 patients with tumor<or=3.5 cm contacting a vessel >or=3 mm in diameter (Group A) were matched with 13 patients with similar size tumors located away from large vessels (Group B). Immediate response and recurrence rate were evaluated on CT. RESULTS: After mean follow-up interval of 39+/-16.5 months for Group A and 39+/-14 months for Group B, local recurrence rates were 7/12 versus 1/12 respectively (p=0.03). For Group A, 6/7 local recurrences clearly contacted a large vessel. CONCLUSION: The cooling effect from flowing blood in large vessels markedly increases the rate of local failure of radiofrequency ablation for small HCC located near large vessels.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of radiofrequency ablation treatment failure for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) next to large vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2000 and October 2002, from a total of 83 patients treated by radiofrequency ablation for HCC in a single center, 13 patients with tumor<or=3.5 cm contacting a vessel >or=3 mm in diameter (Group A) were matched with 13 patients with similar size tumors located away from large vessels (Group B). Immediate response and recurrence rate were evaluated on CT. RESULTS: After mean follow-up interval of 39+/-16.5 months for Group A and 39+/-14 months for Group B, local recurrence rates were 7/12 versus 1/12 respectively (p=0.03). For Group A, 6/7 local recurrences clearly contacted a large vessel. CONCLUSION: The cooling effect from flowing blood in large vessels markedly increases the rate of local failure of radiofrequency ablation for small HCC located near large vessels.