Ultrasound Computed Tomography Image Fusion- Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Difficult Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Ultrasound is a widely used tool for screening and treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to prolong patient survival, particularly for those who are unable to undergo surgery. Although ultrasound is less expensive and highly accessible, the use of ultrasound alone is sometimes limited in terms of detecting tumors with isoechogenicity, thus hampering further ultrasound-guided therapy. Here, we report a 64-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. A 1-cm HCC was detected during an abdominal computed tomography assessment. Two attempts at ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation failed to target the lesion because of the inaccurate localization of the lesion using ultrasound alone. After the introduction of an ultrasound image fusion system in the hospital, the third attempt at radiofrequency ablation of the tumor was successful. Therefore, this case study suggests the use of an ultrasound image fusion system to improve treatment outcomes in complicated HCC cases.