Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): an excellent tool in the follow-up of small renal masses treated with cryoablation

Curr Urol Rep. 2015 Jan;16(1):469. doi: 10.1007/s11934-014-0469-3.

Abstract

Strict imaging follow-up is mandatory after cryoablation of small renal masses (SRMs). Although it uses ionizing radiation and nephrotoxic iodinated contrast, computed tomography (CT) is still the gold standard test. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a novel technique that informs in real time about renal perfusion avoiding radiation and nephrotoxicity. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes between CEUS and CT in the follow-up of SRMs treated with cryoablation, as well as to assess degree of agreement between them. This is a prospective observational study (May 2012 to December 2013) comparing CEUS and CT in 16 patients with SRMs cryoablated. The on-going protocol of the study includes a CT and CEUS 3 months after treatment and then every 6 months during 5 years. Local relapse was defined as the presence of contrast enhancement in the mass. All the CEUS were performed by a single experienced observer (E.S.). Degree of agreement was measured with kappa index. CEUS detected contrast enhancement in three patients (3/16, 18.8%) and CT in two patients (2/16, 12.5%). Degree of agreement between CEUS and CT, according to Landis-Koch classification, was 0.76 (CI 0.33-1.19; p = 0.0165), which is excellent and higher than expected by random. Sensitivity of the test is 93.75% (15/16). Median time of follow-up after cryoablation is 22 months (15.5-36.5). CEUS has an excellent agreement with CT and a high sensitivity in the follow-up of SRMs treated with cryosurgery, demonstrating its usefulness. Due to these encouraging results, it could become a reference test in the near future for monitoring SRMs after ablative treatment.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Contrast Media
  • Cryosurgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney / surgery
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media