Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography Features for Diagnosing Pseudoprogression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immunotherapy: A Case Report of the Response after Pseudoprogression

Intern Med. 2024 Apr 15;63(8):1093-1097. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2349-23. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Abstract

A male patient in his 70s with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo+Bev) therapy. Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed tumor growth along with an increase in tumor markers, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) showed multiple round avascular areas within the nodules with an appearance similar to a slice of Swiss cheese. Continuation of immunotherapy with consideration of the potential for pseudoprogression produced a dramatic response. Although it is difficult to distinguish between true progression and pseudoprogression, the Swiss cheese-like appearance on CEUS may be important for the early diagnosis of pseudoprogression.

Keywords: contrast-enhanced ultrasonography; hepatocellular carcinoma; immunotherapy; pseudoprogression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / therapy
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media