Radiofrequency ablation of liver malignancies: MRI for evaluation of response

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and detect residual or recurrent tumor. After RFA, the target lesion shows a hyperintensive signal without increased T1-weighted, low on T2-weighted, non enhancing in gadolinium-enhanced MRI. In the long term follow-up the successfully treated lesions decrease in size. Signs of recurrence include new enhancement areas, the lesion's size increase, and development of T1-weighted hypointense and T2 weighted hyperintense areas. The MRI is a reliable method to evaluate the effectiveness of RFA and detect residual tumor.