Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Assessment of Early Treatment Response With DWI After CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Functioning Adrenal
Thiago F Nunes1, Denis Szejnfeld1, Jacob Szejnfeld1
11 Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800, Vila Clementino, 04024-000, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to establish the suitability of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a parameter for evaluating early treatment response after percutaneous ablation of functional adrenal adenomas.
Subjects And Methods:
Seventeen adult patients with functioning adrenal adenomas underwent radiofrequency ablation. Serum hormone levels were analyzed before and up to 6 months after ablation. MRI findings (nodule size in cm, signal intensity index, ADC maps, and nodule-to-muscle ADC ratio) were analyzed before and up to 30 days after ablation. A consensus review of all scans was performed by two attending abdominal imaging radiologists. The procedure was considered successful if serum hormone levels normalized and no contrast enhancement of the adrenal lesion was seen on follow-up MRI.
Results:
Of 17 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation, complete response was achieved in 16 patients with partial response in one patient. Of the four parameters of interest, only ADC maps and nodule-to-muscle ADC ratio showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
This prospective study suggests that apparent diffusion coefficient values may help radiologists monitor early treatment response after CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of functioning adrenal adenomas.
Insights
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can help assess early treatment response in patients with adrenal adenomas after radiofrequency ablation. This imaging biomarker shows significant differences post-ablation, aiding in monitoring effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Functional adrenal adenomas are common endocrine tumors.
- Percutaneous ablation, particularly radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a viable treatment option.
- Monitoring early treatment response is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in assessing early treatment response following RFA of functional adrenal adenomas.
- To determine if ADC parameters can serve as a reliable biomarker for treatment success.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with functioning adrenal adenomas underwent RFA.
- Serum hormone levels were monitored pre- and post-ablation (up to 6 months).
- MRI parameters, including ADC maps and nodule-to-muscle ADC ratio, were assessed pre- and post-ablation (up to 30 days).
Main Results:
- Successful treatment (normalized hormones and no contrast enhancement) was achieved in 16 out of 17 patients.
- ADC maps and the nodule-to-muscle ADC ratio demonstrated statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) post-ablation.
- Other MRI parameters evaluated did not show significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values show promise as a non-invasive imaging biomarker for early treatment response assessment after RFA of adrenal adenomas.
- ADC measurements, specifically ADC maps and nodule-to-muscle ADC ratio, can aid radiologists in monitoring the effectiveness of ablation procedures.
