[Echographic survey of hepatic metastases]

In a study covering 105 patients with hepatic metastases, all of whom underwent at least two echographies, the authors were able to make comparisons with the previous examination in 220 cases. Comparisons dealt with modifications in the echographic aspect (observed in 72 cases among the 220 comparisons), modification in volume and modifications in the number of metastases. In most cases, modification of the echostructure corresponded to a volumetric change. Three evolutionary parameters should be considered: the number of metastases, if there are no more than five; the diameter of the largest liver metastasis, unless it is over 7 cm, in which case it is also advisable to retain two other metastases of 5 cm or less: the size of the liver (left liver measured on the median line and right liver along the right mamillary line). This last parameter appears to be the only valid one when dealing with diffuse metastatic forms.