A Metastatic Adrenal Tumor from a Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Combination Therapy with Transarterial Chemoembolization and Radiofrequency Ablation.
10.3348/jkrs.2007.57.1.71
- Author:
Hyun Jin LIM
1
;
Yun Ku CHO
;
Yong Sik AHN
;
Mi Young KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Seoul Veterans Hospital, Korea. yunkucho2004@yahoo.co.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Adrenal gland, neoplasms;
Radiofrequency (RF), ablation
- MeSH:
Adrenal Glands;
Adrenalectomy;
Aged;
alpha-Fetoproteins;
Biopsy;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*;
Catheter Ablation*;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hot Temperature;
Humans;
Neoplasm Metastasis;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2007;57(1):71-75
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The adrenal gland is the second most common site of metastasis from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for these tumors has been reported to be a potentially effective alternative to an adrenalectomy, especially for inoperable patients. However, for intermediate or large adrenal tumors, combination therapy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and RFA can be attempted as it may reduce the heat sink effect. A 74-year-old patient presented with abdominal discomfort. Abdominal CT images revealed a 5.0 cm sized right adrenal mass. A percutaneous biopsy of the adrenal mass revealed a metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. TACE was performed on the adrenal mass. However, a one-month follow-up CT image revealed a residual viable tumor. RFA was performed for the adrenal tumor six weeks after the TACE. No procedure-related major complications were noted. The serum alpha-fetoprotein level had also been normalized after the treatment, and 10-month follow-up CT images showed no definite evidence of viable adrenal tumor.