Liver Cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide,with various treatment options available. Among these, ablation therapy holds a significant role in liver cancer treatment due to its minimally invasive nature and lower complication rate. This article reviews the indications and contraindications of liver cancer ablation,the basic principles of different ablation techniques,and their advantages and limitations in clinical applications for liver cancer. Each ablation technique possesses unique characteristics regarding therapeutic efficacy,application scope,and complication profiles,necessitating the selection of the most appropriate approach tailored to the patient′s specific condition and tumor attributes. Furthermore,this article also discusses the potential role of ablation therapy in multidisciplinary treatment,highlighting its synergistic application with liver transplantation,interventional therapy,and immunotargeted therapy to significantly improve outcomes for unresectable liver cancer. Specifically,ablation therapy can induce an anti-tumor immune response by locally destroying the tumor,offering a potential application prospect for combining ablation with immunotherapy. Looking forward,with advances in nanotechnology,artificial intelligence,and image-guided techniques,ablation therapy is expected to progress towards higher precision,personalization,and safety,offering optimized treatment options for liver cancer patients.

Liver Cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide,with various treatment options available. Among these, ablation therapy holds a significant role in liver cancer treatment due to its minimally invasive nature and lower complication rate. This article reviews the indications and contraindications of liver cancer ablation,the basic principles of different ablation techniques,and their advantages and limitations in clinical applications for liver cancer. Each ablation technique possesses unique characteristics regarding therapeutic efficacy,application scope,and complication profiles,necessitating the selection of the most appropriate approach tailored to the patient′s specific condition and tumor attributes. Furthermore,this article also discusses the potential role of ablation therapy in multidisciplinary treatment,highlighting its synergistic application with liver transplantation,interventional therapy,and immunotargeted therapy to significantly improve outcomes for unresectable liver cancer. Specifically,ablation therapy can induce an anti-tumor immune response by locally destroying the tumor,offering a potential application prospect for combining ablation with immunotherapy. Looking forward,with advances in nanotechnology,artificial intelligence,and image-guided techniques,ablation therapy is expected to progress towards higher precision,personalization,and safety,offering optimized treatment options for liver cancer patients.

Objective:To analyze the gray-scale ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) to construct a clinical and ultrasound-based model, and to investigate the relationship between this model and serum intact parathyroid hormone(iPTH) level in order to find proper indicators for evaluation of the severity of SHPT.Methods:From February 2016 to March 2021, a total of 59 SHPT patients with 181 parathyroid glands (PTGs) admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were enrolled. Gray-scale ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed in every participant. Patients were divided into low-iPTH group ( iPTH<800 ng/L) and high-iPTH group (iPTH≥800 ng/L) according to the serum iPTH level. The characteristics of gray-scale ultrasonic imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonic imaging were analyzed by 2 sonographers.Biochemical parameters were collected and combined with ultrasonic characteristics to construct the clinical and ultrasound-based model. The relationship between the model and serum iPTH level was analyzed by multivariate linear regression (stepwise). Independent influencing factors on serum iPTH level was investigated in SHPT patients without iPTH-reducing drugs using history.Results:There were 19 patients in low-iPTH group and 40 patients in high-iPTH group.Serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum creatinine, PTG number, total PTG volume, blood scores, calcification and cysts scores, CEUS scores (washing-in phase and washing-out phase) were significantly different between two groups(all P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression (stepwise) showed that serum phosphorus, total PTG volume and blood scores were independently related with serum iPTH level (standardized β coefficient were 0.387, 0.254 and 0.242 respectively; all P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum phosphorus, total PTG volume and blood scores are independent influencing factors on serum iPTH level. Ultrasonography combined with clinical parameters can help evaluate the severity of SHPT more accurately.

Objective:To qualitatively analyze the elasticity characteristics of boundaries and surrounding liver tissue of focal liver lesions (FLL) by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE), and to analyze the relating influencing factors.Methods:One hundred and fifty-two patients with FLLs (152 lesions) from February 2012 to October 2013 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were collected. SWE of FLLs and the surrounding liver tissue was performed and baseline clinical data were collected. The elastic boundary (clear or not clear) of FLLs and elasticity distributions of surrounding liver tissue and their influencing factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 26 benign lesions and 126 malignant lesions were included in this study. Twenty-five cases (96.2%) of benign lesions showed clear elastic boundaries and 1 case (3.8%) showed unclear elastic boundary while 82 cases (65.1%) of malignant lesions showed clear elastic boundaries and 44 cases (34.9%) showed unclear elastic boundaries. Multivariate analysis showed benign/malignant lesion was an independent influencing factor for elastic boundary ( P<0.05). Twenty cases (76.9%), 6 cases (23.1%) and 0 case of liver tissue around benign lesions showed type A, B and C elastic distribution respectively while 17 cases (13.5%), 60 cases (47.6%), and 49 cases (38.9%) of liver tissue around malignant lesions showed type A, B, and C elastic distribution. There were statistically significant differences of benign and malignant lesions, different viral hepatitis backgrounds, different gender, and different ALB, TBIL, ALT levels in elasticity distributions of surrounding liver tissue of FLLs among type A, B and C (all P<0.05) while there was no significant difference in different lesion size( P=0.036). Conclusions:The elasticity characteristics of boundaries and surrounding liver tissue of FLLs on SWE images can provide a reference for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant FLLs. The elastic characteristics of surrounding liver tissue of FLLs are influenced by the nature of lesions and the background of liver disease, but are not influenced by lesion size. Further quantitative studies of elasticity characteristics of boundaries and surrounding liver tissue are needed for the differential diagnosis of different types of FLLs.

Objective:To establish a model based on two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:One hundred and one consecutive patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy from August 2018 to July 2019 were enrolled prospectively in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. Laboratory tests, shear wave elastography in liver parenchyma, and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed preoperatively. Liver functional reserve, liver stiffness (LS), and tumor-related imaging parameters were assessed. PHLF was defined according to the definition of International Study Group of Liver Surgery Recommendations (ISGLS). A predictive model was developed by logistic regression analysis and the performance thereof was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Hosmer-Lemeshow test.Results:PHLF occurred in 39 patients (38.9%). Logistic regression analysis identified that international normalized ratio ( OR=1.09, P=0.026), LS( OR=1.297, P=0.004) and the largest nodule diameter( OR=1.191, P=0.015) were independent risk factors of PHLF.The area under curve (AUC) of the model was 0.842(95% CI =0.763-0.921), which was significantly higher than those of ALBI score, MELD score and Child-Pugh score (AUC 0.626-0.688, P<0.05). The model also showed good calibration in Hosmer-Lemeshow test ( P=0.498). Conclusions:A model based on 2D-SWE provides good preoperative prediction of PHLF among patients with HCC, which might have the potential in better customizing treatment strategy in those patients.

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for the maximum diameter ≤2 cm metastatic liver cancer (MLC). Methods: Sixty-nine pathologically diagnosed MLC patients (maximum diameter ≤2 cm) were retrospectively recruited. The lesion detection rate, diagnostic confidence and enhancement pattern of CEUS and CECT for MLC were analyzed. Diagnostic value of CEUS and CECT for MLC were evaluated and compared by using diagnostic test. Results: The cases of 0, 1, 2, multiple lesions detected by CEUS and CECT in these 69 patients with ≤2 cm MLC were 0 case (0%), 41 cases(59.42%), 13 cases(18.84%), 15 cases(21.74%) and 9 cases(13.04%), 29 cases(42.03%), 13 cases(18.84%), 18 cases(26.09%), respectively. The positive cases detected by CEUS and CECT were 69 cases(100%) and 60 cases(86.96%) respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.006). However, for the detection rate of non-single-lesion cases, there was no statistical difference between CEUS and CECT (P=0.409). The cases showed typical manifestation in CEUS and CECT were 56 cases(81.16%)and 29 cases(42.03%)(P<0.001). The cases with diagnostic confidence level of 3, 4, 5 in CEUS were 3 cases(0.04%), 11 cases(15.94%), 55 cases(79.71%), and those of CECT were 19 cases(27.54%), 20 cases(28.99%), 20 cases(28.99%), respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of CEUS and CECT for ≤2 cm MLC were 100% (69/69) and 85.51% (59/69), with statistically significant difference(P=0.001). Conclusions The lesion detection rate and diagnostic value of CEUS for the maximum diameter ≤2 cm MLC might be superior to that of CECT, but the detection rate shows no significant difference in the non-single-lesion cases. CEUS has important clinical value in the diagnosis of ≤2 cm MLC.

Objective To investigate the influencing factors of quality in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) perfusion analysis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the reproducibility of using CEUS perfusion analysis on HCC.Methods A total of 136 HCC lesions were undergone CEUS perfusion analysis.Maximum intensity (Imax),rise time (RT),time to peak (TTP),mean transit time (mTF) and quality of fit (QOF) of HCC lesion,top-enhanced region inside HCC lesion and adjacent liver parenchyma were measured.The quality of perfusion analysis was classified into three grades " Good" (QOF ＞ 75％),"Common" [QOF (50％-75％)],and " Poor" (QOF ＜ 75％).Ultrasound machine,patients' age,tumor depth,tumor size and tumor location were recorded and compared among the three groups.20 consecutive patients with 20 HCC lesions were received CEUS perfusion analysis by two operators and another 20 consecutive HCC lesions were received CEUS perfusion analysis by one operator at different time.Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reproducibility of inter-and intra-observer.Results Fifty-six HCC lesions were classified as " Good",39 as " Common" and 39 as " Poor",respectively.Tumor size (P =0.015) and tumor location (P =0.041) were significantly different among the three groups.Tumor size ＞ 3.0 cm and tumor located in S3,S4b,S5,S6 were apt to gain a better QOF.No significant difference was found for the different ultrasound machine,tumor depth and patients' age.For all CEUS perfusion analysis parameters of both lesion and adjacent parenchyma,intra-class correlation coefficient of inter-and intra-observer were higher than 0.90,the reproducibility of CEUS perfusion analysis was good.For Imax,RT and TTP in top-enhanced region inside HCC lesion,ICC of inter-and intra-observer was all higher than 0.90 (good).For mITT in highest enhanced area inside HCC lesion,ICC of inter-and intra-observer were 0.459 (poor),0.609 (common),respectively.Conclusions The parameters of HCC quantitative perfusion analysis were reproducible in peripheral liver parenchyma and tumor,but the mTT repeatability was poor in the highest enhancement area of the tumor.The size and location of the lesion were the factors affecting quantitative analysis.The quantitative analysis of ＞ 3.0 cm and the tumor located in S3,S4b,S5,S6 in the liver were satisfactory.

Objective To analyze the features of hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm ( HNEN ) with conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography (CEUS) ,and to evaluate the value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of HNEN by ultrasound . Methods Fifty patients of HNEN confirmed pathologically or clinically were enrolled . All patients underwent conventional ultrasound and CEUS . Among the patients ,5 cases were primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm ( PHNEN) ,and 45 cases were metastatic hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm ( MHNEN) . Conventional ultrasound and CEUS features of HNEN were analyzed and the distinctions between PHNEN and MHNEN were compared . Results Baseline ultrasound showed that 37 (74％ ) HNEN were multiple lesions located in liver ,23 ( 46％ ) lesions with hyperechoic appearance ,35 ( 70％ ) lesions with homogeneous echoic ,28 ( 56％ ) lesions were clearly marginated ,8 (16％ ) lesions were surrounded by acoustic halo ,and 12 ( 24％ ) lesions with posterior echo attenuation . CEUS showed that the majority of HNEN exhibited the enhanced pattern of rapid wash-in and wash-out" . Forty-six ( 92％ ) lesions showed hyper-enhancement in the arterial phase ,44 ( 88％ ) lesions showed iso-enhancement in the portal phase ,and 47 ( 94％ ) lesions showed hypo-enhancement in the late phase .Feeding vessels were observed in 31 ( 62％ ) lesions ,intralesional non-enhancement zone was observed in 17(34％ ) lesions ,and capsule enhancement in the delay phase was found in 10( 20％ ) lesions . MHNEN had smaller diameter [ ( 3 .92 ± 2 .77) cm vs (12 .82 ± 8 .85) cm , P = 0 .004] and less likely to present cystic structure intralesional than PHNEN ( 1/45 vs 2/5 , P < 0 .001 ) . The differences of other baseline ultrasonographic characteristics ,enhanced characteristics and enhanced time on CEUS between PHNEN and MHNEN were not statistically significant ( all P > 0 .05) . Conclusions HNEN has a certain characteristic that can be identified on ultrasonography . Ultrasound can provide some valuable information to diagnose HNEN . While it′s difficult to differentiate PHNEN and MHNEN owing to their similar ultrasonographic characteristics .

Objective To evaluate the effect of artificial ascites under ultrasonic guidance in the thermal ablation of liver or kidney tumors ,so as to provide basis for successfully creating artificial ascites , increasing the complete ablation rate of the tumors and reducing the damage of important organs . Methods Seven hundred and thirty-six patients with artificial ascites were performed under ultrasonic guidance during the thermal ablation of liver or kidney tumors and six hundred and seventy-nine patients were successfully performed . The success rate of creating artificial ascites at different sites ,time requirement ,the effect of ascites , puncture times were analyzed , while curative effect and complications were evaluated and summarized . Results The success rate of creating artificial ascites was 92 .3％ ;the average time of creating artificial ascites was( 9 .1 ± 1 .3) minutes ;the average puncture times was( 1 .1 ± 0 .2) times ;complete ablation was 98 .7％ ;the complication of ascites creation was 0 .44％ ,minor complications after ablation was 6 .20％ , severe complications was 0 .59％ . The required fluid volume and success rates for the creation of artificial ascites in different sites were different . The volume of fluid needed was relatively high in the liver-gastric space ,and the success rate was relatively low ;the success rate of liver septum and liver -kidney crypts was the highest . Heat injury complications of the important organs such as gastrointestinal tract ,esophagus , diaphragm near the liver or kidney tumors were 0 . Conclusions The establishment of artificial ascites improves the local curative effect and reduces the complication of tumors ablation in difficult locations . The methods and effect of artificial ascites in different parts of liver or kidney are different .

Objective To retrospectively compare the safety and local efficacy of multiple-electrode switching based radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the conventional RFA in treating single early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods A total of 82 patients with single early-stage HCC received either RFA with a multiple-electrode switching system (n =43) or conventional RFA (n =39) as the first-line treatment.The rate of initial local complete response,major complications and local tumor progression (LTP) were compared between two groups.Results The total ablation time was significantly shorter in the switching-RFA group [(16.7 ± 3.4) mins] than in the conventional RFA group [(29.8 ± 10.4) mins] (P ＜ 0.05).The rate of initial local complete response was 100％ (43/43) in the switching-RFA group and 94.9％ (37/39) in the conventional RFA group (P ＞0.05).After a mean follow-up period of (26.4 ± 21.8)months (ranging 3.0-91.6 months),the rates of LTP in the switching-RFA group and conventional RFA group were 16.3％ (7/43) and 17.9％ (7/39),respectively.The LTP rates in two groups were 16.1％ versus 11.2％ atyear1,and20.5％ versus 20.6％ at year2 (P=0.666).Conclusions The multiple-electrode switching based RFA is safe and effective with shorter ablation time in treating single early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.