Contrast-enhanced ultrasound identifies early extrahepatic collateral contributing to residual hepatocellular tumor viability after transarterial chemoembolization

Abstract

The mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is locoregional therapy including percutaneous ablation and transarterial chemo- and radioembolization. While monitoring for tumor response after transarterial chemoembolization is crucial, current imaging strategies are suboptimal. The standard of care is contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography imaging performed at least 4 to 6 weeks after therapy. We present a case in which contrast-enhanced ultrasound identified a specific extra-hepatic collateral from the gastroduodenal artery supplying residual viable tumor and assisting with directed transarterial management. Keywords: Transarterial chemoembolization, Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, Hepatocellular carcinoma