Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Scan (CEUS) and MRI in the follow-up of cryoablation for small renal tumors. Experience on 25 cases

IntroductionPercutaneous ablation in the kidney is now performed as a standard therapeutic nephron-sparing option in patients who are poor candidates for resection. Its increasing use has been largely prompted by the rising incidental detection of renal cell carcinomas with cross-sectional imaging and the need to preserve renal function in patients with comorbid conditions, multiple renal cell carcinomas, and/or heritable renal cancer syndromes. To date, clinical studies indicate that cryoablation is an effective therapy with acceptable short- to intermediate-term outcomes and with a low risk in the appropriate setting.This article focuses on the efficiency of contrast enhanced ultrasound scan (CEUS) as compared to contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the follow-up after cryoablation of small renal tumors.Material and MethodsIn our Department, percutaneous or laparoscopic assisted cryoablation is offered in the treatment of small renal masses.Between January 2009 and January 2013, 25 ...