Duplex Doppler ultrasound in carcinoid metastases

In a prospective study, the role of duplex Doppler ultrasound in monitoring interferon treatment-related changes in carcinoid metastases was evaluated. The Doppler findings from the tumours were correlated to the clinical and laboratory status of the patients to test the hypothesis that successful treatment results in increased vascular resistance. The patients were divided into 4 groups: untreated (n = 10), progressive disease (n = 17), stable disease (n = 20) and objective response (n = 18). In 7 cases Doppler evaluation was made before and after treatment. No significant difference in Doppler values were found between the groups, and at present duplex Doppler ultrasound does not seem to play a role in the evaluation of tumour therapy in carcinoid patients.