Features of extrahepatic metastasis after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Jae Hyun Yoon, Young Jin Goo, Chae-Jun Lim, Sung Kyu Choi, Sung B Cho, Sang Soo Shin, Chung Hwan Jun
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic metastasis (EHM) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with poor outcomes. However, the clinical features and risk factors of EHM of HCC after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) remain unclear. AIM: To elucidate the characteristics and risk factors of EHM after RFA for HCC. METHODS: logistic regression, as appropriate. RESULTS: abdominal CT/MRI in 33 (75.0%) and 38 of 44 patients (86.4%) with EHM had either positive abdominal CT scan results or serum AFP level elevation. In multivariate analysis, recurrence-free survival < 2 years, ablation zone/tumor size < 2, and alpha-fetoprotein level > 400 IU/mL were associated with a high EHM risk. CONCLUSION: EHM occurs following multiple intrahepatic recurrences after RFA and combined contrast-enhanced abdominal CT and serum AFP were useful for surveillance. Patients especially with high-risk factors require close follow-up for EHM.