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Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation: Monitoring of Ablation-Induced Macrophage Recruitment in the Periablational Rim Using SPION-Enhanced Macrophage-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Collettini F, Brangsch J, Reimann C, Chapiro J, Savic LJ, Buchholz R, Keller S, Hamm B, Goldberg SN, Makowski MR (2021)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 56

Pages Range: 591-598

Journal Issue: 9

DOI: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000000777

Abstract

Objectives Macrophages accumulating in the periablational rim play a pivotal role in initiating and sustaining the perifocal inflammatory reaction, which has been shown to be at least 1 of the mechanisms responsible for the systemic pro-oncogenic effects of focal hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Herein, we tested the hypothesis to use superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive quantification of iron-loaded macrophages in the periablational rim of VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits. Materials and Methods Twelve VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits underwent MRI immediately after and up to 3 weeks after focal hepatic RFA. For noninvasive quantification of macrophage accumulation in the periablational rim, animals were scanned before and 24 hours after SPION injection. T2∗-weighted images were analyzed and correlated with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Furthermore, correlations with quantitative measurements (ICP-MS [inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry] and LA-ICP-MS [laser ablation-ICP-MS]) were performed. Results SPION-enhanced T2∗-weighted MRI scans displayed a progressive increase in the areas of signal intensity (SI) loss within the periablational rim peaking 3 weeks after RFA. Accordingly, quantitative analysis of SI changes demonstrated a significant decline in the relative SI ratio reflecting a growing accumulation of iron-loaded macrophages in the rim. Histological analyses confirmed a progressive accumulation of iron-loaded macrophages in the periablational rim. The ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS confirmed a progressive increase of iron concentration in the periablational rim. Conclusions SPION-enhanced MRI enables noninvasive monitoring and quantification of ablation-induced macrophage recruitment in the periablational rim. Given the close interplay between ablation-induced perifocal inflammation and potential unwanted tumorigenic effects of RFA, SPION-enhanced MRI may serve as a valuable tool to guide and modulate adjuvant therapies after hepatic RFA.

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How to cite

APA:

Collettini, F., Brangsch, J., Reimann, C., Chapiro, J., Savic, L.J., Buchholz, R.,... Makowski, M.R. (2021). Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation: Monitoring of Ablation-Induced Macrophage Recruitment in the Periablational Rim Using SPION-Enhanced Macrophage-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Investigative Radiology, 56(9), 591-598. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLI.0000000000000777

MLA:

Collettini, Federico, et al. "Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation: Monitoring of Ablation-Induced Macrophage Recruitment in the Periablational Rim Using SPION-Enhanced Macrophage-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging." Investigative Radiology 56.9 (2021): 591-598.

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