Helical CT findings in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with percutaneous ablation procedures.

Nonsurgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is used worldwide as a result of the early detection and slow growth of this tumor in patients with chronic liver disease. Multiple-phase helical computed tomography is a commonly used method for evaluating the main features related to percutaneous ablation procedures: nodular changes, tumor necrosis, parenchymal changes, complications, and tumor recurrence. Knowledge of all features recognizable after local ablation therapy is mandatory to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and to optimally assess treatment response.