Zastosowanie kolorowej ultrasonografii dopplerowskiej do oceny skuteczności brachyterapii u pacjentów z czerniakiem błony naczyniowej

Summary
Uveal melanomas, even those of big size, are recently more readily treated conservatively, with radiotherapy, though the efficiency of this treatment has not been yet estabilished.

Purpose
Of the study was the assessment of the usefulness of Color Doppler (CD) or Power Doppler (PD) examination in monitoring the effectivity of brachytherapy in the management of melanomas

Material and methods
Examination was performed in 15 patients, who were treated because of medium size or large uveal melanomas, with plaque radiation (brachytherapy). CD/PD examination of blood flow within the tumor, with the use of SonoVue contrast agent in several cases, was performed before institution of the therapy and two times after the treatment, as follow-up.

Results
Regression of the tumor and gradual atrophy of its neovascularisation was observed in all the examined patients. The enhancement of Color Doppler imaging with contrast agent helps in making decision to further therapeutic options as complex situation.