Semiquantitative characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)--perfusion with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and perfusion analysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

At the moment, there is only poor specificity of HCC-detection in tumors smaller than 2 cm in a cirrhotic liver. Thus, efforts have to be made to optimize the distinction between regenerative nodules and HCC.

AIMS:

The aim of our study was to describe the particular perfusion pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma using a specific quantification software.

METHODS:

We evaluated 25 patients with proven hepatocellular carcinoma, who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using a second generation contrast agent (SonoVue, Bracco, Germany). Retrospectively, we applied the quantification software Qontrast (Bracco, Milan, Italy) to obtain contrast-enhanced sonographic perfusion maps for each lesion.

RESULTS:

We found a close positive correlation of the perfusion parameters peak, time-to-peak and regional blood volume between the entire tumors, the center (center/total) and the periphery of the tumors (periphery/total), respectively. Moreover, we found significant higher peak values, a significant higher regional blood volume and a trend to lower time-to-peak in the center of the tumors compared to the tumor periphery.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest a better established vascular bed in the center of the tumors. This could be a sonographic marker of HCC in contrast to regenerative nodules.

• Authors: D Schacherer, C Girlich, R Wiest, R Büttner, J Schölmerich, S Feuerbach, N Zorger, O W Hamer, E M Jung
• Journal: Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation (Clin Hemorheol Microcirc) Vol. 44 Issue 2 Pg. 97-105 ( 2010) ISSN: 1875-8622 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 20203364 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Phospholipids
• alpha-Fetoproteins
• contrast agent BR1
• Sulfur Hexafluoride

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, metabolism, pathology)
• Contrast Media (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis (etiology, pathology)
• Liver Neoplasms (blood supply, diagnostic imaging, metabolism, pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Perfusion (methods)
• Phospholipids (administration & dosage)
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (administration & dosage)
• Ultrasonography
• alpha-Fetoproteins (metabolism)