CT findings in hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation of tumor characteristics with causative factors, tumor size, and histologic tumor grade.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine computed tomographic (CT) findings of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a predominantly non-Asian population and to assess any morphologic differences with respect to causative factors, tumor size, and histologic grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical history, pathology reports, histologic specimens, and CT findings in 100 patients with HCC were reviewed. All patients underwent contrast material-enhanced incremental dynamic CT. Findings were agreed on by consensus. RESULTS: The mosaic pattern was seen in 46% of cases, venous invasion in 33%, and tumor encapsulation in 31%; frequencies were similar to those reported with Asian patients. A mosaic pattern was more common in patients with larger tumors (P = .036). Venous invasion was more common in patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis (P = .003) and in those with higher grade tumors (P = .043). Tumor encapsulation was more common in patients with lower grade tumors (P = .012). CONCLUSION: Reported morphologic differences between non-Asian and Asian patients with HCC may be due to differences in underlying liver disease, tumor size, and histologic grade.