Dual energy computed tomography for detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Regional lymph node metastasis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not uncommon, and is often under- or misdiagnosed. Regional lymph node metastasis is associated with a negative prognosis in patients with HCC, and surgical resection of lymph node metastasis is considered feasible and efficacious in improving the survival and prognosis. It is critical to characterize lymph node preoperatively. There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal method for the assessment of regional lymph nodes in patients with HCC. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of single source dual energy computed tomography (CT) in regional lymph node assessment for HCC patients. METHODS: ) of each group in the arterial phase (AP), portal phase (PP), and delayed phase (DP) were analyzed. RESULTS: < 0.05). CONCLUSION: values in the PP is superior to using any single parameter alone. Active hepatitis does not deteriorate the capabilities for characterization of metastatic lymph nodes.