Hepatocellular carcinoma: MR imaging findings in cirrhotic livers and noncirrhotic livers

Radiology. 1999 Jan;210(1):75-9. doi: 10.1148/radiology.210.1.r99ja1975.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic versus noncirrhotic livers.

Materials and methods: MR images in 36 patients with HCC (30 men and she women aged 42-84 years [mean age, 65 years]) were retrospectively reviewed. The number and size of hepatic lesions were assessed. Lesion margins were categorized as well circumscribed or ill defined. The presence of a capsule, intratumoral high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images, and a stellate scar were determined.

Results: Eleven (31%) patients had MR imaging evidence of cirrhosis, and 25 (69%) did not: Lesions in cirrhotic livers differed significantly from those in noncirrhotic livers in terms of size (22 cm2 vs 99 cm2, P < .05), frequency of a solitary lesion (27% vs 72%, P < .05), and frequency of a central scar (6% vs 50%, P < .05). There was no difference between the cirrhotic and noncirrhotic livers with regard to tumor margin, intratumoral high signal intensity on T1-weighted images, or tumor capsule.

Conclusion: Differences exist in the MR imaging appearance of HCC between patients with and those without cirrhosis, although there is overlap of imaging findings.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged