Correlations between the time-intensity parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Clin Imaging. 2013 Mar-Apr;37(2):308-12. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.06.002. Epub 2012 Jul 15.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to detect the correlation between the time-intensity parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A total of 73 HCC patients were analyzed with the time-intensity curve of CEUS. The expression of vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) and CD34 in different differentiation-staged HCC specimens was observed using immunohistochemistry.

Results: A positive correlation was found between the VEGF expression and microvessel density. The time-intensity parameters were not correlated with the HCC size.

Conclusions: CEUS time-intensity parameters are inducive for assessing the prognosis of HCC with revealed intratumoral microvessel perfusion in different differentiation stages.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antigens, CD34 / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / analysis

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Contrast Media
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A