Radiological findings in primary liver malignancies

The imaging findings in 134 patients with primary liver malignancy were evaluated retrospectively to determine the sensitivity and appearances of the tumour by each method. One hundred and thirty-one patients were examined by ultrasound, 77 via computed tomography, 62 via arteriography, 30 were subjected to isotope examination, and fine-needle biopsies were performed in 93 patients. 53 patients were operated on and 23 autopsied. In 59 cases a solitary tumour was found, in 69 cases multiple tumours and in 6 diffuse tumours. US gave a correct solitary/multiple/diffuse classification in 85%, CT in 88%, arteriography in 71% and scintigraphy in 71% of positive imaging results. The largest mean diameter of the tumour was 9.5 cm, range 2-25 cm. US showed a lesion that was interpreted as a tumour in 94, CT in 91, arteriography in 89 and scintigraphy in 80%, a focal lesion with false interpretation was detected in 1, 3, 5 and 0%, respectively, shares of false negative results were 5, 6, 6 and 20%. In the group of tumours of diameter less than 8 cm, US missed 5%, CT 15%, arteriography 9% and scintigraphy 22%. In tumours 8 cm or larger US missed 4%, CT 0%, arteriography 5% and scintigraphy 18%.