Related Experiment Video For Levovist
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Published on: March 24, 2023
Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma capsule by contrast-enhanced ultrasound using Levovist: correlations with
Pabitra K Bhattacharjee1, Akiko Saito2, Michiyo Chiba1
1Department of Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
Purpose:
To determine the most appropriate therapy for each hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodule, it is important to ascertain whether the tumor has a capsule. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in HCC capsule detection by comparing ultrasound findings with histological results from operative specimens.
Methods:
Thirty-six HCC nodules (all smaller than 5 cm) from 36 patients who had undergone hepatectomy were examined by CEUS using Levovist with agent detection imaging. The vascular phase images and time course changes of HCC were observed after a bolus injection of Levovist. We classified the appearance of the tumor artery, tumor enhancement, and washout into several patterns. We grouped HCCs into encapsulated or nonencapsulated on the basis of the histology of the operative specimens, taking into account the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Ultrasound and pathological findings were compared to assess the ability of CEUS to detect HCC capsules.
Results:
During the arterial phase, 12 (80.0%) encapsulated and 3 (14.3%) nonencapsulated HCC nodules showed a surrounding artery with branches pattern (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this pattern for HCC capsule detection were 80%, 86%, and 83%, respectively. A branching artery was found in 15 (71.4%) nonencapsulated but in only 3 (20.0%) encapsulated HCC nodules (P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this branching artery pattern for confirming the absence of a capsule in HCC nodules were 71%, 80%, and 75%, respectively. Almost all HCC nodules showed strong-moderate or weak enhancement and strong-moderate or mild washout. Neither enhancement nor washout pattern correlated with the presence of a capsule.
Conclusion:
The arterial phase of CEUS is very useful for detection of HCC capsules and therefore facilitates selection of the most appropriate treatment method for HCC.
More Related Videos
06:20Contrast-Enhanced Subharmonic Aided Pressure Estimation SHAPE Using Ultrasound Imaging with a Focus on Identifying Portal Hypertension
Published on: December 5, 2020
09:49Dual-phase Cone-beam Computed Tomography to See, Reach, and Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Drug-eluting Beads Transarterial Chemo-embolization
Published on: December 2, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:28Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
01:27Liver Histology
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
01:21Hepatic Portal System
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...