Microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: is it predictable with quantitative computed tomography...

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary imaging
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer.
• Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a key prognostic factor in HCC.
• Accurate preoperative prediction of MVI is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of quantitative computed tomography (CT) parameters for microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 200 HCC cases from 125 patients.
• Quantitative CT measurements of lesions and liver parenchyma across different phases (unenhanced, arterial, portal venous, equilibrium).
• Logistic regression analysis to assess CT parameters as predictors of MVI compared to histopathology.

Main Results:

• 38.5% of HCCs exhibited MVI on histopathological analysis.
• No significant statistical difference in percentage attenuation ratios or relative washout ratios between HCCs with and without MVI.
• Quantitative dynamic CT parameters did not correlate with MVI status.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative quantitative dynamic CT parameters are not reliable predictors of MVI in HCC.
• Further research may be needed to identify reliable imaging biomarkers for MVI prediction in HCC.