Hounsfield Unit on Preoperative Computed Tomography as an Indicator of Prognosis in Patients with Liposarcoma

Ryo Andy Ogasawara ¹, Shugo Yajima ¹, Naoki Imasato ¹

⁰Department of Urology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan.

Urology Research & Practice +

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November 5, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Preoperative computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units (HU) ≥ 20 predict poor prognosis in liposarcoma (LPS) patients. This finding may help predict recurrence-free and overall survival before surgery.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Radiology
Surgical Pathology

Background

Liposarcoma (LPS) is a soft tissue sarcoma with diverse subtypes.
Some LPS subtypes exhibit high recurrence rates, necessitating preoperative risk assessment.
Accurate prognostication aids in surgical planning and patient management.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the correlation between preoperative computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units (HU) and liposarcoma (LPS) patient prognosis.
To determine if CT-derived HU values can predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Main Methods

Retrospective analysis of 32 LPS patients who underwent surgery (2014-2022).
Measurement of HU values from preoperative plain CT scans.
Statistical analysis to determine optimal HU cut-off and assess associations with clinical variables.
Kaplan-Meier analysis for RFS and OS based on HU categories.

Main Results

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma showed significantly higher HU values than other subtypes (P < .001).
Optimal HU cut-off was 20; HU < 20 correlated with favorable clinical factors.
Patients with HU ≥ 20 had significantly shorter RFS (P = .007) and OS (P = .04) compared to those with HU < 20.

Conclusions

Preoperative CT-derived HU values, particularly ≥ 20, are associated with poor prognosis in liposarcoma.
HU measurements may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for predicting LPS patient outcomes.
Further research could refine HU's role in personalized treatment strategies.

Keywords:

Computed tomography dedifferentiated liposarcoma prognosis well-differentiated liposarcoma x-ray