Spectral computed tomography parameters for predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern in...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) is a poor prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Predictive markers for VETC are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Spectral computed tomography (CT) may offer valuable preoperative insights into VETC patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the predictive capability of multiparameter spectral CT for identifying the VETC pattern in HCC.
• To correlate spectral CT parameters with VETC status and patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 50 HCC patients with spectral CT and CD34 staining.
• Qualitative and quantitative spectral CT parameters were analyzed.
• Multivariate logistic regression and ROC analysis identified independent predictors and diagnostic performance.

Main Results:

• Intratumor arterial phase hypovascular component (IAPHC) and equilibrium phase iodine concentration (EP IC) were significant VETC predictors.
• A combined model of IAPHC and EP IC showed superior diagnostic performance (AUC=0.810).
• VETC(+) patients had significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Conclusions:

• IAPHC and EP IC from spectral CT are promising predictors of VETC in HCC.
• A combined spectral CT model enhances diagnostic accuracy for VETC.
• Preoperative VETC prediction can aid in risk stratification and patient management.