Sonographic characteristics of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

Our purpose was to determine the characteristics findings of recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on sonography. We reviewed sonographic findings of 85 recurrent tumors in 57 patients with prior partial hepatectomy for HCCs. Of 57 patients, 47 (82.5%) had localized recurrence; one or two tumors in a segment (44 patients) and a recurrent tumor near the resected hepatic stump (3 patients). Of 85 tumors, 58 (68.2%) were less than 2 cm, and 82 of 85 tumors (96.5%) were less than 4 cm. A total of 49 tumors (57.6%) were seen as hypoechoic, and 20 tumors (23.5%) as hyperechoic. Posterior echo enhancement was seen in 36 tumors (42.4%), hypoechoic halo in 24 tumors (28.2%), lateral shadow in 21 tumors (24.7%), and mosaic pattern in 6 tumors (7.1%). Recurrent HCC can be detected at an early stage by sonography. Hypoechoic pattern and posterior echo enhancement are commonly seen. These findings suggest recurrent HCCs.