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The pseudocapsule in hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation between dynamic MR imaging and pathology
L Grazioli1, L Olivetti, C Fugazzola
1Department of Radiology, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, I-25100 Brescia, Italy.
European Radiology
|February 5, 1999
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging accurately detects the pseudocapsule in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Enhanced pseudocapsule visualization correlates with tumor vascularity, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) possesses a pseudocapsule, a fibrous layer.
- This pseudocapsule exhibits specific signal characteristics on non-contrast MRI.
- Tumor vascularity influences pseudocapsule enhancement after contrast administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in detecting HCC pseudocapsules.
- To correlate MRI findings of pseudocapsule enhancement with histological vascularity.
- To assess the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in HCC characterization.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven HCC nodules in 33 patients were examined using 1.5-T MRI.
- MRI sequences included T1/T2-weighted SE and GE, with and without Gd-DTPA contrast.
- Histological examination utilized H&E, trichrome, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods.
Main Results:
- The pseudocapsule was histologically present in 70% (26/37) of HCC nodules.
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI detected the pseudocapsule in 80.7% (21/26) of cases.
- Early pseudocapsule enhancement on MRI correlated with increased vascularity on histology.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a reliable tool for demonstrating the HCC pseudocapsule.
- Pseudocapsule enhancement patterns on dynamic MRI correlate well with histological vascularity.
- These findings support MRI's role in characterizing HCC and its surrounding structures.