Angiographic demonstration of growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic vein and inferior vena cava.

A total of 141 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were examined by selective celiac and hepatic arteriography. In 7 the so-called "thread and streaks" sign or its equivalent was observed along the vertebral column at the level of the diaphragm where the hepatic veins enter the inferior vena cava. Extensive tumor growth in the hepatic vein and invading the vena cava was confirmed by autopsy in 3 and hepatic venography in 1.