Cottone M, Marcenò M P, Maringhini A, Rinaldi F, Russo G, Sciarrino E, Turri M, Pagliaro L
Radiology. 1983 May;147(2):517-9. doi: 10.1148/radiology.147.2.6300963.
A total of 100 cirrhotic patients with clinically suspected neoplastic transformation was assessed prospectively with ultrasound. Ultrasound was diagnostic in 27/30 patients who had a final diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (sensitivity 90%); there were five false-positive examinations (specificity 93%). The positive predictive value of the test was 84.4%; negative predictive value was 95%. Three different ultrasound patterns were observed in hepatocellular carcinoma: increased reflectivity, decreased reflectivity, and mixed echo pattern. Ultrasound can be used as a safe, effective first-line screening test for cirrhotic patients with clinically suspected neoplastic transformation.
