CT findings in hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation of tumor characteristics with causative factors, tumor size, and histologic tumor grade.

PURPOSE

To determine computed tomographic (CT) findings of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a predominantly non-Asian population and to assess any morphologic differences with respect to causative factors, tumor size, and histologic grade.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical history, pathology reports, histologic specimens, and CT findings in 100 patients with HCC were reviewed. All patients underwent contrast material-enhanced incremental dynamic CT. Findings were agreed on by consensus.

RESULTS

The mosaic pattern was seen in 46% of cases, venous invasion in 33%, and tumor encapsulation in 31%; frequencies were similar to those reported with Asian patients. A mosaic pattern was more common in patients with larger tumors (P = .036). Venous invasion was more common in patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis (P = .003) and in those with higher grade tumors (P = .043). Tumor encapsulation was more common in patients with lower grade tumors (P = .012).

CONCLUSION

Reported morphologic differences between non-Asian and Asian patients with HCC may be due to differences in underlying liver disease, tumor size, and histologic grade.