Kim AY, Choi BI, Kim TK, Han JK, Yun EJ, Lee KY, Han MC. Hepatocellular carcinoma: power Doppler US with a contrast agent--preliminary results.
Radiology 1998;
209:135-40. [PMID:
9769824 DOI:
10.1148/radiology.209.1.9769824]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To investigate the value of contrast material-enhanced power Doppler ultrasonography (US) in the demonstration and characterization of tumor vascularity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty patients with HCC were prospectively evaluated with power Doppler US before and after injection of the contrast agent SH U 508 A. The grade and pattern of tumor vascularity at power Doppler US were analyzed, along with the degree of tumor staining at angiography.
RESULTS
Intra- and peritumoral flow signals were detected in 19 HCCs (95%) at unenhanced power Doppler US. After injection of contrast agent, flow signals increased in 19 lesions (95%). At contrast-enhanced power Doppler US, two tumors demonstrated grade 1 vascularity; four, grade 2; three, grade 3; and 11, grade 4. At angiography, two tumors demonstrated grade 1 staining; four, grade 2; eight, grade 3; and six, grade 4. The correlation between vascularity grades at contrast-enhanced power Doppler US and at angiography was statistically significant (P < .0001). Seventeen HCCs (85%) showed the intratumoral or basket pattern of vascularity at unenhanced power Doppler US; after injection of contrast material, 15 HCCs (75%) showed the mixed pattern.
CONCLUSION
Contrast-enhanced power Doppler US is superior to unenhanced power Doppler US in the demonstration and characterization of tumor vascularity in HCC.
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