Ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with cirrhosis.
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.
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography