Detection of an occult hepatocellular carcinoma using ultrasound with liver-specific microbubbles.
The radiological surveillance of cirrhosis to detect the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is problematic because no highly sensitive and specific imaging investigation is available. Ultrasound is typically the first modality used but is less accurate than other imaging modalities. We report the first case of a patient with cirrhosis in whom US imaging with liver-specific microbubbles detected an HCC prior to its detection by MR. The use of liver-specific microbubble US contrast agents is an exciting development in the detection of HCC in chronic liver disease and may help to rectify some of the shortcomings of US.
Harvey
Christopher J
CJ
Department of Imaging Sciences, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. charvey_99@yahoo.com
Lim
Adrian K P
AK
Blomley
Martin J K
MJ
Taylor-Robinson
Simon D
SD
Gedroyc
Wladyslaw M W
WM
Cosgrove
David O
DO
D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010087:Oxides; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D003287:Contrast Media; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D010087:Oxides; C069727:Sonazoid; D007501:Iron