[Correlation between SPIO-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological grading in hepatocellular carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common tumors in the world. The diagnosis of HCC is very difficult.This study was designed to evaluate the role of SPIO(superparamagnetic iron oxide)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with histological grading.


METHODS
Conventional plain and Feridex-enhanced MRI scanning was performed in 30 patients with suspected hepatic lesions. The signal intensity and Kupffer-cell-count of lesions and nontumorous area was observed. SPIO intensity ratio and the ratio of Kupffer-cell-count were analyzed.


RESULTS
Ratio of Kupffer-cell-count in well-differentiated HCC (1.05+/-0.12) was higher than those in moderately and poorly-differentiated HCC (0.38+/-0.21 and 0.15+/-0.14, respectively) (P< 0.01). The ratio of the intensity of tumor lesions to that of nontumor area on SPIO-enhanced MRI inversely related to Kupffer-cell-count ratio in hepatic lesions (r=0.064,P< 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
SPIO-enhanced MRI may reflect Kupffer-cell- count in HCC and dysplastic nodules and is useful for estimation of histological grading in HCC.
Zhang
Xue-Hui
XH
Department of Radiology, The second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, PR China. zhangdandancncn@yahoo.com.cn
Liang
Bi-Ling
BL
Huang
Sui-Qiao
SQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002452:Cell Count; D003911:Dextrans; D005260:Female; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007501:Iron; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010087:Oxides
D003911:Dextrans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D010087:Oxides; D007501:Iron; C065507:ferumoxides; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide