Computed tomographic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The ability of x-ray computed tomography (CT) to detect and characterize liver lesions has been one of the most studied issues in radiology during the past 20 years. Technological advances, combined with increased knowledge about the pathophysiological characteristics of these tumors, have dramatically increased the ability to detect and characterize large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Nonetheless, detection and characterization of early and small HCC lesions remains a difficult task. We review the imaging appearances of HCC on CT and discuss the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic imaging in screening patients with cirrhosis for HCC.
Baron
Richard L
RL
Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. rbaron@uchicago.edu
Brancatelli
Giuseppe
G
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed