Encapsulated hepatocellular carcinoma: CT-pathologic correlations.
This study is a retrospective evaluation of the correlations between the presence and integrity of the capsule of nodular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) by dynamic CT and histopathology, with histopathologic evidence of tumor propagation to surrounding hepatic parenchyma. Dynamic CT scans of 75 nodular HCCs in 73 patients (61 men, 12 women; age range, 32-81; mean, 53) were evaluated regarding capsule visualization and integrity. Histopathologic findings of HCCs in resected specimens were correlated with the presence of a capsule, tumor invasion onto the capsule, and with the presence of microvascular emboli in the surrounding liver parenchyma. On histopathologic examination, capsules were present in 57 of 75 nodular HCCs; the capsules were invaded by tumor in 18 nodules and there were microvascular emboli around the nodular HCC in 49 cases. Capsule visualization by CT was correlated with the presence of capsule by histopathology (P<0.001). Disruption of capsule by CT was correlated with tumor invasion by histopathology (P=0.003) and with microvascular tumor emboli (P<0.001). The presence and structural integrity of HCC capsules on CT was closely correlated with the presence of capsule on histopathology and the absence of microvascular tumor emboli.
Lim
Jae Hoon
JH
Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-ku, 135-710, Seoul, South Korea. jhlim@smc.samsung.co.kr
Choi
Dongil
D
Park
Cheol Keun
CK
Lee
Won Jae
WJ
Lim
Hyo Keun
HK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol