Comparison of diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using sequentially acquired gadolinium-enhanced and Resovist-enhanced MRI.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare MRI findings of diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma (D-HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) to identify characteristics of each.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed MRI that consisted of unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted image, gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced dynamic image, and sequentially acquired Resovist-enhanced image from 29 patients with D-HCCs and 32 patients with IHC.


RESULTS
On T2-weighted imaging, D-HCCs usually appeared as poorly defined, infiltrative mildly hyperintense masses, whereas IHC appeared as well-defined, lobulated mildly hyperintense masses with areas of strong hyperintensity and hypointensity. On dynamic- and Resovist-enhanced T1-weighted MRIs, D-HCCs appeared as hypovascular and homogeneously hypointense or isointense masses with internal reticulation, whereas IHD appeared as centripetal enhancing masses with or without delayed central hyperintensity. Biliary dilatation was predominantly observed in the area adjacent to the IHC and in the intratumoral area of D-HCC. Portal venous tumor thrombus was observed in most of the D-HCC, and portal vein encasement was seen in 17 of the IHC.


CONCLUSIONS
D-HCC and IHC exhibited characteristics of each at T1- and T2-weighted imaging, Gd-enhanced dynamic imaging, and sequentially acquired Resovist-enhanced T1-weighted imaging.
Kim
Young Kon
YK
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chonbuk National University Hospital and Medical School, Keum Am Dong, JeonJu, South Korea. jmyr@dreamwiz.com,
Han
Young Min
YM
Kim
Chong Soo
CS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000473:pathology*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049448:Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010087:Oxides
D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D010087:Oxides; D007501:Iron; C065507:ferumoxides; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide