title: Evaluation of neovascularization with spectral computed tomography in a rabbit VX2 liver model: a comparison with real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound and molecular biological findings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To validate the feasibility of using the parameters of spectral CT and CT perfusion and the dynamic features of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to evaluate the vascularization of VX2 hepatic tumours.
  
  
  METHODS
  Spectral CT imaging, CT perfusion and CEUS analysis were performed on rabbits implanted with VX2 hepatic tumours, 7 and 14 days after implantation. The perfusion parameters of CT, normalized iodine concentration (NIC) and dynamic features of CEUS were measured in the rim of the tumour (TR) and the normal liver region. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was also determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increased perfusion parameters of CT were found in the TR. In addition, the NIC was elevated in TR during the arterial phase, and the peak intensity of the CEUS of the TR was reached significantly earlier than that on normal liver region. At 14 days, the perfusion parameters of CT (blood volume, permeability surface and hepatic arterial fraction) offered higher accuracy and stability in differentiating the TR from the normal liver region. Furthermore, CEUS was more accurate in diagnosing tumours <1.0 cm in diameter. In addition, VEGF and FGF2 expression was higher in the TR and were positively correlated with CT and CEUS parameters, except mean transit time, rise time, washout time and peak time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of spectral CT with perfusion techniques, iodine-based material-decomposition analysis and dynamic CEUS changes may reflect the angiogenesis and haemodynamic information of hepatic tumours.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible to assess vascularization in hepatic cancer using CT or CEUS.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
authors.forename: Jian-Bo
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
authors.forename: Han
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
authors.forename: Jun-Qiang
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
authors.forename: Ming-Yue
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D003287:Contrast Media; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D010743:Phospholipids; D011817:Rabbits; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride