Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of vascularization of hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: Early individualization of hepatocellular carcinoma is crucial to obtain good therapeutic results, thanks to several options such as percutaneous therapies, surgical resections and transplant. Aim of this study is to evaluate the vascularization of hepatocarcinoma using contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in comparison with multislice computed thomography (MSCT). Methods: Between January 2009 and May 2014, 67 patients affected by hepatocarcinoma, who presented an overall of 92 nodules, were examined and enrolled in the study. Results: There was a significant difference in the percentage of comparison of the vascularization between the nodules situated at a depth not greater than 9 cm, compared to those studied at a greater depth. In reference to the size of the lesion, the percentage of vascularization to the CEUS in arterial phase, compared with the MSCT, was 84% in lesions with dimensions equal or less than 1 cm, 91% in lesions with dimensions included between 1 and 2 cm, and 96% in the lesions greater than 2 cm. Conclusion: CEUS is a method capable of documenting with very reliable accuracy the intralesional vascularization of hepatic carcinoma, in a superimposable manner to the MSCT. However, CEUS also presents some limitations, mainly in relation to the site of lesions.