A Comparison Study Of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography With Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography For Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective:This study was designed to evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by comparing the imaging characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of HCC.Methods:CEUS and CECT examination were performed on 65 patients with HCC confirmed by pathology. Low mechanical index real time pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to detected their liver tumors. The images of CEUS were analyzed by QLAB software. Enhancement patterns of HCC were observed and the gray-scale of Regions of Interest (ROI) at 28s and 65s were measured. The enhancement rate was calculated and the vessel and necrosis zone in tumors was evaluated. The images of CECT were analyzed by E-flim software.Results:There was no significant difference in enhancement patterns between CEUS group and CECT (p=0.865). The higher enhancement rate at 28s was found in CEUS group when compared with that in CECT group (p<0.01), but there was no difference in the enhancement rate at 65s between the two groups (p=0.218). The better visualization of vessel and necrosis zone in tumors in CEUS group was showed when compared with that in CECT group (p<0.05).Conclusion:1. Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography was a useful and reliable method in the diagnosis of HCC and its clinical diagnostic value could be comparable with CECT. Its result of the assessment in the blood supply and necrosis zone in tumors had a higher sensitivity than CECT. 2. The enhancement rate at 28s of HCC in CEUS group was higher than that in CECT group. The reason might be that there was the differences of the physical properties between the two contrast agents.