CT features of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the CT features of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC).Methods The CT findings of 8 patients with PHNEC which was confirmed by surgery and histopathology were analyzed retrospectively.Tumor location,size,shape,margin,density,enhancement patterns and degree,portal vein tumor thrombus,hilar and retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement were studied retrospectively.Results Of 8 patients,there were 5 tumors which were located in the right liver,1 in the left liver,and the remaining 2 in both the left and right livers.The CT value of the mass on plain scanning ranged from 20 to 35 HU.The mean value of CT was (29.6 ± 8.4) HU.Tumors showed low density in 5 patients and slightly lower density in 3.In 5 tumors the boundary was clear and in 3 it was not clear.Uneven mass density and different sizes of necrotic cysts were found in 8 tumors.In one of these tumors,the inside showed honey-comb appearance while small areas of haemorrhage were found in the tumor of another 2 patients.For all the eight patients,there were dilatation of peripheral bile ducts,portal vein tumor thrombus,enlarged lymph nodes or peritoneal effusion in hepatic portal area and peritoneal cavity.In the arterial phase,there was mild to moderate enhancement of the mass with CT value of 38 ～ 65 HU.The average value of CT was (54.8 ± 6.9) HU.In the venous phase,there was mild to moderate continuous enhancement of liver parenchyma,with CT value of 40 ～67 HU.The average value of CT was (61.4 ± 11.6) HU.In the delay phase,a substantial part of the mass was continuously enhanced in 2 patients while there was slow fading of enhancement in 6 patients.The CT value were 36 ～ 57 HU,the average value of CT was (46.6 ± 9.2) HU.In 3 patients,the separations inside the tumor showed enhancement.Conclusion CT features combined with clinical findings might give a hint to the diagnosis of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of liver.