utility of real-time ultrasonography vs alpha-fetoprotein estimation and computed tomography in the diagnosis of focal hepatocellular carcinoma associated with liver cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

A total of 146 cirrhotic patients were examined by ultrasonography. In 26 patients [17.8%], a space occupying lesion was detected, while the serum AFP level was higher than 200 ng/ml in only 10 of them [38.5%]. Abdominal CT scanning was successful in displaying the focal hepatic lesion in 22 out of the 26 patients [84.6%]. To verify the diagnosis of these lesion, CT-guided biopsy was performed in only 18 patients out of the 22 patients, 4 patients were excluded [liver bathed in ascites in 3 patients and prothrombin concentration below 40% in one patient