Anahysis of the follow-up results of CT enhancement for small modules in the high-risk population of liver coucer / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of small (5 ～ 10mm),arterially enhancing nodules (SAENs)shown exclusively at the hepatic arterial phase of CT in a hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) surveillance population and to determine risk factors for developing HCC.Methods The study population included 112 patients (maleifemale =100 ∶ 12 ; aged 36 ～ 92 years) with 1 7 5 SAENs who were at risk of HCC.We evaluated serial changes during follow-up(1.4 ～41.8 months,mean 35.7 months) and analysed the initial CT findings of SAENs and the accompanying lesions to elucidate the risk factors for HCC development.Results Of 175 SAENs,101 (57.7％) disappeared and 34(19.4％) persisted.Forty SAENs(22.9％) became HCC in 33 patients(29.5％).Presence of HCC treatment history(P =0.005,risk ratio =7.429),a larger size of SAEN(P =0.003,risk ratio =1.630),presence of coexistent HCC(P =0.021,risk ratio =3.777) and absence of coexistent typical arterioportal shunts (P =0.003,risk ratio =4.459) turned out to be independently significant risk factors for future development of HCC.Conclusion SAENs are frequently seen in an HCC surveillance population and have a 22.9％ probability of becoming HCC on a per-lesion basis.Risk increased particularly when the lesion is associated with a previous or concurrent HCC,a large size or found without a coexistent typical arterioportal shunt.