Spiral CT Atypical Appearances of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Pathologic Correlation

Objective To investigate the atypical appearances of small hepatocellular carcinoma(SHCC) with triple-phase spiral CT enhanced scan, and its correlation with the histopathology .Methods The atypical CT signs in triple-phase and histopathologic changes of SHCC confirmed pathologically in 30 cases (32 lesions) were analysed.Results 32 atypical lesions were found in 30 patients,of them,14 lesions were hypodense in hepatic arterial phase(HAP),portal venous phase(PVP) and delayed phase(DP).10 lesions enhanced markedly in the AP,while these lesions became isodense or slight hyperdense in the PVP and DP.8 lesions were enhanced as ring like or punctual shape in the AP,and constant enhancement in PVP and DP.Conclusion The atypical appearances are present in triple- phase spiral CT scan in SHCC,the pattern of blood supply and the base of histopathology are usually the cause of these findings .