Objective:

To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and color Doppler ultrasound in the iagnosis of primary small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC).

Methods:

A total of 80 primary SHCCS (diameter less than 3 cm) confirmed by imaging

cytological biopsy or surgical pathology were selected. The features of CEUS and color Doppler ultrasound were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

On CEUS 54 lesions displayed fast in fast out pattern

16 lesions subsided slowly as fast in slow out pattern

and 8 lesions displayed slow in fast out pattern.

The sensitivity was 97.4% (75/77)

the specificity was 94.6% (70/74)

and the accuracy was 93.8% (75/80). Color Doppler ultrasound showed that 76 lesions had blood supply vessels withⅠ-Ⅱ grade. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) was (5011.9) cm/s

and resistance index (RI) was 0.70 0.10. Four lesions had unsatisfactory imaging because of deep position. The sensitivity was 91.7% (66/72)

the specificity was 83.8% (57/68)

and the accuracy was 77.5% (62/80). The two diagnostic methods could effectively display perfusion characteristics of primary SHCC.

Conclusion:

CEUS and color Doppler ultrasound can effectively predict primary SHCC

with significance and application value in clinic.