Objective:

To study the multislice spiral CT (MSCT) findings of extrahepatic growing hepatocellular carcinoma (E-HCC) and evaluate its diagnostic value.

Methods:

The MSCT findings of 26 cases of E-HCC proved by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively. Plain CT and enhanced CT scans were performed in all cases. The main reconstruction technique was multiplanar reformation (MPR).

Results:

The 26 cases with 26 E-HCC ranged from 2.8 cm to 16.5 cm (mean 6.7 cm) in the maxi

mum diameter. There were 5 cases with pedicel attachment to the liver and the other 21 had indefinite borderline with corresponding hepatic lobes. The lesions originated from the right lobe of the liver in 14 cases

from the left lobe in 9 cases and from the caudate lobe in 3 cases. The masses were located in diaphragmatic surface of the liver in 21 cases and in visceral surface in 5 cases. Plain CT image showed round-like or irregular extrahepatic growing solid masses

of which 22 showed hypodense necrosis area

7 displayed plaque-like hyperdense hemorrhagic shadow and 3 presented arc calcification within the tumor. Contrastenhancement CT displayed heterogeneous enhancement in the tumor. Enlarged tumor vessels were demonstrated in hepatic arterial phase in all cases. The portal venous phase and delayed phase scanning showed hypoattenuation and hypodense in 25 cases. In 23 lesions envelope was observed. MPR performed in 12 cases well-demonstrated that the tumors originated from the liver.

Conclusion:

The MSCT features of E-HCC are some specific. MSCT scanning and reconstructions have important values in the diagnosis of E-HCC.