Indeterminate small, low-attenuating hepatocellular nodules on helical CT in patients with chronic liver disease: 2-year follow-up

Clin Imaging. 2005 Jul-Aug;29(4):266-72. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2004.11.001.

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical significance of indeterminate, small, low-attenuating nodular lesions on helical dynamic computed tomography (CT) in chronic liver diseases, CT images were reviewed retrospectively in 281 patients. Indeterminate, low-attenuating nodular lesions less than 20 mm in diameter were followed for 24 to 35 months. Of 127 nodules in 73 patients, 21 nodules turned out to be hepatocellular carcinomas (16%), 25 nodules (20%) became larger, while the remaining 81 nodules (64%) remained unchanged or disappeared. Some low-attenuating nodules larger than 10 mm in diameter may develop into hepatocellular carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Iodized Oil
  • Liver Diseases / complications*
  • Liver Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iodized Oil