Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with double perfusion method in detection of rabbit VX2 micro-hepatocellular ;carcinoma / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the detection rate of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with different perfusion methods on rabbit VX2 small hepatocellular carcinoma less than 10.0 mm. Methods VX2 tumor cells were inoculated into the subcutaneous tissue of New Zealand rabbit′s thigh. Then the plant tumor were cut into small blocks under sterile conditions and transplanted into hepatic parenchyma in 30 New Zealand rabbits. The contrast media was injected through peripheral vein by single and double perfusion methods. The detection rate of two methods were compared. Results There were 41 hepatocellular carcinoma lesions in the 30 rabbits. There were 15 lesions with size between 3.0 mm and 5.0 mm, and 26 lesions between 5.0 mm and 10.0 mm in diameter. On CEUS, the VX2 tumor presented fast-in and fast-out pattern. In arterial phase, the lesion was enhanced rapidly. In portal venous phase, contrast began to wash out from the carcinoma. In delay phase, the enhancement of lesion was signiifcantly lower than the surrounding normal liver parenchyma. A total of 32 lesions were detected by single perfusion method, including 7 lesions ranging 3.0-5.0 mm and 25 lesions ranging 5.0-10.0 mm. A total of 39 lesions were detected by double perfusion method, including 13 lesions ranging 3.0-5.0 mm and 26 lesions ranging 5.0-10.0 mm. The detection rate of micro-hepatocellular carcinoma by single and double perfusion method was 78% and 95% respectively. The difference was statistically signiifcant (χ2=5.150, P=0.023). The detection rate of 3.0-5.0 mm lesions by single and double perfusion method was 47%and 87%, respectively. The difference was statistically signiifcant ( χ2=5.400, P=0.025). The detection rate of 5.0-10.0 mm lesions by single and double perfusion method was 96% and 100%, respectively. There was no statistically signiifcant difference (χ2=1.020, P=0.500). Conclusion The double perfusion method greatly promotes the detection of micro hepatocellular carcinoma, especially for the lesions less than 5.0 mm in diameter.