Hepatocellular carcinoma: MR imaging findings in cirrhotic livers and noncirrhotic livers

PURPOSE: To compare the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic versus noncirrhotic livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images in 36 patients with HCC (30 men and six wo men aged 42-84 years [mean age, 65 years]) were retrospectively reviewed. T he number and size of hepatic lesions were assessed. Lesion margins were ca tegorized as well circumscribed or ill defined. The presence of a capsule, intratumoral high signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images, and a stellate scar were determined. RESULTS: Eleven (31%) patients had MR imaging evidence of cirrhosis, and 25 (69%) did not. Lesions in cirrhotic livers differed significantly from tho se in noncirrhotic livers in terms of size (22 cm(2) vs 99 cm(2), P < .05), frequency of a solitary lesion (27% vs 72%, P < .05), and frequency of a c entral scar (6% vs 50%, P < .05). There was no difference between the cirrh otic and noncirrhotic livers with regard to tumor margin, intratumoral high signal intensity on T1-weighted images, or tumor capsule. CONCLUSION: Differences exist in the MR imaging appearance of HCC between p atients with and those without cirrhosis, although there is overlap of imag ing findings.