Radiological features of hepatocellular carcinoma in Southern Pakistan

We describe the radiological features of 201 patients diagnosed as having h epatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Southern Pakistan. The cases of biopsy-pro ven HCC were analysed retrospectively for years 1994-1998. Age, sex, underl ying cirrhosis, hepatitis markers, and radiological description were record ed. The mean age was 56 years. There were 149 males and 52 females. 82% pat ients had underlying cirrhosis. The tumour size was measured in at least tw o dimensions, and the maximum mean tumour size at the time of diagnosis was 8.3 +/- 4.0 cm. Of the tumours 79.5% were more than 5 cm; 56% of primary H CC were multifocal; 51% involved the right lobe only; 15% involved the left lobe; 34% involved both lobes of liver. Portal vein thrombosis was detecta ble in 17%. There were no significant differences in the radiological patte rns amongst patients who had hepatitis B virus related and hepatitis C viru s-related HCC except for age.