Imaging techniques for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: technique, results, indications

Purpose. Demonstration of imaging techniques for the diagnosis and interven tional follow up of hepatocellular carcinoma. Material and methods. Examination strategies are presented using color code d duplex-sonography (US), computed tomography and magnetic resonance techni ques like MRI, MR-angiography and MR-cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP). Results. Color coded sonography reveals a sensitivity of 85-92% and a speci ficity of 78-90% for the detection of HCC. The diagnostic results of CT cou ld be further improved via the newly developed techniques of multislice-CT. The highest diagnostic accuracy could be achieved via the use of contrast enhanced MRI with advantageous results for superparamagnetic contrast agent s versus hepatobiliary and extracellular drugs. Conclusion. Contrast enhanced MRI proves as the superior imaging technique for the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis and follow up of hepatocell ular carcinoma.