Ultrasound versus Triphasic Computed Tomography Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System in Suspected Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Computed Tomography (CT) liver imaging reporting and data system (LIRADS) offers substantial inter reader reliability for 3 essential criteria and category assignment. The ultrasound (US) LI RADS standardizes the approach, interpretations, and documenting of screening and surveillance US intended to determine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high - risk individuals. Objectives: To assess correlation between US and CT in LIRADS for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Patients and methods: it’s a prospective study that was performed on 20 adult cases with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and C. All cases underwent CT, US examination, triphasic CT with contrast and biopsy taking. Results: As regards the diameter of the lesions, there were significant differences between both groups (p value =0.002). All cases were correlated by histopathological confirmation. Regarding to the final outcome depending on histopathological finding, comparison with other imaging modalities as U/S or, specific triphasic CT criteria /or follow up of cases, which were accepted as a standard reference 16 patients (80%) correlated by histopathological confirmation ; 4 patients (2 hemangioma &2 atypical hemangioma) (20%) not correlated by histopathological correlation and confirmed by triphasic CT because risk of intra-abdominal bleeding. Conclusion: US serves as an effective initial imaging modality, particularly for identifying hypoechoic lesions. In contrast, triphasic CT provides essential insights through its detailed assessment of arterial enhancement, washout characteristics, and capsule appearance, all of which are vital to distinguish HCC from non-HCC lesions.