Aim: Common enhancement pattern of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on computed tomography (CT) is that of hypovascular enhancement; however, in some cases, tumor shows identical enhancement in the arterial phase to that in hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify the specific characteristics of different enhancement patterns, we examined the relationship between CT enhancement pattern and clinicopathological features or postoperative prognosis.
Method: Subjects were 43 consecutive ICC patients who had undergone hepatectomy. Enhancement patterns were divided into two types: hypovascular or delayed enhancement (Type A), and early enhancement in the arterial phase (Type B).
Results: Type A enhancement was observed in 23 patients and Type B in 20. Accompanying chronic viral hepatitis was significantly more frequent in Type B than Type A. Well-differentiated adenocarcinoma was significantly more frequent in Type B than Type A. Multiple tumors were significantly more frequent in Type A than Type B. Japanese TNM stage I and II was more frequent in patients with Type B than those with Type A. Disease-free or overall survival was significantly better in patients with Type B than those with Type A.
Conclusion: Early enhancement in the arterial phase might be a useful indicator of lower malignant potential and better survival in ICC patients.
(c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.