Assessment of angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma using dynamic contrast enhanced MR and histopathologic correlation in an experimental rat model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the perfusion parameters and angiogenesis of HCC using

dynamic contrast enhanced(DCE) MR and to correlate it with histopathologic

findings in an experimental rat model. METHODOLOGY: Twenty rats were continuously

infused with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for tumor induction. After 32 to 36 weeks

of DEN treatment, the rats underwent MRI of the liver with a 3-T MR imaging

system. Perfusion parametric maps and perfusion parameters such as, time to peak

(TTP) and peak enhancement (PE) were obtained by using a commercially available

software package. The nodules were correlated precisely to DCE MR images.

RESULTS: A total of 13 nodules were found in 12 rats; 5 dysplastic nodule (DN)s

were identified in 5 rats and 8 HCCs (3 Edmonson grade I, 2 Edmonson grade I-II,

3 Edmonson grade II) were found in 7 rats. There were significant differences in

mean values of PE and HPH (histogram peak height) of PE between DN and HCC. Mean

value and HPH of PE showed statistically significant correlation with tumor

grade. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in perfusion parameters

between DN and HCC. DCE MR imaging can be used in the differential diagnosis and

management of liver disease in hepatocarcinogenesis.