Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma capsule by contrast-enhanced ultrasound using Levovist: correlations with pathological findings.

Purpose: To determine the most appropriate therapy for each hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodule, it is important to ascertain whether the tumor has a capsule. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in HCC capsule detection by comparing ultrasound findings with histological results from operative specimens.

Methods: Thirty-six HCC nodules (all smaller than 5 cm) from 36 patients who had undergone hepatectomy were examined by CEUS using Levovist with agent detection imaging.