[Correlation between SPIO-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological grading in hepatocellular carcinoma].

Background & Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common tumors in the world. The diagnosis of HCC is very difficult.This study was designed to evaluate the role of SPIO(superparamagnetic iron oxide)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and its correlation with histological grading.

Methods: Conventional plain and Feridex-enhanced MRI scanning was performed in 30 patients with suspected hepatic lesions. The signal intensity and Kupffer-cell-count of lesions and nontumorous area was observed. SPIO intensity ratio and the ratio of Kupffer-cell-count were analyzed.

Results: Ratio of Kupffer-cell-count in well-differentiated HCC (1.05+/-0.12) was higher than those in moderately and poorly-differentiated HCC (0.38+/-0.21 and 0.15+/-0.14, respectively) (P< 0.01). The ratio of the intensity of tumor lesions to that of nontumor area on SPIO-enhanced MRI inversely related to Kupffer-cell-count ratio in hepatic lesions (r=0.064,P< 0.01).

Conclusion: SPIO-enhanced MRI may reflect Kupffer-cell- count in HCC and dysplastic nodules and is useful for estimation of histological grading in HCC.