Mosaic pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma: Histologic basis for a characteristic CT appearance

W. Ross Stevens, Samuel P. Gulino, Kenneth P. Batts, David H. Stephens, C. Daniel Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The mosaic pattern is a characteristic CT appearance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to assess the tissue composition responsible for the CT mosaic pattern. Method: Gross and whole- mount histologic sections of 10 HCC tumors from eight patients were prepared at identical levels as preoperative CT sections. CT features of the mosaic tumor pattern were spatially registered with the corresponding pathologic sections. Results: CT of mosaic HCC demonstrated enhancing nodules (9/10), low attenuation areas (9/10), and internal septa (3/10). Spatial registration of CT and microscopic sections showed that enhancing tissue was viable tumor in nine of nine. Low attenuation areas were either necrotic (4/9) or of mixed tissue (5/9), including areas of necrosis, fibrosis, and hemorrhage. Conclusion: The variable tissue composition of HCC accounts for the mosaic CT pattern. In most patients, enhancing nodules indicate viable tumor cells, and low attenuation areas represent necrosis, fibrosis, or hemorrhage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)337-342
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of computer assisted tomography
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

Keywords

  • Computed tomography
  • Liver, diseases
  • Liver, neoplasms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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