Segmental Distribution of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Livers

Background: To evaluate the segmental distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to Couinaud’s anatomical division in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 322 HCC nodules were diagnosed in 217 cirrhotic patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnet...

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Main Authors: Matteo Renzulli, Nicolò Brandi, Anna Pecorelli, Luigi Vincenzo Pastore, Alessandro Granito, Giuseppe Martinese, Francesco Tovoli, Mario Simonetti, Elton Dajti, Antonio Colecchia, Rita Golfieri
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Diagnostics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/12/4/834
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Summary:Background: To evaluate the segmental distribution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to Couinaud’s anatomical division in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, a total of 322 HCC nodules were diagnosed in 217 cirrhotic patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of suspicious nodules (>1 cm) detected during ultrasound surveillance. For each patient, the segmental position of the HCC nodule was recorded according to Couinaud’s description. The clinical data and nodule characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 234 (72.7%) HCC nodules were situated in the right lobe whereas 79 (24.5%) were detected in the left lobe (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and only 9 nodules were in the caudate lobe (2.8%). HCC was most common in segment 8 (<i>n</i> = 88, 27.4%) and least common in segment 1 (<i>n</i> = 9, 2.8%). No significant differences were found in the frequencies of segmental or lobar involvement considering patient demographic and clinical characteristics, nodule dimension, or disease appearance. Conclusions: The intrahepatic distribution of HCC differs among Couinaud’s segments, with segment 8 being the most common location and segment 1 being the least common. The segmental distribution of tumour location was similar to the normal liver volume distribution, supporting a possible correlation between HCC location and the volume of hepatic segments and/or the volumetric distribution of the portal blood flow.
ISSN:2075-4418