Contrast-enhanced Coded Phase-Inversion Harmonic Sonography of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose To investigate sonographic features of hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast - enhanced phase - inversion harmonic imaging . Methods Fifty - two patients with 58 lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma were examined using GE LOGIQ 700 EXPERT Series with an intravenously administration of Levovist. Intratumoral vascularity was assessed with continuous transmission imaging and interval - delay scanning. Results Continuous transmission imaging depicted intratumoral flow signals by showing tumor vessels, and interval - delay scanning demonstrated tumor perfusion flow. Most lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma were shown hypervascular on phase - inversion harmonic imaging. No flow signal was shown in hypovascular lesions. There was no motion - related artifact on coded contrast - enhanced phase - inversion harmonic imaging. Conclusion Coded contrast - enhanced phase - inversion harmonic imaging depicted intratumoral flow signals clearly by demonstrating tumor vessels on continuous transmission imaging and tumor perfusion flow on interval - delay scanning, which would be helpful in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.