Value of acoustic radiation force impulse in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms

Abstract

To explore the value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technique in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms. Retrospective analysis of touch tissue quantification (VTQ) and general ultrasonic examination of interesting region were performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and controls. Significant differences existed between HCC and hepatic hemangioma, hepatic FNH and controls (all P 0.05). There was no significant difference between hepatic hemangioma, FNH and controls (all P>0.05). With a cut-off VTQ value of 1.95 m/s, the sensitivity and accuracy rate in the differentiation of benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms was 90% and 83% respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy rate in general ultrasound examination of hepatic neoplasms was 88% and 70% respectively. Significant differences existed in accuracy rate between two methods (P<0.01). It was confirmed that ARFI could reflect the stiffness of liver neoplasm noninvasively. Compared with general ultrasonography, ARFI is better at differentiating benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms. Key words: Liver neoplasm; Ultrasonography