Spectral computed tomography parameters for predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) is a novel microvascular pattern associated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reliable preoperative predictors of VETC may substantially improve prognostic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of multiparameter spectral computed tomography (CT) in identifying VETC pattern in HCC.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 50 patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC who underwent preoperative abdominal spectral CT and CD34 immunohistochemical staining. VETC(+) was defined as a visible vessel-encapsulating tumor cluster occupying ≥5% of the tumor area. Patients were divided into VETC(+) (n=21) and VETC(-) (n=29) groups. Eight qualitative imaging features, i

SUBMITTER: Yu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11994570 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature