The current imaging techniques in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

This systematic review of studies compared computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography–computerized tomography (PET-CT) in order to provide evidence-based diagnostic guidelines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). A comprehensive search of 3 bibliographic databases was performed; methodological quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) criteria. Data from 19 directly comparative studies were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS. MRI remains the diagnostic procedure of choice to assess suspected HCC. The role of CT needs to be re-investigated. However, the modern imaging techniques with different levels of standardized uptake value (SUV) measured on 11C-Acetate and 18F-FDG PET-CT can give high sensitivity and provide useful information narrowing down the differentiation level of HCC.