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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the role of triphasic computed tomography to predict tumor necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Background Triphasic computed tomography is a promising tool in prediction of HCC response after TACE. HCC exhibiting favorable criteria in triphasic computed tomography would be more likely to benefit from TACE. For HCC without these favorable criteria, alternative or adjuvant treatments or even no treatment may be considered. These favorable criteria are small size, solitary, well-defined margin, peripherally located, and typically enhanced HCC tumors. Patients and methods A total of 50 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent complete history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and then triphasic computed tomography examination of the liver as a baseline assessment. Thereafter, the patients were treated with TACE. Finally, the therapeutic response was evaluated after 21 days by triphasic computed tomography scan of liver according to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Results Of the 50 patients, 23 showed complete necrosis, 22 showed partial necrosis, four were stable, and one showed progressive disease. Tumor size, its enhancement, and number were statistically highly significant, with a P value of less than 0.001. Location and margin of the tumor were statistically significant, with P value of 0.04. Conclusion Triphasic computed tomography is the most commonly used standard imaging technique for predicting and evaluating the therapeutic response in patients with HCC after TACE.

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