Preoperative CT features for characterization of vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters in hepatocellular carcinoma

PurposeTo explore the capability of preoperative CT imaging features, in combination with clinical indicators, for predicting vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters (VETC) pattern and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsFrom January 2015 to May 2022, patients with HCC who underwent curative resection and preoperative enhanced CT were retrospectively included. Clinical indicators and imaging features associated with the VETC pattern were determined by logistic regression analyses. The early recurrence (ER) rate was determined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Factors associated with ER after surgical resection were identified by Cox regression analyses.ResultA total of 243 patients with HCC were evaluated. The total bilirubin > 17.1 μmol/L (odds ratio [OR] 3.43, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 1.70, 6.91, p = 0.001), serum α-fetoprotein > 100 ng/mL (OR 2.41, 95 % CI 1.25, 4.67, p = 0.009), intratumor artery (IA) (OR 2.00, 95 % CI 1.04, 3.86,p = 0.039) and arterial peritumoral enhancement (OR 2.60, 95 % CI 1.13, 5.96, p = 0.025) were independent risk factors for VETC+–HCC. The VETC+ status and CT feature of IA were associated with an increased risk of recurrence, with a shorter median RFS, compared to those without these factors (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the VETC+ (hazard ratio [HR] 2.60, 95 % CI 1.66, 4.09, p < 0.001), morphological patterns of confluent multinodular growth (HR 1.79, 95 % CI 1.10, 2.91, p = 0.019), the number of the tumors (≥2) (HR 2.69, 95 % CI 1.56, 4.65, p < 0.001), and the IA (HR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.12, 2.66, p = 0.013) were independent predictors of ER in patients with HCC after surgical resection.ConclusionPreoperative CT features combined with clinical indicators could predict VETC pattern, and the CT features, along with VETC status, were of prognostic significance for early postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC.Clinical Relevance StatementPreoperative CT features combined with clinical indicators could predict VETC pattern, and the CT features, along with VETC status, were of prognostic significance for early recurrence in patients with HCC after surgical resection.