Utility of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan in detecting residual hepatocellular carcinoma post treatment: Series of case reports

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Multi-phase computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the standard of care for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis for years.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case series of four patients in whom positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan complemented the conventional CT/MRI scans in evaluating treatment response. In these four cases the conventional multi-phase CT and MRI failed to identify residual HCC disease post-treatment, while PET-CT complemented and aided in treatment response evaluation. In each case, the addition of PET-CT identified and located residual HCC disease, allowed retreatment, and altered medical management.

CONCLUSION

This case series suggests that PET-CT should perhaps play a role in the HCC management algorithm, in addition to the conventional contrast-enhanced multi-phase scans.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Positron emission tomography; Contrast-enhanced multiphase scan; Cirrhosis; Residual cancer; Treatment response evaluation; Case series

Core tip: This is a case series of four hepatocellular carcinoma patients who had undergone locoregional therapies. The conventional multi-phase computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans failed to identify residual hepatocellular carcinoma disease post-treatment, while positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan complemented in treatment response evaluation by identifying and locating residual disease, allowing retreatment.