Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography in the detection and characterization of portal vein thrombosis complicating hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aim: To compare contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasonography (US) versus tri-phasic spiral computed tomography (CT) for detection and characterization of portal vein thrombosis complicating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We studied 50 patients with HCC accompanying cirrhosis and evidence at US and color Doppler US of thrombosis involving the main trunk of the portal vein (n=13) or its segmental branches (n=37). The nature of thrombi was defined by US-guided biopsy. CEUS and CT were performed within a week of thrombus biopsies. Imaging diagnoses of thrombosis and of its nature, made by experien…