Usefulness of computed tomography in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with special reference to visualization of its capsule

Diagnostic significance of computed tomography was studied in 45 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis was correct in 95.6%, and in 66.6% of 21 cases with encapsulated hepatoma which shows expanding growth, its capsules were demonstrated by simple or contrast enhanced CT. Capsules surrounding tumor nodules were showed characteristic features; low density area by plain CT, and markedly enhanced high density or iso-density area around tumor nodules (called ''corona sign'') by contrast medium injection. (author)