Analysis of morphological variables and arterialization in the differential diagnosis of hepatic nodules in explanted cirrhotic livers

摘要

BackgroundMany terminologies have been given to dysplastic hepatocellular nodules, which are preneoplastic lesions. In 1995, the International Working Party meeting established the nomenclature and morphological criteria for hepatocellular nodular lesions. Nevertheless, an unequivocal differential diagnosis is sometimes difficult, particularly among large regenerative nodules, dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma. Angiogenesis is observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and the presence of the isolated arteries may help to discriminate these nodules. The relevance of the International Working Party histological variables and presence of the isolated arteries were analyzed with regard to the diagnosis of large regenerative nodules, low and high grade dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma, in order to evaluate which have a real contribution in such diagnoses.