Assessing predictive value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with doppler ultrasound for post-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health issue that is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard intervention for unresectable HCC; however, it is frequently followed by tumor recurrence, highlighting the need for reliable prognostic tools. This study evaluated the combined predictive value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and Doppler ultrasound in assessing the clinical outcomes post-TACE. AIM To develop a comprehensive imaging strategy that can guide personalized treatment planning through an improved assessment of tumor vascularization and liver function, assess the predictive value of CEUS combined with Doppler ultrasound in patients with HCC who underwent TACE. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed 124 patients with HCC who underwent TACE. Based on 1-year outcomes, the patients were stratified into good (n = 86) and poor (n = 38) prognostic groups. We compared the clinical and ultrasound data (CEUS and Doppler parameters) between the groups to identify prognostic factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors, and receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive power of the combined model for post-TACE prognosis. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of TNM stage, number of lesions, tumor size, arrival time (AT), washout time (WT), hepatic artery peak systolic velocity (VPs), portal vein velocity, and blood flow grading (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that TNM stage, tumor size, number of lesions, hepatic artery VPs, and blood flow grading were risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with HCC following TACE, whereas AT, WT, and portal vein velocity were protective factors (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve values for predicting post-TACE prognosis in patients with HCC were as follows: (1) 0.704 for AT; (2) 0.762 for WT; (3) 0.796 for hepatic artery VPs; (4) 0.796 for portal vein velocity; (5) 0.657 for blood flow grading; and (6) 0.942 for the combined model. CONCLUSION The combination of CEUS and Doppler ultrasound parameters, which reflect tumor vascularization and liver function, has high a predictive value for the prognosis of patients with HCC following TACE.
Authors: Jia-Jiao Qian, Min Xu, Yan-Song Ji
Language: English
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125216834