RT Journal
A1 van Vledder MG, Torbenson MS, Pawlik TM, et al
T1 THe effect of steatosis on echogenicity of colorectal liver metastases on intraoperative ultrasonography
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2010
FD July 1
VO 145
IS 7
SP 661
OP 667
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2010.124
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2010.124
AB Objective 
    To investigate the association of relative tumor echogenicity and hepatic steatosis in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).Design 
    Prospective study.Setting 
    The Johns Hopkins Hospital.Patients 
    A total of 126 patients undergoing liver surgery for CRLM from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2008, in whom 191 lesions had complete intraoperative ultrasonography images for review and adequate linked pathological data available.Main Outcome Measures 
    The intraoperative ultrasonography images were reviewed and scored for echogenicity (hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic). In addition, a histopathologic review of the nontumorous liver tissue was performed, and the extent of steatosis was scored and correlated with tumor echogenicity.Results 
    Of the patients undergoing surgery, 49 (38.8%) were found to have mild to severe steatosis. Of the 191 total CRLM visualized by intraoperative ultrasonography, 91 (47.6%) were found to be hypoechoic, 65 (34.0%) were isoechoic, and 35 (18.3%) were hyperechoic. In patients with steatosis, lesions were significantly more likely to be hypoechoic when compared with patients without steatosis (odds ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-8.47; P = .001). Echogenicity was independent of the cause of steatosis or response to chemotherapy.Conclusions 
    The echogenicity of CRLM was significantly affected by the presence of liver steatosis, with decreased echogenicity and increased conspicuity of lesions despite overall poorer image quality. These findings might reinforce the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography in identifying additional CRLM in patients undergoing surgical therapy, even in those with fatty liver tissue.