Hepatocellular carcinoma with a prominent vascular scar in the center: MR imaging findings

We report herein a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a prominent central scar. Dynamic CT and MRI studies revealed a hypervascular liver mass and a washout of contrast material in the delayed phase. The tumor center showed particular hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and delayed or prolonged enhancement. The surgical specimen revealed moderately differentiated HCC with a central scar. The central scar consisted of prominent vascular channels and loose fibrous tissue, indicative of a vascular scar. We should understand MR imaging findings of this type of central scar in the HCC. This article was presented at a meeting of the Kyushu district chapter of the Japan Radiological Society in February 2005.