The efferent blood flow of early hepatocellular carcinoma and borderline lesions: Demonstration by color Doppler imaging.

We performed waveform analysis of the efferent signal detected within early hepatocellular carcinomas and borderline lesions, in which portal flow was demonstrated. Continuity of this flow with the surrounding vessels was also analyzed. Nine nodules in 7 patients with early hepatocellular carcinomas and borderline lesions were included in this study. Tumor diameter ranged from 1.2 to 3.5 cm; average, 2.1 cm. Waveform of the efferent flow signal from within these nodules was continuous in 5 nodules and biphasic venous in 4 nodules. Outside the nodules, the waveform of the efferent flow signal was that of a biphasic venous wave. All efferent signals were confirmed to continue in the hepatic vein. These findings thus suggest that the draining vessel in early hepatocellular carcinomas and their borderline lesions is the hepatic vein.