Computed tomography in primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abdominal computed tomography was performed on seven patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver appeared normal in one patient, while in the other six patients the tumor was identified as an area of decreased attenuation. In four cases, the tumor was seen better following intravenous administration of a contrast agent, and, in two of these cases, it was not seen on the precontrast scans. In only one case was the hepatoma better seen on the precontrast examination, and it could still be identified following contrast enhancement. Hepatomegaly and an irregular hepatic contour were other findings in these patients.