Ultrasonogram of hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with outcome after radiofrequency ablation

Figure 1 Classification of B-mode ultrasonographic images of small hepatocellular carcinoma. A-D: Hepatocellular carcinoma nodules < 3 cm in diameter were classified into two groups using B-mode ultrasonography: Type 1 with halo (A) and type 2 without halo. Type 2 was then further categorized into three subgroups: Type 2a, homogenous hyperechoic (B); Type 2b, hypoechoic with smooth margins (C); Type 2c, hypoechoic with irregular or unclear margins (D). Hepatocellular carcinoma nodules are indicated by arrows.

Figure 2 Recurrence-free survival curves according to B-mode ultrasound classification. Recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter for type 2c hepatocellular carcinoma than for other types. P = 0.0454 type 1 vs type 2c; P = 0.0005 type 2b vs type 2c.

Figure 3 Survival curves according to B-mode ultrasound classification. Survival was significantly longer for type 2b than for other types. P = 0.0006 type 1 vs type 2b; P = 0.0165 type 2b vs type 2c; P = 0.4473 type 1 vs type 2c.