Prognostic impact of tumor vascularity on CT in resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: We investigated the vascularity of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on computed tomography (CT) images and its association with ICC recurrence after surgery and prognosis after recurrence.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the data of patients who underwent resection with curative intent for ICC between March 2001 and July 2017 were reviewed. Clinicopathologic factors including tumor vascularity (hypovascular, rim-enhancement, and hypervascular) on CT that could affect recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed. The association between the vascularity of recurrent ICC and survival after recurrence was also analyzed.

Results: Overall, 147 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 36.1 months of which, 101 (68.7%) experienced ICC recurrence. Hypervascularity of ICC showed better RFS than other vascularities [rim-enhanced image hazard ratio (HR), 3.893; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.700-8.915, p = 0.001; hypovascular image HR, 6.241; 95% CI, 2.670-14.586, p < 0.001]. The hypervascular recurrent ICC was also significantly associated with better survival after recurrence (log-rank test, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hypervascular ICC was associated with a longer RFS and better prognosis after recurrence. The vascularity of ICC on CT may be a noninvasive, accessible, and useful prognostic index, and should be considered while planning treatment.