Introduction

Contrast-enhanced MR imaging with Gd-EOB-DTPA provides good demarcation on low-field MR imaging for diagnosing canine focal liver lesions (Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2012;53:371–380).

Objectives

The aim of his study is to diagnose the canine well differential hepatocellular carcinoma by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid, contrast-enhanced CT and MRI with Gd-EOB-Primovist.

Methods

A 10-year-old, spayed Flat-Coated Retriever dog was referred to RGUVTH because of increased liver panel and mass of the liver.

Results

Ultrasonography showed the mass of 55 x 58 mm with mixed echo. The mass using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid revealed slightness enhancement rather than the surrounding normal liver during the blood vessel phase and it enhanced hyperechoic similar to surrounding normal liver after the blood vessel phase. Above findings indicated the hepatocyte still have the Kupffer cell. Contrast-enhanced CT appeared to multi-vascularization around the mass. The contrast-enhanced MRI with Gd-EOB-Primovist showed hyperintense on 3D SPGR T1-weighted images and 2D GRE T1-weighted images compared to surrounding normal liver parenchyma during parenchymal phases. These findings mean the normal hepatocyte function still remains in the mass. We strongly suspected well differential hepatocellular carcinoma because the mass size was big and multi-vascularization was observed around the mass in the CT. The mass was removed by celiotomy; the histological diagnosis made was well differential hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions

The combination of the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid, contrast-enhanced CT and MRI with Gd-EOB-Primovist is very useful for the diagnosis of the canine well differential hepatocellular carcinoma. A further, more clinical case is needed.