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Computed Tomographic Findings of Colorectal Liver Metastases Can Be Predictive for Recurrence After Hepatic Resection

Computed Tomographic Findings of Colorectal Liver Metastases Can Be Predictive for Recurrence... BackgroundWe recently reported that the pathologic mode of infiltrative growth (infiltrative [INF]-α, INF-β, and INF-γ) of colorectal liver metastases had characteristic morphologic findings, and furthermore showed that the INF type was a prognostic factor for disease-free survival after hepatic resection.HypothesisPreoperative computed tomographic (CT) findings of the liver nodules may be predictive for pathologic tumor growth pattern.DesignRetrospective study.SettingDepartments of Surgery and Radiology at a university hospital in Japan.PatientsA total of 25 CT examinations (1985-1998) were reviewed, and a comparison was conducted on CT findings of 2 groups with INF-α or INF-β (hereafter noted as INF-α-β) (n = 9 [ie, a patient with INF-α plus 8 with INF-β]) and INF-γ (n = 16) type liver metastases.Main Outcome Measuresχ2Analysis of CT morphologic features was performed between the study groups. The result of multivariate analysis was obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe morphologic features observed by CT showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (INF-α-β, and INF-γ types) in the ratio of length to breadth of nodules (<1.5 vs ≥1.5, P= .008) and in the outline of nodules (regular vs irregular, P= .01). Of these CT imaging features, the outline of the nodule was an independent prognostic factor (P= .02).ConclusionComputed tomographic findings of colorectal liver lesions correlated with the pathologic tumor growth pattern and a prognosis.MANY STUDIES reported that hepatic resection of metastatic colorectal cancer was the best hope for prolonged survival, and many prognostic factors were shown.We classified the mode of infiltrative (INF) growth of colorectal liver metastases into 3 pathologic types (INF-α, INF-β, and INF-γ) and reported that the tumor growth pattern was a prognostic factor and a predictor of recurrence to the remnant of the liver after hepatic surgery.Briefly, in analysis of patients with liver metastases smaller than 6 cm or fewer than 4 nodules, 5-year disease-free survival rates were 64% and 14% in patients with INF-α or INF-β (hereafter, INF-α-β), and INF-γ type liver metastases, respectively, and recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection was found in 14% and 79% in the 2 groups, respectively. However, most prognostic factors including the INF type have been identified after surgery. Only a few factors preoperatively, that is, the size, number, and distribution of liver lesions, have been evaluated by imaging modalities and have been used both to plan effective surgery and to predict prognosis.However, it is our experience that these preoperative factors are insufficient to predict the prognosis in patients with metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer. The accurate preoperative assessment of tumor biology can contribute importantly to the therapeutic options including chemotherapyand to the prediction of prognosis. The present study was a retrospective analysis conducted to determine whether the pathologic growth pattern of liver metastases can be evaluated on the basis of computed tomographic (CT) imaging features.METHODSSTUDY POPULATIONFrom January 1, 1981, through December 31, 1998, 42 curative hepatic resections were performed for 37 patients with isolated liver metastases caused by colorectal cancer.In this study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 of the 28 patients who underwent CT scanning (1985-1998). Four of the 25 patients were cases of recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection.CT PROTOCOLSComputed tomographic scanning including the acquisition of CT contrast-enhanced images, and nonenhanced images were performed in all 25 patients. Helical CT was performed in 11 patients and included nonenhanced, arterial-dominant-phase and portal-dominant-phase images through the liver. The arterial-dominant and portal-dominant phases were obtained with delays of 25 to 30 seconds and 60 to 70 seconds, respectively, after initiation of an intravenous bolus injection of contrast material. The remaining 14 patients who underwent conventional (nonhelical) CT had postcontrast scans with a delay of 60 to 70 seconds (portal-dominant phase) and nonenhanced scans. Section thickness was 5 to 7 mm for conventional and helical imagings. On average, patients received 100 mL of 60% iodinated contrast medium at both helical and conventional CT. For conventional CT, the contrast agent was intravenously administered at a rate of 1.5 to 2.5 mL/s; for helical multiphasic examinations, the rate was 2.0 to 3.0 mL/s, administered using a power injector. Helical CT studies were perfomed using the single-detector CT system (model Somatom Plus 4; Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany) and conventional studies were perfomed with a CT scanner (model 9800; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis).CT IMAGE ANALYSISThe portal-dominant phase was used to evaluate CT morphologic features of metastatic liver nodules. With regard to the ratio of length to breadth of the liver nodules, the median ratio was 1.5 (range, 1.0-2.0). Then the ratio was divided into smaller than 1.5 and larger than or equal to 1.5. The latter (≥1.5) included pear-shaped, kidney-shaped, or gourdlike masses. The outline of liver nodules was classified into regular and irregular contour. Size (maximum diameter) of metastases evaluated by CT was divided into smaller than 4 cm and larger than or equal to 4 cm. When multiple nodules existed in a patient, the nodule providing the best information on CT was evaluated. That is, the tumor size was not necessarily the largest liver metastasis seen in a patient. In addition, the boundary of nodules with adjacent liver tissues was classified into well defined and ill defined. These findings were independently evaluated by 2 radiologists (I.S. and T.F.) who did not have information on the outcome of the disease in these patients.MODE OF INF GROWTH OF LIVER METASTASESAs previously described,microscopic findings of liver metastases were classified into INF-α, INF-β, and INF-γ. Briefly, as shown in the scheme (Figure 1), metastatic lesions with expansive growth but a sharp boundary with adjacent tissues were classified as INF-α type. Lesions with invasive growth and no boundary with adjacent tissues were classified as INF-γ type; the intermediate type between INF-α and INF-γ was classified as INF-β type.Figure 1.Scheme of microscopic tumor growth pattern.STATISTICAL ANALYSISThe χ2analysis with Yates correction was used to test the differences between the 2 study groups. The tumor-free survival rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier methods. Mean values (estimated values) of tumor-free survival time and the SD were calculated using STAT View 5 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). The result of multivariate analysis was obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model of prognostic factors for tumor-free survival. P≤.05 were considered as statistically significant.RESULTSCHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH INF-α-β AND INF-γ TYPE LIVER METASTASESThe groups with INF-α-β and INF-γ type liver metastases consisted of 9 and 16 patients, respectively. As given in Table 1, there was no difference in the clinical factors of time of diagnosis, number of metastases, diameter of the largest liver metastasis, and distribution between the 2 groups.Table 1. Characteristics of Patients With Infiltrative (INF) α-β or INF-γ Type Liver MetastasesVariableINF-α-β (n = 9)INF-γ (n = 16)Time of diagnosisSynchronous56Metachronous410No. of metastases1692-324≥413Size of metastases, cm<6710≥626Distribution of metastasesUnilobar712Bilobar24CT MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES IN PATIENTS WITH INF-α-β AND INF-γ TYPE LIVER METASTASESHelical CT and nonhelical CT were performed in 4 and 5 patients, respectively, with INF-α -β type liver metastases and in 7 and 9 patients, respectively, with INF-γ type liver metastases. As given in Table 2with regard to the ratio of length to breadth of nodules, 8 (89%) of 9 patients with INF-α-β type liver metastases had less than 1.5 nodules (Figure 2A) and 12 (75%) of 16 patients with INF-γ type had 1.5 or greater (Figure 2B)(P= .007). With regard to the outline of nodules, 7 patients (78%) with INF-α-β had regular contour nodules (Figure 2C), and 13 patients (81%) with INF-γ had irregular contour (Figure 2D)(P= .01). However, there was no significant difference in either size of metastases (P= .07) or boundary with adjacent liver tissues (P= .07) between the 2 groups. Figure 2E and F showed the boundary of nodules to be well defined and ill defined, respectively.Table 2. Computed Tomographic (CT) Findings of Colorectal Liver Metastases*CT FindingsINF-α-β (n = 9)INF-γ (n = 16)PValue†Ratio of length to breadth<1.58 (89)4 (25).008≥1.51 (11)12 (75)Outline of nodulesRegular7 (78)3 (19).01Irregular2 (22)13 (81)Size of nodules, cm<47 (78)5 (31).07≥42 (22)11 (69)Boundary with adjacent tissuesWell defined8 (89)7 (44).07Ill defined1 (11)9 (56)*Data are given as number (percentage) of patients. INF indicates infiltrative.†χ2Analysis with Yates correction.Figure 2.A, Metastatic liver tumor with infiltrative (INF-α-β) type. The contrast-enhanced computed tomograph (CT) shows a round nodule (arrow) with a length-to breadth ratio or 1.2 in the right lobe of the liver. This patient had recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection. B, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. Contrast-enhanced CT shows a gourdlike mass (arrow) with a length-to-breadth ratio of 2.0 in the right lobe of the liver. C, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-α-β type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a round nodule (arrow) with regular contour in the right lobe. The length-to-breadth ratio is 1.2. D, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a tumor (arrow) with irregular contour in the right lobe. Length-to-breadth ratio is 2.0. E, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-α-β type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a round nodule (arrow) with well-defined boundary in the right lobe. Length-to-breadth ratio is 1.2. F, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a tumor (arrow) with ill-defined boundary in the right lobe. The length-to-breadth ratio is 1.1.CT FINDINGS AND DISEASE-FREE SURVIVAL AFTER HEPATIC RESECTIONWe then investigated whether CT features were prognostic. For patients with less than 1.5 (n = 12) and those with 1.5 or more (n = 13) liver metastases, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 33% and 0%, respectively (estimated disease-free survival time [SD], 18.7 [4.4] and 10.6 [2.1] months, respectively) (P= .04). For patients with regular (n = 10) and irregular (n = 15) contour liver metastases, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 40% and 0%, respectively (estimated disease-free survival time [SD], 22.5 [4.6] and 9.1 [1.8] months, respectively) (P= .02). However, multivariate analysis of 4 factors (ie, the ratio, outline, size, and boundary) showed that only the outline of nodules was statistically significant as an independent prognostic factor (hazard rate, 11.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.512-89.584; P= .02).COMMENTAfter hepatic resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases, 70% to 80% of patients experience a recurrent disease.Liver disease recurrence is frequently observed.However, it was not always easy to identify the high-risk patients preoperatively. The ability to do so would have great practical importance. Numerous technical advances have occurred in cross-sectional imaging techniques for evaluating hepatic malignancies. Preoperative hepatic imaging for patients with colorectal liver lesions also allows the collection of clinical information, such as the presence of lesions, precise distribution, resectability, and, to some extent, prognosis.Computed tomographic portography and/or liver magnetic resonance imaging must be performed in all patients prior to surgery.In the current study, we assessed the relation between the pathologic tumor growth pattern of liver metastases and the morphologic features seen on CT portography. Two groups (INF-α-β type and INF-γ type) had a characteristic morphology in the ratio of length to breadth of nodules and the finding of outlines of these nodules. The finding of outline of nodule was especially closely correlated with the patient's survival, despite a limited number of patients. These findings, therefore, provide evidence that the morphologic features seen on CT indicate the biological behavior of metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer.We previously showed that simple nodular and confluent nodular-type liver metastases, the macroscopic classification reported to be a prognostic factor,were observed in 64% and 36% of patients with INF-α-β type liver metastases (n = 14), respectively, and in 21% and 79% of patients with INF-γ type liver metastases (n = 14), respectively.These observations might be reflected in differences of CT imaging features between the 2 groups in this study.CONCLUSIONSPathologic tumor growth pattern of colorectal liver metastases seems to be elucidated by CT imaging features in most patients. The morphologic features might serve to provide information for treatment and also for survival.JScheeleRStanglAAltendorf-HofmannMPaulResection of colorectal liver metastases.World J Surg.1995;19:59-71.MReesGPlantSBygraveLate results justify resection for multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.Br J Surg.1997;84:1136-1140.MD'AngelicaMFBrennanJGFortnerAMCohenLHBlumgartYFongNinety-six five-year survivors after liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer.J Am Coll Surg.1997;185:554-559.KYasuiTHiraiTKatoA new macroscopic classification predicts prognosis for patient with liver metastases from colorectal cancer.Ann Surg.1997;226:582-586.BCadyRLJenkinsGDSteele JrSurgical margin in hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis: a critical and improvable determinant of outcome.Ann Surg.1998;227:566-571.EABakalakosJAKimDCYoungEWMartin JrDeterminants of survival following hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer.World J Surg.1998;22:399-405.JYamaguchiKKomutaSMatsuzakiSOkudairaHFujiokaTKanematsuMode of infiltrative growth of colorectal liver metastases is a useful predictor of recurrence after hepatic resection.World J Surg [serial online].May 29, 2002;26(9). Available at: http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00268/tocs.html. Access verified August 26, 2002.PHSugarbakerSurgical decision making for large bowel cancer metastatic to the liver.Radiology.1990;174:621-626.JBKruskalRAKaneImaging of primary and metastatic liver tumors.Surg Oncol Clin N Am.1996;5:231-260.APoyanliSSencerComputed tomography scan of the liver.Eur J Radiol.1999;32:15-20.TGAllen-MershSEarlamCFordyKAbramsJHoughtonQuality of life and survival with continuous hepatic-artery floxuridine infusion for colorectal liver metastases.Lancet.1994;344:1255-1260.VFernandez-TrigoFShamsaPHSugarbakerand other members of the Repeat Hepatic Metastases RegistryRepeat liver resections for colorectal metastasis.Surgery.1995;117:296-304.DEliasACavalcantiJCSabourinResection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: the real impact of the surgical margin.Eur J Surg Oncol.1998;24:174-179.JYamaguchiMYamamotoKKomutaHFujiokaJFuruiTKanematsuHepatic resections for bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer.J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg.2000;7:404-409.JCVaillantPBalladurBNordlingerRepeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases.Br J Surg.1993;80:340-344.BNordlingerJCVaillantMGuiguetSurvival benefit of repeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases:143 cases.J Clin Oncol.1994;12:1491-1496.CWPinsonJKWrightWCChapmanCLGarrardTKBlairJLSawyersRepeat hepatic surgery for colorectal cancer metastasis to the liver.Ann Surg.1996;223:765-776.Accepted for publication June 29, 2002.Corresponding author and reprints: Junzo Yamaguchi, MD, Department of Surgery, National Saga Hospital, 1-20-1 Hinode, Saga 849-0923, Japan (e-mail: junzo@crocus.ocn.ne.jp). http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA Surgery American Medical Association

Computed Tomographic Findings of Colorectal Liver Metastases Can Be Predictive for Recurrence After Hepatic Resection

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American Medical Association
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Copyright 2002 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
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2168-6254
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2168-6262
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10.1001/archsurg.137.11.1294
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Abstract

BackgroundWe recently reported that the pathologic mode of infiltrative growth (infiltrative [INF]-α, INF-β, and INF-γ) of colorectal liver metastases had characteristic morphologic findings, and furthermore showed that the INF type was a prognostic factor for disease-free survival after hepatic resection.HypothesisPreoperative computed tomographic (CT) findings of the liver nodules may be predictive for pathologic tumor growth pattern.DesignRetrospective study.SettingDepartments of Surgery and Radiology at a university hospital in Japan.PatientsA total of 25 CT examinations (1985-1998) were reviewed, and a comparison was conducted on CT findings of 2 groups with INF-α or INF-β (hereafter noted as INF-α-β) (n = 9 [ie, a patient with INF-α plus 8 with INF-β]) and INF-γ (n = 16) type liver metastases.Main Outcome Measuresχ2Analysis of CT morphologic features was performed between the study groups. The result of multivariate analysis was obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe morphologic features observed by CT showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (INF-α-β, and INF-γ types) in the ratio of length to breadth of nodules (<1.5 vs ≥1.5, P= .008) and in the outline of nodules (regular vs irregular, P= .01). Of these CT imaging features, the outline of the nodule was an independent prognostic factor (P= .02).ConclusionComputed tomographic findings of colorectal liver lesions correlated with the pathologic tumor growth pattern and a prognosis.MANY STUDIES reported that hepatic resection of metastatic colorectal cancer was the best hope for prolonged survival, and many prognostic factors were shown.We classified the mode of infiltrative (INF) growth of colorectal liver metastases into 3 pathologic types (INF-α, INF-β, and INF-γ) and reported that the tumor growth pattern was a prognostic factor and a predictor of recurrence to the remnant of the liver after hepatic surgery.Briefly, in analysis of patients with liver metastases smaller than 6 cm or fewer than 4 nodules, 5-year disease-free survival rates were 64% and 14% in patients with INF-α or INF-β (hereafter, INF-α-β), and INF-γ type liver metastases, respectively, and recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection was found in 14% and 79% in the 2 groups, respectively. However, most prognostic factors including the INF type have been identified after surgery. Only a few factors preoperatively, that is, the size, number, and distribution of liver lesions, have been evaluated by imaging modalities and have been used both to plan effective surgery and to predict prognosis.However, it is our experience that these preoperative factors are insufficient to predict the prognosis in patients with metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer. The accurate preoperative assessment of tumor biology can contribute importantly to the therapeutic options including chemotherapyand to the prediction of prognosis. The present study was a retrospective analysis conducted to determine whether the pathologic growth pattern of liver metastases can be evaluated on the basis of computed tomographic (CT) imaging features.METHODSSTUDY POPULATIONFrom January 1, 1981, through December 31, 1998, 42 curative hepatic resections were performed for 37 patients with isolated liver metastases caused by colorectal cancer.In this study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 of the 28 patients who underwent CT scanning (1985-1998). Four of the 25 patients were cases of recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection.CT PROTOCOLSComputed tomographic scanning including the acquisition of CT contrast-enhanced images, and nonenhanced images were performed in all 25 patients. Helical CT was performed in 11 patients and included nonenhanced, arterial-dominant-phase and portal-dominant-phase images through the liver. The arterial-dominant and portal-dominant phases were obtained with delays of 25 to 30 seconds and 60 to 70 seconds, respectively, after initiation of an intravenous bolus injection of contrast material. The remaining 14 patients who underwent conventional (nonhelical) CT had postcontrast scans with a delay of 60 to 70 seconds (portal-dominant phase) and nonenhanced scans. Section thickness was 5 to 7 mm for conventional and helical imagings. On average, patients received 100 mL of 60% iodinated contrast medium at both helical and conventional CT. For conventional CT, the contrast agent was intravenously administered at a rate of 1.5 to 2.5 mL/s; for helical multiphasic examinations, the rate was 2.0 to 3.0 mL/s, administered using a power injector. Helical CT studies were perfomed using the single-detector CT system (model Somatom Plus 4; Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany) and conventional studies were perfomed with a CT scanner (model 9800; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis).CT IMAGE ANALYSISThe portal-dominant phase was used to evaluate CT morphologic features of metastatic liver nodules. With regard to the ratio of length to breadth of the liver nodules, the median ratio was 1.5 (range, 1.0-2.0). Then the ratio was divided into smaller than 1.5 and larger than or equal to 1.5. The latter (≥1.5) included pear-shaped, kidney-shaped, or gourdlike masses. The outline of liver nodules was classified into regular and irregular contour. Size (maximum diameter) of metastases evaluated by CT was divided into smaller than 4 cm and larger than or equal to 4 cm. When multiple nodules existed in a patient, the nodule providing the best information on CT was evaluated. That is, the tumor size was not necessarily the largest liver metastasis seen in a patient. In addition, the boundary of nodules with adjacent liver tissues was classified into well defined and ill defined. These findings were independently evaluated by 2 radiologists (I.S. and T.F.) who did not have information on the outcome of the disease in these patients.MODE OF INF GROWTH OF LIVER METASTASESAs previously described,microscopic findings of liver metastases were classified into INF-α, INF-β, and INF-γ. Briefly, as shown in the scheme (Figure 1), metastatic lesions with expansive growth but a sharp boundary with adjacent tissues were classified as INF-α type. Lesions with invasive growth and no boundary with adjacent tissues were classified as INF-γ type; the intermediate type between INF-α and INF-γ was classified as INF-β type.Figure 1.Scheme of microscopic tumor growth pattern.STATISTICAL ANALYSISThe χ2analysis with Yates correction was used to test the differences between the 2 study groups. The tumor-free survival rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier methods. Mean values (estimated values) of tumor-free survival time and the SD were calculated using STAT View 5 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). The result of multivariate analysis was obtained using the Cox proportional hazards model of prognostic factors for tumor-free survival. P≤.05 were considered as statistically significant.RESULTSCHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH INF-α-β AND INF-γ TYPE LIVER METASTASESThe groups with INF-α-β and INF-γ type liver metastases consisted of 9 and 16 patients, respectively. As given in Table 1, there was no difference in the clinical factors of time of diagnosis, number of metastases, diameter of the largest liver metastasis, and distribution between the 2 groups.Table 1. Characteristics of Patients With Infiltrative (INF) α-β or INF-γ Type Liver MetastasesVariableINF-α-β (n = 9)INF-γ (n = 16)Time of diagnosisSynchronous56Metachronous410No. of metastases1692-324≥413Size of metastases, cm<6710≥626Distribution of metastasesUnilobar712Bilobar24CT MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES IN PATIENTS WITH INF-α-β AND INF-γ TYPE LIVER METASTASESHelical CT and nonhelical CT were performed in 4 and 5 patients, respectively, with INF-α -β type liver metastases and in 7 and 9 patients, respectively, with INF-γ type liver metastases. As given in Table 2with regard to the ratio of length to breadth of nodules, 8 (89%) of 9 patients with INF-α-β type liver metastases had less than 1.5 nodules (Figure 2A) and 12 (75%) of 16 patients with INF-γ type had 1.5 or greater (Figure 2B)(P= .007). With regard to the outline of nodules, 7 patients (78%) with INF-α-β had regular contour nodules (Figure 2C), and 13 patients (81%) with INF-γ had irregular contour (Figure 2D)(P= .01). However, there was no significant difference in either size of metastases (P= .07) or boundary with adjacent liver tissues (P= .07) between the 2 groups. Figure 2E and F showed the boundary of nodules to be well defined and ill defined, respectively.Table 2. Computed Tomographic (CT) Findings of Colorectal Liver Metastases*CT FindingsINF-α-β (n = 9)INF-γ (n = 16)PValue†Ratio of length to breadth<1.58 (89)4 (25).008≥1.51 (11)12 (75)Outline of nodulesRegular7 (78)3 (19).01Irregular2 (22)13 (81)Size of nodules, cm<47 (78)5 (31).07≥42 (22)11 (69)Boundary with adjacent tissuesWell defined8 (89)7 (44).07Ill defined1 (11)9 (56)*Data are given as number (percentage) of patients. INF indicates infiltrative.†χ2Analysis with Yates correction.Figure 2.A, Metastatic liver tumor with infiltrative (INF-α-β) type. The contrast-enhanced computed tomograph (CT) shows a round nodule (arrow) with a length-to breadth ratio or 1.2 in the right lobe of the liver. This patient had recurrent liver disease after hepatic resection. B, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. Contrast-enhanced CT shows a gourdlike mass (arrow) with a length-to-breadth ratio of 2.0 in the right lobe of the liver. C, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-α-β type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a round nodule (arrow) with regular contour in the right lobe. The length-to-breadth ratio is 1.2. D, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a tumor (arrow) with irregular contour in the right lobe. Length-to-breadth ratio is 2.0. E, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-α-β type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a round nodule (arrow) with well-defined boundary in the right lobe. Length-to-breadth ratio is 1.2. F, Metastatic liver tumor with INF-γ type. The contrast-enhanced CT shows a tumor (arrow) with ill-defined boundary in the right lobe. The length-to-breadth ratio is 1.1.CT FINDINGS AND DISEASE-FREE SURVIVAL AFTER HEPATIC RESECTIONWe then investigated whether CT features were prognostic. For patients with less than 1.5 (n = 12) and those with 1.5 or more (n = 13) liver metastases, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 33% and 0%, respectively (estimated disease-free survival time [SD], 18.7 [4.4] and 10.6 [2.1] months, respectively) (P= .04). For patients with regular (n = 10) and irregular (n = 15) contour liver metastases, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 40% and 0%, respectively (estimated disease-free survival time [SD], 22.5 [4.6] and 9.1 [1.8] months, respectively) (P= .02). However, multivariate analysis of 4 factors (ie, the ratio, outline, size, and boundary) showed that only the outline of nodules was statistically significant as an independent prognostic factor (hazard rate, 11.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.512-89.584; P= .02).COMMENTAfter hepatic resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases, 70% to 80% of patients experience a recurrent disease.Liver disease recurrence is frequently observed.However, it was not always easy to identify the high-risk patients preoperatively. The ability to do so would have great practical importance. Numerous technical advances have occurred in cross-sectional imaging techniques for evaluating hepatic malignancies. Preoperative hepatic imaging for patients with colorectal liver lesions also allows the collection of clinical information, such as the presence of lesions, precise distribution, resectability, and, to some extent, prognosis.Computed tomographic portography and/or liver magnetic resonance imaging must be performed in all patients prior to surgery.In the current study, we assessed the relation between the pathologic tumor growth pattern of liver metastases and the morphologic features seen on CT portography. Two groups (INF-α-β type and INF-γ type) had a characteristic morphology in the ratio of length to breadth of nodules and the finding of outlines of these nodules. The finding of outline of nodule was especially closely correlated with the patient's survival, despite a limited number of patients. These findings, therefore, provide evidence that the morphologic features seen on CT indicate the biological behavior of metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer.We previously showed that simple nodular and confluent nodular-type liver metastases, the macroscopic classification reported to be a prognostic factor,were observed in 64% and 36% of patients with INF-α-β type liver metastases (n = 14), respectively, and in 21% and 79% of patients with INF-γ type liver metastases (n = 14), respectively.These observations might be reflected in differences of CT imaging features between the 2 groups in this study.CONCLUSIONSPathologic tumor growth pattern of colorectal liver metastases seems to be elucidated by CT imaging features in most patients. The morphologic features might serve to provide information for treatment and also for survival.JScheeleRStanglAAltendorf-HofmannMPaulResection of colorectal liver metastases.World J Surg.1995;19:59-71.MReesGPlantSBygraveLate results justify resection for multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.Br J Surg.1997;84:1136-1140.MD'AngelicaMFBrennanJGFortnerAMCohenLHBlumgartYFongNinety-six five-year survivors after liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer.J Am Coll Surg.1997;185:554-559.KYasuiTHiraiTKatoA new macroscopic classification predicts prognosis for patient with liver metastases from colorectal cancer.Ann Surg.1997;226:582-586.BCadyRLJenkinsGDSteele JrSurgical margin in hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis: a critical and improvable determinant of outcome.Ann Surg.1998;227:566-571.EABakalakosJAKimDCYoungEWMartin JrDeterminants of survival following hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer.World J Surg.1998;22:399-405.JYamaguchiKKomutaSMatsuzakiSOkudairaHFujiokaTKanematsuMode of infiltrative growth of colorectal liver metastases is a useful predictor of recurrence after hepatic resection.World J Surg [serial online].May 29, 2002;26(9). Available at: http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00268/tocs.html. Access verified August 26, 2002.PHSugarbakerSurgical decision making for large bowel cancer metastatic to the liver.Radiology.1990;174:621-626.JBKruskalRAKaneImaging of primary and metastatic liver tumors.Surg Oncol Clin N Am.1996;5:231-260.APoyanliSSencerComputed tomography scan of the liver.Eur J Radiol.1999;32:15-20.TGAllen-MershSEarlamCFordyKAbramsJHoughtonQuality of life and survival with continuous hepatic-artery floxuridine infusion for colorectal liver metastases.Lancet.1994;344:1255-1260.VFernandez-TrigoFShamsaPHSugarbakerand other members of the Repeat Hepatic Metastases RegistryRepeat liver resections for colorectal metastasis.Surgery.1995;117:296-304.DEliasACavalcantiJCSabourinResection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: the real impact of the surgical margin.Eur J Surg Oncol.1998;24:174-179.JYamaguchiMYamamotoKKomutaHFujiokaJFuruiTKanematsuHepatic resections for bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer.J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg.2000;7:404-409.JCVaillantPBalladurBNordlingerRepeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases.Br J Surg.1993;80:340-344.BNordlingerJCVaillantMGuiguetSurvival benefit of repeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases:143 cases.J Clin Oncol.1994;12:1491-1496.CWPinsonJKWrightWCChapmanCLGarrardTKBlairJLSawyersRepeat hepatic surgery for colorectal cancer metastasis to the liver.Ann Surg.1996;223:765-776.Accepted for publication June 29, 2002.Corresponding author and reprints: Junzo Yamaguchi, MD, Department of Surgery, National Saga Hospital, 1-20-1 Hinode, Saga 849-0923, Japan (e-mail: junzo@crocus.ocn.ne.jp).

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JAMA Surgery – American Medical Association

Published: Nov 1, 2002

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