Characterization of small nodules in liver cirrhosis. The assessment of the vascular pattern at imaging techniques. The problem of "hypovascular" HCC

Aims: Primary aim of this prospective study was to validate the impact of arterial hypervascularity, as established by EASL guidelines, as a criterion for the diagnostic characterization of small (1-3 cm) nodules in cirrhosis. Secondary aims were: 1) to detect possible differences between incidental nodules and those recurrent after curative treatments; 2) to assess the rate of hypovascular HCC; 3) to assess the influence of nodular size on the vascular pattern of small nodules