Abstract: Objective To investigate the value of computer tomography (CT) combined with circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Ninety-two HCC patients who underwent radical resection in our hospital were selected, they were divided into MVI group (34 cases) and non MVI group (58 cases) according to postoperative pathological results. The clinical data of the 2 groups were compared. All patients underwent CT before operation, and the imaging data of the 2 groups were analyzed. The levels of CTCs and AFP were detected before operation. Risk factors of MVI in HCC patients were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Results The proportions of tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm, multinodular type, CTCs positive, serum AFP > 400 μg/L in MVI group were significantly higher than those in non MVI group, and the proportion of tumor capsule integrity was significantly lower than that in non MVI group (P<0.05); tumor diameter, nodule type, tumor capsule, CTCs and serum AFP levels were independent risk factors for MVI in HCC patients (P<0.05). Conclusion Tumor diameter, nodule type, tumor capsule, CTCs and serum AFP are independent risk factors for MVI in HCC patients. Therefore, CT combined with CTCs and AFP can be used to predict the presence of MVI in HCC patients before operation.

Key words: Computer tomography technology, Circulating tumor cells, Alpha fetoprotein, Hepatovellular carcinoma, Microvascular invasion, Predictive value