Nevertheless, this study demonstrated consistent findings of the diagnostic accuracy of PTX3 for HCC in various disease conditions of chronic HBV infection, and both multivariable analysis and the analysis of data after PSM exhibited the independent role and diagnostic potential of PTX3 in HBV-related HCC, providing evidence for further studies of enhancing and extending the diagnostic potential of PTX3 in HCC detection and optimization of HCC surveillance. This evidence concerns the gene PTX3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.