Infusion MR arteriography during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy: evaluation of clinical usefulness

PURPOSE: We developed a new method of infusion MR arteriography (IMRA) via an implantable port system using an infusion pump for the evaluation of drug distribution during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. The purposes of this study were to optimize the method and evaluate its clinical usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 3D-T1 TFE as the most suitable sequence for IMRA according to the results of a phantom model experiment. We examined 33 cases of liver cancer that had been treated by arterial infusion chemotherapy via the port system. The following investigations were performed: degree of tumor enhancement, intra- and extrahepatic perfusion abnormality, and related toxicity. The evaluation of images was performed separately by two radiologists. RESULTS: IMRA provided good images of contrast enhancement, to reveal the perfusion patterns. The treatment response rate in the tumor group with well enhancement was higher than that of the group with poor enhancement (p < 0.0001). Extrahepatic perfusion was well visualized and was correlated with toxicity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: IMRA is a useful method to evaluate drug perfusion for the optimization of arterial infusion chemotherapy.     

Comparison of Fusion Imaging Using a Combined SPECT/CT System and Intra-arterial CT: Assessment of Drug Distribution by an Implantable Port System in Patients Undergoing Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is effective for treating primary and metastatic carcinoma of the liver. We compared the perfusion patterns of HAI chemotherapy on intra-arterial port-catheter computed tomography (iapc-CT) and fused images obtained with a combined single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) system. We studied 28 patients with primary or metastatic carcinoma of the liver who bore an implantable HAI port system. All underwent abdominal SPECT using Tc-99m-MAA (185 Mbq); the injection rate was 1 mL/min, identical to the chemotherapy infusion rate, and 0.5 mL/sec for iapc-CT. Delivery was through an implantable port. We compared the intrahepatic perfusion (IHP) and extrahepatic perfusion (EHP) patterns of HAI chemotherapy on iapc-CT images and fused images obtained with a combined SPECT/CT system. In 23 of 28 patients (82%), IHP patterns on iapc-CT images and fused images were identical. In 5 of the 28 patients (18%), IHP on fusion images was different from IHP on iapc-CT images. EHP was seen on fused images in 12 of the 28 patients (43%) and on iapc-CT images in 8 patients (29%). In 17 patients (61%), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastroduodenal mucosal lesions. EHP was revealed on fused images in 10 of these patients; 9 of them manifested gastroduodenal toxicity at the time of subsequent HAI chemotherapy. Fusion imaging using the combined SPECT/CT system reflects the actual distribution of the infused anticancer agent. This information is valuable not only for monitoring adequate drug distribution but also for avoiding potential extrahepatic complications.     

MR arteriography using an implantable port system: a new method in assessing perfusion abnormalities during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

We present a case in which MR arteriography (MRA) with an indwelling catheter was used in a perfusion study of intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy for liver metastases. After embolization of collateral vessels using platinum coils, CT imaging was disturbed by strong artifact. However, platinum coils produced no MR artifact. In addition, MRA had greater advantages in depicting perfusion defects than perfusion scintigraphy. We consider MRA useful in assessing perfusion abnormalities during intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy.     

Evaluation of Intrahepatic Perfusion on Fusion Imaging Using a Combined CT/SPECT System: Influence of Anatomic Variations on Hemodynamic Modification Before Installation of Implantable Port Systems for Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: In some patients with hepatic tumors, anatomic variations in the hepatic arteries may require hemodynamic modification to render effective hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy delivered via implantable port systems. We used a combined CT/SPECT system to obtain fused images of the intrahepatic perfusion patterns in patients with such anatomic variations and assessed their effects on the treatment response of hepatic tumors. METHODS: Using a combined SPECT/CT system, we obtained fused images in 110 patients with malignant liver tumors (n = 75) or liver metastasis from unresectable pancreatic cancer (n = 35). Patients with anatomic hepatic arteries variations underwent hemodynamic modification before the placement of implantable port systems for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. We evaluated their intrahepatic perfusion patterns and the initial treatment response of their liver tumors. The perfusion patterns on the fused images were classified as homogeneous, local hypoperfusion, and/or perfusion defect. Using the WHO criteria of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), no change (NC), and progressive disease (PD), we evaluated the patients' tumor responses after 3 months on multislice helical CT scans. The treatment was regarded as effective in patients who achieved a complete response or partial response. RESULTS: Anatomic hepatic artery variations were present in 15 of the 110 patients (13.6%); 5 manifested replacement of the left hepatic artery (LHA), 8 of the right hepatic artery (RHA), and 1 each had replacement of the RHA and LHA, and replacement of the LHA plus an accessory RHA. In 13 of these 15 patients (87%), occlusion with metallic coils was successful. On fusion imaging, the perfusion patterns were recorded as homogeneous in 6 patients (43%), as hypoperfusion in 7 (50%), and 1 patient had a perfusion defect (7.1%) in the embolized arterial region. Of the 8 patients with RHA replacement, 4 manifested a homogeneous distribution and 3 hypoperfusion. In 2 of 5 patients with LHA replacement, the distribution was homogeneous. In 1 patient with RHA and LHA replacement, and in 1 patient with LHA replacement and an accessory RHA, we noted hypoperfusion in the RHA territory. All 6 patients with homogeneous distribution were classified as PR or NC on follow-up multidetector CT. Of the 7 patients manifesting hypoperfusion, 3 were classified as PD (43%), 3 as NC (43%), and 1 as PR (14%) on follow-up CT. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic modification of anatomic hepatic artery variations resulted in hypoperfusion on fusion images. Differences in the intrahepatic perfusion patterns may affect the response to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.     

Development of extrahepatic arterial blood supply to the liver during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of development of the collateral circulation to the liver during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with the presence of hepatic tumours adjacent to the hepatic surface, and with pretreatment occlusion of aberrant hepatic arteries. In 102 patients with unresectable malignant hepatic tumours treated with HAIC using an implantable port system, development of collaterals to the liver was assessed with CT arteriography using the implantable port and pre- and postoperative angiography. Aberrant hepatic arteries, if present, were occluded prior to treatment for hepatic arterial redistribution. Collaterals to the liver were seen in 29 patients, who had 35 areas with collateral perfusion: 22 areas were in the right posterosuperior area, 6 in the left peripheral area and 7 in the right or left lobar area. Collaterals were revealed more frequently in patients with hepatic tumours adjacent to the hepatic surface than in those without hepatic tumours in peripheral areas in the liver (p < 0.0001). In addition, collaterals developed more frequently in patients with an aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy compared with those with conventional anatomy (p = 0.0007). Our results indicated that patients with hepatic tumours adjacent to the hepatic surface and with pretreatment occlusion of aberrant hepatic arteries had the potential to develop collaterals to the liver during HAIC. Received 4 November 1997; Revision received 24 February 1998; Accepted 2 June 1998     

Diffuse perfusion abnormality of the liver parenchyma on angiography-assisted helical CT in relation to cirrhosis and previous treatments: a potential diagnostic pitfall for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma

We evaluated diffuse perfusion abnormality of the liver parenchyma in relation to cirrhosis and previous treatments and estimated its potential limitation in detecting hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on CT arterial portography (CTAP) and CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA). Sixty-one patients of liver cirrhosis with or without HCC received both CTAP and CTHA. Irregular defects of enhancement of the liver parenchyma on CTAP were noted in 37 of 61 patients (60.7%) and compensatory arterial perfusion in these defects on CTHA was noted in 30 of 37 patients (81.1%). Most patients had segmental or mixed patterns of enhancement. In patients with severe cirrhosis, irregular enhancement was often noted. The irregularity was also more often in patients who had had previous treatments. Four of 40 HCC nodules in 18 patients with severe irregular perfusion were not detected on CTAP and CTHA. Diffuse perfusion abnormalities of the liver parenchyma on CTAP and CTHA would decrease the accuracy of tumor detection in HCC patients.     

Nontumorous Perfusion Abnormalities of Liver Parenchyma Adjacent to the Falciform Ligament As Revealed by Angiographic Helical Ct and Angiography

Purpose: To investigate nontumorous abnormalities in the liver around the falciform ligament as revealed by arteriography and helical CT arterial portography (CTAP) and helical CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA).Material and Methods: One hundred and seventeen patients simultaneously underwent hepatic arteriography and CTAP and CTHA of the common hepatic artery. The number, size, and shape of nontumorous defects of portal perfusion in the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament on CTAP as well as the nontumorous contrast enhancement in the same area on CTHA were determined. In 1 case, in which nontumorous enhancement was observed on CTHA, selective arteriography from the gastric arteries was performed.Results: On CTAP a nontumorous area of decreased portal perfusion of the liver around the falciform ligament was detected in 18 (15.4%) of the 117 patients, while nontumorous enhancement on CTHA was seen in 7 (6.0%). In 4 patients, both of these nontumorous abnormalities were observed. In the patient undergoing selective gastric arteriography, nonportal venous inflow to the liver in the direction to the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament was seen.Conclusion: One cause of nontumorous vascular abnormalities adjacent to the falciform ligament as shown on angiographic helical CT is aberrant gastric venous inflow to this region.     

Fusion imaging using a hybrid SPECT-CT camera improves port perfusion scintigraphy for control of hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients

Purpose Exclusive and homogeneous perfusion of the liver is considered essential for the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAI). The aim of this study was to evaluate port perfusion scintigraphy in colorectal cancer patients using a hybrid SPECT-CT system for control of minimally invasive intra-arterial port systems within the scope of a phase II trial.Methods In 24 consecutive patients, the perfusion territories of intra-arterial hepatic port systems were assessed by port scintigraphy with ^99mTc-labelled macroaggregated albumin employing planar imaging, SPECT and SPECT-CT (acquired with a hybrid SPECT-CT camera). The results of blinded reading of the scintigraphic modalities concerning the intra- and extrahepatic perfusion pattern were compared with combined image analysis (angiography and contrast-enhanced dedicated CT) and patient history for validation.Results Extrahepatic perfusion was correctly seen in three patients, while suspected extrahepatic perfusion could be excluded in one. In 46 liver lobes, perfusion patterns were correctly visualised by SPECT-CT in 100% of cases (planar, 67%; SPECT, 86%). Assessing the perfusion pattern inside the liver on a segmental basis (segments, n=138), SPECT-CT revealed correct segmental assignment of tracer distribution in 100% and was significantly superior to SPECT alone (accuracy, 84%; p<0.001). The scintigraphic findings resulted in changes in therapeutic management in 8/24 patients (33%); in two of these the relevant findings were visualised only by SPECT-CT.Conclusion In patients receiving HAI, port perfusion scintigraphy by fusion imaging with a hybrid SPECT-CT system provides important information for therapy optimisation and appears to be superior to SPECT alone.     

Evaluation of Extrahepatic Perfusion of Anticancer Drugs in the Right Gastric Arterial Region on Fused Images Using Combined CT/SPECT: Is Extrahepatic Perfusion Predictive of Gastric Toxicity?

Background Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is effective for treating primary and metastatic carcinomas of the liver. Since hepatic arteries also supply the stomach and duodenum, HAI may result in unwanted infusion into the upper gastrointestinal tract and consequent gastric toxicity. Using fused images obtained with a combined SPECT/CT system, we assessed extrahepatic perfusion (EHP) and its correlation with gastrointestinal toxicity in patients receiving HAI. Methods We studied 41 patients with primary or metastatic carcinoma of the liver who received HAI chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. All underwent abdominal SPECT using a ^99mTc-MAA (185 MBq) instrument and an injection rate of 0.1 ml/min, identical to the chemotherapy infusion rate. Delivery was through an implantable port. We analyzed the distribution of the anticancer agent on fused images and the relationship between EHP of the right gastric arterial region and gastric toxicity. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS). Results Of the 41 patients, 11 (27%) manifested enhancement of the duodenal and gastric pyloric region on fused images. EGDS at the time of reservoir placement detected gastric ulcers in 10 of these patients. Conclusion Fusion imaging with combined SPECT/CT reflects the actual distribution of the infused anticancer agents. The detection of EHP on fused images is predictive of the direct gastric toxicity from anticancer agents in patients undergoing HAI.     

Hepatic outflow obstruction: enhancement patterns of the liver on MR angiography

Our purpose was to present the enhancement patterns of the liver on MR angiography in patients with hepatic outflow obstruction. Twenty-three patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (4 in acute stage and 19 in chronic stage of the disease) were examined with 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography. During early and late portal venous phase of MR angiography the pattern of parenchymal enhancement was assessed on source images. The enhancement patterns were evaluated under 4 groups as following: (a) central (b) peripheral (c) patchy and (d) homogeneous enhancement. The morphologic changes in the liver (lobar hypertrophy or atrophy, hepatic surface irregularities) were also recorded. In the acute stage global liver enlargement (75%) with caudate hypertrophy (100%) and central enhancement of the liver (75%) were suggestive findings of the hepatic outflow obstruction. The left lobe hypertrophy (53%) associated with the caudate lobe hypertrophy (72%) and irregular surface (26%) were predominant in the chronic stage of the disease. The enhancement patterns seen in chronic disease were variable and reflected the persistent stasis of the portal blood flow (patchy enhancement in 32% of the patients) or the altered hemodynamics of the liver due to the development of subcapsular collaterals (peripheral enhancement in 21% of the patients). Homogeneous enhancement of the liver in Budd-Chiari syndrome may indicate the chronicity of the outflow obstruction (37%) and shows a more stable hepatic perfusion that occurs after the formation of intra and extrahepatic collateral veins. The morphological and perfusional features on multiphase contrast-enhanced MR angiography are valuable in understanding the effects of the hepatic outflow obstruction on the liver parenchyma.     

Influence of extrahepatic arterial inflow into the posterior segment or caudate lobe of the liver on repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

PURPOSE: For therapeutic effectiveness of repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for unresectable advanced liver malignancies, distribution of anticancer drugs via an indwelling catheter should be uniform throughout the entire liver. It was investigated how an extrahepatic artery entering the posterior segment or caudate lobe of the liver influences performance of repeated HAIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-five patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer underwent placement of a percutaneously implantable port-catheter system and were followed arteriographically with and without computed tomography (CT). The frequency of poor distribution in the posterior segment or caudate lobe of the liver was observed on CT during arteriography via the port for HAIC. The correlation between poor distribution and various factors including the number of intrahepatic arteries was studied, and the management of such poor distribution is described. RESULTS: In 34 of 195 patients (17.4%), poor distribution was observed in the posterior segment and/or caudate lobe of the liver. The rate of poor distribution was significantly higher in those with two or more hepatic arteries than in those with one (13 of 35 vs 21 of 160; P = .0007, chi2 test). Other evaluated factors were not significantly correlated with such poor distribution. The right inferior phrenic artery was successfully embolized in 22 patients with tumors in segments with poor distribution. Good distribution throughout the entire liver was achieved in 21 patients (95.5%). CONCLUSION: Inflow of the right inferior phrenic artery into the liver occasionally prevents distribution of anticancer drugs throughout the entire liver during performance of long-term HAIC.     

The aetiology of non-tumorous enhancement in the hepatic hilum shown on CT hepatic arteriography

The causes of non-tumorous abnormalities in the hepatic hilum seen on CT hepatic arteriography were investigated. 13 patients with non-tumorous defects of portal perfusion in the hepatic hilum on CT arterial portography underwent both CT hepatic arteriography from the common hepatic artery and CT obtained during proper hepatic arteriography. The findings of non-tumorous portal defects on these two angiographic studies using helical CT were compared. In the 13 patients, 14 non-tumorous defects of portal perfusion in the hepatic hilum on CT arterial portography were detected as enhanced areas in 10 regions (dorsum of segment IV, 7/10; dorsum of the lateral segment, 3/4) on CT hepatic arteriography via the common hepatic artery, but none were enhanced on CT obtained during proper hepatic arteriography. In conclusion, the main cause of non-tumorous enhancement in the hepatic hilum seen on CT hepatic arteriography is non-portal direct inflow via the parabiliary venous system.     

Optimal injection protocol for CT evaluation during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: As an imaging modality for follow-up during continuous or repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using a hepatic intra-arterial indwelling catheter, the usefulness of CT while infusing contrast through the indwelling catheter (reservoir port) was examined. METHODS: Using reservoir ports implanted in eight patients with hepatic metastasis from colon cancer, radioisotope perfusion scintigraphy (RI), CT (three rates of infusion of contrast were used), and digital subtraction angiography (AG) were performed to compare the modalities' ability to visualize the intrahepatic and abnormal extrahepatic distributions. RESULTS: CT (infusion rate 0.1 mL/sec) was superior to AG and RI in terms of the ability to visualize intrahepatic distribution, particularly in small areas, and facilitated 3D delineation of the distribution. In evaluating extrahepatic distribution, CT also outperformed the other modalities. CONCLUSIONS: For imaging study follow-up during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, CT proved to be more useful than conventional RI and AG.     

Role of MR cholangiopancreatography in patients with failed or inadequate ERCP

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of MR imaging features of primary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of MR imaging findings including MR cholangiography and multiphasic contrast-enhanced dynamic sequences in 22 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. MR imaging analysis included abnormalities of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, abnormalities of liver parenchyma, changes in liver morphology, and lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: Abnormal findings of bile ducts were seen in all 22 patients; the most common finding was intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (77%), followed by intrahepatic bile duct stenosis (64%), extrahepatic bile duct wall enhancement (67%), extrahepatic bile duct wall thickening (50%), extrahepatic bile duct stenosis (50%), and intrahepatic bile duct beading (36%). Increased enhancement of the liver parenchyma on dynamic arterial-phase images, predominantly in the peripheral areas of the liver, was identified in 56% of patients. Other findings included periportal lymphadenopathy (77%), periportal high signal intensity on T2-weighted images (68%), hypertrophy of the caudate lobe (68%), and abnormal hyperintensity of the liver parenchyma on T1-weighted images (23%). CONCLUSION: On MR imaging, primary sclerosing cholangitis showed several characteristic features, including bile duct abnormalities and increased enhancement of the liver parenchyma. MR cholangiography and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR techniques are useful for revealing intra- and extrahepatic signs of primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

肝脏炎性假瘤的CT及MRI征象

目的:探讨肝脏炎性假瘤的CT和MRI表现。方法:8例经手术病理证实的肝脏炎性假瘤。男5例,女3例,年龄35~65岁,平均53岁。8例均作CT平扫及增强扫描,其中3例行MR对比检查。结果:CT表现为1 个病灶6 例,2个病灶2例,共发现病灶10个。平扫9个病灶表现为低密度,1 个病灶表现为稍高密度。动态增强扫描2 个病灶动脉期显著强化,门脉期及延迟期中度强化;8个病灶动脉期无明显强化,门脉期及延迟期有不同方式的强化,主要表现为周边完整或不完整的环形或结节状强化,中心核心样强化及线状或不规则分隔样强化。MRI表现为2 例病灶T1WI呈低信号,T2WI呈稍高信号,1例病灶T1WI及T2WI均为等信号,动态增强扫描与CT相仿。结论:肝脏炎性假瘤的CT及MRI表现因其病理阶段不同而表现各异,诊断需结合临床,确诊尚依靠病理检查。     

Effects of prostaglandin E(1) injection through the superior mesenteric artery on the hemodynamics of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of portal blood flow on contrast enhancement in hepatocellular carcinoma lesions on CT hepatic arteriography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined 43 tumors in 39 patients who simultaneously underwent CT during arterial portography and CT hepatic arteriography for examination of liver tumors and then CT hepatic arteriography with prostaglandin E(1) injection via the superior mesenteric artery. All lesions pathologically confirmed to be hepatocellular carcinomas exhibited portal perfusion defects on CT during arterial portography. Changes in CT attenuation, size, and shape of liver tumors visualized on CT hepatic arteriography after intraarterial injection of prostaglandin E(1) were studied. In addition, changes in CT attenuation of the liver parenchyma surrounding the tumor were measured. RESULTS: The CT attenuation increased significantly after injection of prostaglandin E(1) in 91% (39/43) of the lesions (mean increase from 176.4 to 206.6 H; p = 0.0006, paired t test). The size and shape of the enhanced area generally did not change. The CT attenuation of the liver parenchyma surrounding each liver tumor significantly decreased in 58% (25/43) of the hepatocellular carcinoma lesions (mean decrease from 94.8 to 92.0 H; p = 0.0166, paired t test) and lesion conspicuity increased in 91% (39/43) of the tumors. CONCLUSION: Lesion conspicuity on CT hepatic arteriography between hepatocellular carcinoma and the surrounding liver parenchyma increased because of greater portal perfusion after the prostaglandin E(1) injection.     

Dynamic CT of hepatic abscesses: significance of transient segmental enhancement

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dynamic CT findings of hepatic abscesses, especially segmental hepatic enhancement, and to clarify the cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four abscesses in eight patients were examined by early (30 sec) and late phase (90 sec) dynamic CT. Patients underwent abscess drainage (n = 1), hepatic resection (n = 2), or antibiotic therapy (n = 5). CT during arterial portography and CT during hepatic arteriography were performed in one patient. We retrospectively observed the frequency and changes of segmental hepatic enhancement on dynamic CT and determined its cause using radiologic and pathologic correlation. RESULTS: Sixteen abscesses (67%) showed transient segmental hepatic enhancement and three abscesses showed only segmental hepatic enhancement in the early phase. Four abscesses in one patient who underwent CT during arterial portography and CT during hepatic arteriography showed a segmental perfusion defect on CT during arterial portography and segmental enhancement on CT during hepatic arteriography. On follow-up dynamic CT performed 10-17 days after the initial CT, segmental hepatic enhancement surrounding hepatic abscesses decreased or disappeared in all abscesses. Pathologic examination of two patients showed marked inflammatory cell infiltration with stenosis of portal venules within the portal tracts surrounding hepatic abscesses without definite inflammation in the liver parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Segmental hepatic enhancement on dynamic CT is frequently associated with hepatic abscesses and may be caused by decreased portal flow resulting from inflammation of the portal tracts.     

外生型肝癌的诊断及介入治疗

目的:研究外生型肝癌的诊断及介入治疗的方法。方法:11例外生型肝癌根据临床表现、AFP、CT、肝动脉造影及病理诊断确诊;11例均采用肝动脉灌注化疗及栓塞术,其中2例同时采用无水酒精注射治疗。结果:11例外生型肝癌介入治疗均成功无严重并发症发生。结论:外生型肝癌的诊断主要依靠临床表现、AFP、CT、肝动脉造影及病理进行综合诊断;外生型肝癌的介入治疗是一种有效的治疗方法。     

Perfusion abnormalities in congenital and neoplastic pulmonary disease: comparison of MR perfusion and multislice CT imaging

The aim of this work was to assess magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion patterns of chronic, nonembolic pulmonary diseases of congenital and neoplastic origin and to compare the findings with results obtained with pulmonary, contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (CT) imaging to prove that congenital and neoplastic pulmonary conditions require MR imaging over the pulmonary perfusion cycle to successfully and directly detect changes in lung perfusion patterns. Twenty-five patients underwent concurrent CT and MR evaluation of chronic pulmonary diseases of congenital (n=15) or neoplastic (n=10) origin. Analysis of MR perfusion and contrast-enhanced CT datasets was realized by defining pulmonary and vascular regions of interest in corresponding positions. MR perfusion calculated time-to-peak enhancement, maximal enhancement and the area under the perfusion curve. CT datasets provided pulmonary signal-to-noise ratio measurements. Vessel centerlines of bronchial arteries were determined. Underlying perfusion type, such as pulmonary arterial or systemic arterial supply, as well as regions with significant variations in perfusion were determined statistically. Analysis of the pulmonary perfusion pattern detected pulmonary arterial supply in 19 patients; six patients showed systemic arterial supply. In pulmonary arterial perfusion, MR and multislice CT imaging consistently detected the perfusion type and regions with altered perfusion patterns. In bronchial arterial supply, MR perfusion and CT imaging showed significant perfusion differences. Patients with bronchial arterial supply had bronchial arteries ranging from 2.0 to 3.6 mm compared with submillimeter diameters in pulmonary arterial perfusion. Dynamic MR imaging of congenital and neoplastic pulmonary conditions allowed characterization of the pulmonary perfusion type. CT imaging suggested the presence of systemic arterial perfusion by visualizing hypertrophied bronchial arteries.Electronic SupplementaryMaterial Supplementary material is available for this article at .     

Evaluation of hepatic toxicity following high-dose 5-FU arterial infusion chemotherapy: analysis of 42 cases of colorectal liver metastases

The regional toxicity of an anticancer agent for normal liver tissue following hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAI) was evaluated in terms of morphology, function, and histopathology. Forty-two patients(M:F = 30:12; mean age, 59.9 years) with liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with HAI using a totally implantable vascular access port system from July 1994 to March 1999. The regimen used here was so-called weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) infusion(5-FU, 1,000 mg/m2/week). Volume measurement of the liver demonstrated not only whole liver atrophy including the tumor but also volume reduction of the non-tumorous lobe. Atrophic change of the liver was seen in patients who were administered over 20 g/m2 of 5-FU(p < 0.01). The CT attenuation values of the liver were examined, and fatty infiltration was seen in six patients. Histologic examination of liver biopsies from the non-tumorous part revealed steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the portal triad, which were not seen in specimens prior to HAI. On clinical laboratory findings, enzymes representing bile duct, including alkaline phosphatase, leucine amino peptidase, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, were increased in 22 patients. In terms of regional toxicity for long-term HAI, 20 g/m2 of 5-FU, is the key dose at which to consider temporary cessation or dose reduction.