肝脏CT灌注成像技术及其在肝硬化中的初步应用

目的　采用单层CT动态成像测定肝脏血流量 ,探讨CT灌注成像测定肝血流量的技术原理。资料与方法　 15例经临床及实验室、B超检查诊断为肝硬化患者 ,其中ChildB级者 10例 ,ChildC级者 5例。对照组为 13例无肝脏疾病者。所有患者均选取同时含有肝脏、脾脏、主动脉和门静脉的层面进行单层CT动态增强扫描 ,绘制感兴趣区时间 密度曲线计算肝脏血流量各参数。结果　正常组肝动脉灌注量 (HAP)为 0 .2 82 3± 0 .0 96 9ml·min-1·ml-1,门静脉灌注量 (PVP)为 (1.1788± 0 .4 0 0 4 )ml·min-1·ml-1,总肝血流量 (THBF)为 (1.4 5 6 3± 0 .4 4 39)ml·min-1·ml-1,肝动脉灌注指数 (HPI)为 (19.73± 5 .81) %。肝硬化时PVP为 (0 .6 12 1± 0 .2 5 4 4 )ml·min-1·ml-1,较正常组降低 ;THBF也减低 ,为 (0 .84 2 6± 0 .32 4 2 )ml·min-1·ml-1。肝硬化患者的HPI较正常组略有升高 ,为 (2 7.16±12 .75 ) % ,但无统计学差异 (P =0 .0 6 5 )。结论　肝脏CT灌注成像可定量测定肝脏血流量参数     

肝硬化患者64层螺旋CT血流灌注参数与MELD评分系统相关性研究

目的 采用64层螺旋CT动态成像测定肝脏血流量,研究肝硬化患者血流灌注参数变化与终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分与肝脏血流量动态变化的关系. 资料与方法 64层螺旋CT肝血流灌注成像41例,其中肝硬化31例,健康志愿者及其他疾病行腹部CT检查者10例,计算肝脏血流灌注各参数. 结果 对照组肝门静脉灌注量PVP为(73.07±8.53) ml·100 ml-1·min-1,肝动脉灌注量ALP为(11.25±1.70) ml·100 ml-1·min-1,肝动脉灌注指数HPI为(13.59±2.27)%.肝硬化时,门静脉灌注量PVP为(46.53±15.70 ml/100ml/min),肝动脉灌注量ALP为(16.21±5.50) ml·100 ml-1·min-1,肝动脉灌注指数HPI为(27.87±13.25)%.两组间灌注参数差异均存在显著性意义(P<0.05).MELD评分>6分患者肝血流灌注与MELD评分≦6分间差异存在显著性意义(P<0.05).MELD评分<6分与对照组间ALP、HPI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).灌注参数PVP、HPI与MELD分级高度相关(γ>0.75). 结论 肝脏CT灌注成像可定量测定肝脏血流量参数,灌注参数与MELD分级相关.肝硬化时CT血流灌注可用于评估疾病的严重程度.     

CT灌注成像对肝硬化血流动力学的临床研究

目的　采用单层CT动态成像测定肝脏血流量 ,研究肝硬化程度与肝脏血流量动态变化的关系。方法　对 2 7例肝硬化患者及 13例对照者选取同时含有肝脏、脾脏、主动脉和门静脉的层面进行单层CT动态增强扫描 ,绘制感兴趣区时间 密度曲线 ,计算肝脏血流量各参数。结果　正常组肝动脉灌注量为 (0 2 82 3± 0 0 96 9)ml·min-1·ml-1,门静脉灌注量为 (1 1788± 0 4 0 0 4 )ml·min-1·ml-1,总肝血流量为 (1 4 5 6 3± 0 4 4 39)ml·min-1·ml-1,肝动脉灌注指数为 (19 73± 5 81) %。肝硬化程度不同时 ,肝动脉灌注量、门静脉灌注量、肝脏总血流量及肝动脉灌注指数变化间差异存在显著性意义。ChildA、B级患者肝动脉灌注量 [(0 16 85± 0 10 6 8)ml·min-1·ml-1,(0 192 1± 0 0 986 )ml·min-1·ml-1]降低 ,而ChildC级患者肝动脉灌注量 [(0 30 72± 0 114 5 )ml·min-1·ml-1]比ChildA、B级患者增加 ,肝动脉灌注指数 [(37 4 8± 16 6 5 ) % ]也增加。ChildB、C级患者门静脉灌注量 [(0 6 331± 0 2 0 70 )ml·min-1·ml-1,(0 5 70 2± 0 35 6 2 )ml·min-1·ml-1]及总肝血流量 [(0 82 5 2± 0 2 95 2 )ml·min-1·ml-1,(0 8774± 0 4 118)ml·min-1·ml-1]下降。结论　肝脏CT灌注成像可定量测     

肝硬化的多层螺旋CT灌注成像表现

目的 探讨肝硬化的多层螺旋CT灌注成像表现.方法 对25例肝硬化患者及12例健康成人作为对照者行肝脏16层螺旋CT灌注成像,得到肝脏血流灌注参数值,并与Child分级相对照.结果 与正常对照组比较,随着肝硬化程度的加重,肝脏的血流量(BF)、血容量(BV)逐渐降低,肝动脉分数(HAF)逐渐增高;平均通过时间(MTT)未见明确变化规律.结论 CT灌注成像有助于早期诊断肝硬化,而且可以用于评价肝硬化病变程度,具有一定的临床意义.     

能谱 CT 容积穿梭灌注成像联合体积测量对肝硬化储备功能的评价

目的：探讨能谱CT容积螺旋穿梭灌注成像联合体积测量评价肝硬化肝功能储备的应用价值。方法肝硬化组30例及正常肝脏组30例均行 CT 肝体积测量和灌注成像,比较肝硬化组与正常肝脏组之间,肝硬化组肝功能 A、B、C 级之间的肝体积值,血流灌注参数值及肝体积-血流灌注乘积参数值的差异,并将肝功能分级分数与肝体积值、血流灌注参数值及肝体积-血流灌注综合参数值作相关性分析。结果肝硬化组 A、B、C 级肝体积(LV )呈逐级递减,各组间有统计学差异(P <0.01);肝硬化组血流灌注参数的肝血流量(BF)、肝血容量(BV)、平均通过时间(MTT)、肝动脉分数(HAF)与正常肝脏组相比,差异有统计学意义(P <0.01);BF 和 BV 呈逐级递减,C 级与 A、B 级间有统计学差异(P <0.01);肝体积-血流灌注指数(VBPI)呈逐级递减,各级间有统计学差异(P <0.01);与其他指标相比,VBPI 与肝功能分级具有更高的相关性(r=-0.835,P <0.01)。结论肝体积及肝血流灌注参数的改变与肝硬化的临床分级相关,能谱 CT 容积螺旋穿梭灌注成像联合体积测量能准确地评价肝储备功能。     

肝脏灌注成像的CT扫描方法及应用价值

目的:探讨单层CT动态增强扫描测定肝硬化肝脏血流量的扫描方法及其应用价值。方法:15例经临床、实验室及B超检查诊断为肝硬化的患者,其中ChildB级患者10例,ChildC级患者5例。对照组为13例无肝脏疾病的患者。所有患者均选取同时含有肝脏、脾脏、主动脉和门静脉的层面进行单层CT动态增强扫描,绘制感兴趣区时间密度曲线,计算各血流灌注参数。结果:单层CT动态增强扫描测量肝组织的肝动脉灌注量(HAP)、门静脉灌注量(PVP)、总肝血流量(THBF)和肝动脉灌注指数(HPI)。正常组的HAP、PVP、THBF和HPI分别为(0.28±0.10)ml/min·ml、(1.18±0.40)ml/min·ml、(1.46±0.44)ml/min·ml和(19.73±5.81)%;肝硬化组的HAP、PVP、THBF和HPI分别为(0.23±0.11)ml/min·ml、(0.61±0.25)ml/min·ml、(0.84±0.32)ml/min·ml和(27.16±12.75)%。结论:肝脏单层CT灌注成像,可定量测定各项肝脏血流灌注参数,对肝硬化患者的量化诊断有一定的参考价值。     

肝硬化640层CT肝灌注容积扫描肝血管成像的临床应用研究

目的:探讨利用640层CT肝灌注容积数据对肝硬化患者进行肝血管成像的可行性及其临床应用价值.方法:25例肝功正常(A组)和50例肝硬化患者(B组:Child-Pugh A级25例;C组:Child-Pugh B级25例)行640层CT肝灌注检查,绘制时间-密度曲线(TDC),测量主动脉和门静脉的达峰值时间(TTP)、峰值(PV)及门静脉与肝脏密度差的最大值(P-L).选取主动脉峰值期的容积数据进行肝动脉血管成像;采用P-L值最大的1期及3期容积数据对门静脉进行单期和多期融合成像,并对比两种成像方法的图像质量.结果:三组间主动脉TTP和PV的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).肝硬化组门静脉的TTP较对照组长,PV及P-L值下降,3组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);进一步两两比较,除A与B组间门脉TTP值的差异无统计学意义外,其余各组间3个参数的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).3组均可显示肝动脉3级分支.门脉多期融合成像质量优于单期成像(P＜0.05),A组可显示3～4级门静脉分支,B和C组可显示1～3级门静脉分支.结论:利用640层CT全肝灌注成像容积数据进行血管成像,能清晰显示肝动脉和门静脉,有助于肝硬化患者临床治疗方案的制订.     

肝硬化基础上肝癌肝血流变化功能CT灌注成像研究

目的对正常肝实质、肝硬化和肝硬化基础上肝癌患者的64层螺旋CT灌注成像进行分析,评价多层螺旋CT灌注成像对肝硬化基础上肝癌肝血流变化的诊断价值。资料与方法无肝脏疾病的30例作为对照组。实验组包括49例肝硬化疾病患者,其中27例确诊为原发性肝癌(HCC)。所有研究对象知情同意后,选择癌灶中心层面或肝门层面行CT灌注扫描,采用低剂量扫描:120 kV,60 mA,扫描范围为40 mm。以4～5 ml/s流率,按照1.0ml/kg体重用量静脉团注对比剂。在注入对比剂5 s后行50 s连续的扫描,360°旋转/s,5 mm层厚进行图像重组,矩阵大小512×512像素。利用去卷积数学模型获得与肝血流变化相关的灌注参数值:肝血流量(HBF),肝血容量(HBV),肝动脉灌注分数(HAF),肝动脉灌注量(HAP),门静脉灌注量(HPP)。对不同的感兴趣区进行三次灌注参数测量后取平均值进行灌注结果分析。感兴趣区包括:对照组的正常肝实质、癌灶边缘区、癌灶周围的肝实质和无癌灶的肝硬化肝实质。结果与对照组灌注参数比较,癌周围肝实质的HBF、HAP、HPP、HBV及癌灶边缘区的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P<0.05)。与对照组相对应灌注参数比较,癌周的HAP、HPP及对照组的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P<0.05)。与癌边缘区HAF对比,癌灶周围肝实质、对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组间灌注参数无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论 CT灌注成像能很好地反映肝硬化基础上肝癌的肝血流变化信息,为肝血流动力学变化的影像研究提供新的方法。     

Assessment of Perfusion CT Imaging in the Hepatic Blood Flow of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Cirrhosis

目的 对正常肝实质、肝硬化和肝硬化基础上肝癌患者的64层螺旋CT灌注成像进行分析,评价多层螺旋CT灌注成像对肝硬化基础上肝癌肝血流变化的诊断价值.资料与方法 无肝脏疾病的30例作为对照组.实验组包括49例肝硬化疾病患者,其中27例确诊为原发性肝癌(HCC).所有研究对象知情同意后,选择癌灶中心层面或肝门层面行CT灌注扫描,采用低剂量扫描:120 kV,60 mA,扫描范围为40mm.以4～5 ml/s流率,按照1.0ml/kg体重用量静脉团注对比剂.在注入对比剂5s后行50 s连续的扫描,360.旋转/s,5 mm层厚进行图像重组,矩阵大小512 ×512像素.利用去卷积数学模型获得与肝血流变化相关的灌注参数值:肝血流量(HBF),肝血容量(HBV),肝动脉灌注分数(HAF),肝动脉灌注量(HAP),门静脉灌注量(HPP).对不同的感兴趣区进行三次灌注参数测量后取平均值进行灌注结果分析.感兴趣区包括:对照组的正常肝实质、癌灶边缘区、癌灶周围的肝实质和无癌灶的肝硬化肝实质.结果 与对照组灌注参数比较,癌周围肝实质的HBF、HAP、HPP、HBV及癌灶边缘区的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P＜0.05).与对照组相对应灌注参数比较,癌周的HAP、HPP及对照组的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P＜0.05).与癌边缘区HAF对比,癌灶周围肝实质、对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组均有统计学差异(P＜0.05).对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组间灌注参数无明显差异(P＞0.05).结论 CT灌注成像能很好地反映肝硬化基础上肝癌的肝血流变化信息,为肝血流动力学变化的影像研究提供新的方法.     

病毒性肝炎肝硬化程度的CT评价

概述了慢性病毒性肝炎肝硬化不同病变程度(肝纤维化病理分期S1～S4期和肝硬化Child-pugh A、B、C级)的肝脏形态学(如肝叶体积、轮廓等)、血流动力学(肝脏血流灌注、门静脉高压)以及肝外脏器(脾、肾脏、空腔脏器等)改变的CT评价,以期找出对肝硬化程度评价有较高价值的CT影像学诊断指标,提示多层螺旋CT的容积扫描成像及灌注成像技术能更早地发现及更准确地评价肝脏微循环的改变,在对肝硬化程度的评价中有广阔的应用前景.     

Hepatic perfusion parameters in chronic liver disease: dynamic CT measurements correlated with disease severity

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine if hepatic perfusion parameters measured with CT change in relation to disease severity in patients with chronic liver disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dynamic contrast-enhanced single-section CT scans of the liver were obtained in 40 individuals who included six control subjects, 16 patients with noncirrhotic chronic liver disease, and 18 patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic, aortic, and portal venous time-density curves were fitted to a dual-input one-compartment model to calculate the liver perfusion, arterial fraction, distribution volume, and mean transit time. RESULTS: Liver perfusion decreased in patients with cirrhosis (67 +/- 23 mL. min(-1). 100 mL(-1) versus 108 +/- 34 mL. min(-1). 100 mL(-1) in control subjects [p = 0.009] and 98 +/- 36 mL. min(-1). 100 mL(-1) in patients with noncirrhotic chronic liver disease [p = 0.003]), and the arterial fraction and the mean transit time increased (41 +/- 27% and 51 +/- 79 sec versus 17 +/- 16% and 16 +/- 5 sec in control subjects, and 19 +/- 6% and 17 +/- 8 sec in patients with noncirrhotic chronic liver disease [p < 0.05]). A significant correlation was seen between these three perfusion parameters and the severity of chronic liver disease based on clinical and biologic data (p < 0.001). No significant change in distribution volume was observed. CONCLUSION: Hepatic perfusion parameters measured with CT were significantly altered in cirrhosis and correlated with the severity of chronic liver disease.     

Effects of TIPS on liver perfusion measured by dynamic CT

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to measure the arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion of the liver parenchyma with dynamic, single-section CT in patients with liver cirrhosis before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and to compare the results with normal values. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Perfusion of the liver parenchyma was measured in 24 healthy volunteers and 41 patients with liver cirrhosis using dynamic single-section CT. Seventeen patients underwent TIPS placement, and CT measurements were repeated within 7 days. CT scans were obtained at a single level comprising the liver, spleen, aorta, and portal vein. Scans were obtained over a period of 88 sec (one baseline scan followed by 16 scans every 2 sec and eight scans every 7 sec) beginning with the injection of a contrast agent bolus (40 mL at 10 mL/sec). Parenchymal and vascular contrast enhancement was measured with regions of interest, and time-density curves were obtained. These data were processed with a pharmaco-dynamic fitting program (TopFit), and the arterial and portal venous component and the total perfusion of the hepatic parenchyma were calculated (milliliters of perfusion per minute per 100 mL of tissue). RESULTS: Mean normal values for hepatic arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion were 20, 102, and 122 mL/min per 100 mL, respectively. In patients with cirrhosis before TIPS, mean hepatic arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion was 28, 63, and 91 mL/min per 100 mL, respectively, which was statistically significant for all values (p <0.05). After TIPS, hepatic perfusion increased to a mean value of 48, 65, 113 mL/min per 100 mL for arterial (p <0.01), portal venous, and total (p=0.011) perfusion, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with cirrhosis, the hepatic arterial perfusion increased, whereas portal venous and total perfusion decreased compared with that of healthy volunteers. TIPS placement caused a statistically significant increase of the hepatic arterial and total hepatic perfusion. The portal venous parenchymal perfusion remained unchanged.     

Hepatic flow parameters measured with MR imaging and Doppler US: correlations with degree of cirrhosis and portal hypertension

PURPOSE: To determine the correlations between hemodynamic parameters of hepatic flow measured with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and Doppler ultrasonography (US) and the severity of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients referred for measurements of portal venous pressure (three with normal liver, 12 with chronic hepatitis, and 31 with cirrhosis [10 with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis; 13 with class B cirrhosis; and eight with class C cirrhosis]) were included in the study. Apparent liver perfusion, apparent arterial and portal perfusion, portal fraction, distribution volume, and mean transit time were measured with dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging. Portal velocity, portal flow, congestion index, right hepatic artery resistance index, and modified hepatic index were measured with Doppler US. Results in patients with cirrhosis and those without cirrhosis were compared with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Correlations were assessed with Spearman rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: With MR imaging, all flow parameters except distribution volume were significantly different between patients with and those without cirrhosis (P <.05). There was a significant correlation between all flow parameters measured with MR imaging and portal pressure (P <.02). Apparent arterial (P =.024) and portal (P <.001) perfusion, portal fraction (P <.001), and mean transit time (P =.004) were correlated with Child-Pugh class. Flow parameters measured with Doppler US did not differ significantly between patients with and those without cirrhosis. Only right hepatic arterial resistance (P <.007) and portal flow (P <.043) were weakly (r < 0.7) correlated with portal pressure. No Doppler US parameter was correlated with Child-Pugh class. CONCLUSION: Hepatic flow parameters measured with MR imaging correlate with the severity of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Doppler US parameters are only weakly correlated with portal pressure.     

Quantitative measurement of hepatic portal perfusion by multidetector row CT with compensation for respiratory misregistration

Our purpose was to determine whether hepatic portal perfusion assessed by multidetector row CT using compensation for respiratory misregistration can predict the severity of chronic liver disease. We carried out dynamic CT in 43 patients (chronic hepatitis: n=9; cirrhosis: n=24; normal liver: n=10). In this series, 20 patients had liver tumours. The CT protocol was designed to avoid respiratory artefacts and included two interscan breathing periods during the study. To compensate for respiratory misregistration, image sets in the same z-axis position were acquired from four-slice data on each scan, and the portal perfusion calculations were made according to the maximum slope method. Portal perfusion was compared with and without compensation for respiratory misregistration, and the different types of hepatic disease. In the liver tumour patients in particular, portal perfusion was compared with the degree of hepatic fibrosis in the liver sections. Portal perfusion in the patients without compensation for respiratory misregistration (1.10 ml min(-1)ml(-1)) was higher than that of those with compensation (0.99 ml min(-1)ml(-1); p=0.036). Hepatic portal perfusion of patients with chronic hepatitis (0.97 ml min(-1)ml(-1)) and liver cirrhosis (0.88 ml min(-1)ml(-1)) was less than that of patients with normal liver (1.32 ml min(-1)ml(-1); p=0.03, 0.001). Moderate correlation was seen between portal perfusion and the percentage of fibrosis in patients with liver tumours (r=0.55). Hepatic portal perfusion obtained by multidetector row dynamic CT using compensation for respiratory misregistration has the potential to improve non-invasive assessment of the degree of chronic liver disease.     

多排螺旋CT门静脉造影在肝硬化病变程度分级中的评估价值

 目的 探讨多排螺旋CT(MSCT)门静脉造影对肝硬化病变程度分级的价值.方法 对41例经临床确诊的肝硬化患者行MSCT门静脉造影,观察、分析门静脉系统病变程度与肝硬化Child分级之间的关系,确定MSCT门静脉造影对肝硬化分级,并探讨其与Child分级的相关性.结果 41例中,Child Ⅰ级19例,Child Ⅱ级16例,Child Ⅲ级6例;MSCT门静脉造影对上述病例分级为一级17例,二级18例,三级6例,与Child分级结果高度相关.结论 多排螺旋CT门静脉造影对肝硬化病变程度的评估价值很高,可以辅助临床选择治疗方案及估计预后.     

Assessment of hepatic perfusion parameters with dynamic MRI.

Quantification of hepatic perfusion parameters greatly contributes to the assessment of liver function. The purpose of this study was to describe and validate the use of dynamic MRI for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic perfusion parameters. The signal from a fast T(1)-weighted spoiled gradient-echo sequence preceded by a nonslice-selective 90 degrees pulse and a spoiler gradient was calibrated in vitro with tubes filled with various gadolinium concentrations. Dynamic images of the liver were obtained after intravenous bolus administration of 0.05 mmol/kg of Gd-DOTA in rabbits with normal liver function. Hepatic, aortic, and portal venous signal intensities were converted to Gd-DOTA concentrations according to the in vitro calibration curve and fitted with a dual-input one-compartmental model. With MRI, hepatic blood flow was 100 +/- 35 mL min(-1) 100 mL(-1), the arterial fraction 24 +/- 11%, the distribution volume 13.0 +/- 3.7%, and the mean transit time 8.9 +/- 4.1 sec. A linear relationship was observed between perfusion values obtained with MRI and with radiolabeled microspheres (r = 0.93 for hepatic blood flow [P < 0.001], r = 0.79 for arterial blood flow [P = 0.01], and r = 0.91 for portal blood flow [P < 0.001]). Our results indicate that hepatic perfusion parameters can be assessed with dynamic MRI and compartmental modeling.     

Scintigraphic evaluation of hepatic blood flow after intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

In patients with liver cirrhosis a transjugularly placed intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) is a non-surgical portosystemic device which aims to reduce portal venons pressure. In comparison with Doppler sonography, we evaluated in 28 patients the diagnostic impact of liver perfusion scintigraphy (with technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid) in the assessment of changes in the hepatic blood flow after TIPS shunting. The arterial and portal contributions to hepatic flow were calculated from the areas under the biphasic timeactivity curve. In the course of TIPS shunting, patency is threatened by reocclusion. Angiography is the gold standard for TIPS shunt reassessment. However, there is a need for a less invasive diagnostic procedure, such as scintigraphy or Doppler sonography, for the early detection of shunt insufficiency. Scintigraphy demonstrated that prior to TIPS shunting the portal venons contribution to hepatic perfusion was reduced to 29.2%, this reduction being due to portal hypertension. After TIPS placement a significant increase in portal venous perfusion was observed (38.2%;P<0.02). TIPS shunt occlusion was identified in patients by a significant reduction in the scintigraphically measured portal venons contribution to hepatic blood flow. Hepatic perfusion scintigraphy appears to be a valuable method to determine the immediate effect of TIPS on hepatic blood flow. Post-TIPS follow-up studies of hepatic haemodynamics by liver perfusion scintigraphy appear able to contribute to the detection of TIPS shunt occlusion before the clinical consequences of this complication have become apparent.     

Hepatic perfusion before and after the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure: impact on survival

PURPOSE: This study correlates transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) mortality with flow patterns in the cirrhotic liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven TIPS patients and 10 control subjects were used for this study. The authors evaluated hepatic perfusion with venous injections of Tc-99m pertechnetate before and after TIPS. Hepatic time-activity curves were analyzed for type and amount of liver perfusion. These parameters were correlated with survival for a mean follow-up of 18 months. RESULTS: The mean arterial contribution to liver blood flow was 25.4% in the normal control patients, 39.9% in patients prior to TIPS, and increased to 48.3% after TIPS. Although the proportion of arterial supply to the cirrhotic liver varied widely, TIPS mortality did not correlate with the preprocedure hepatic artery/portal venous perfusion ratio. However, patients with both an "arterialized" flow pattern and low total hepatic perfusion had higher mortality, with a mean survival of 2 months compared to patients with a more favorable perfusion profile (mean survival, 28.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of arterial perfusion to the liver before TIPS did not affect survival. However, patients with a combination of reduced total hepatic perfusion and an arterial flow pattern had poorer survival, suggesting that both the quantity and quality of hepatic perfusion predicts TIPS outcome.