Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of dynamic three-phase computed tomography images and four-phase computed tomography images using multidetector row helical computed tomography

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to assess the value of additional early arterial phase computed tomography (CT) imaging in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by comparing three-phase and four-phase imaging by using multidetector row helical CT. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with 33 HCCs underwent four-phase helical CT imaging. The diagnosis was established by pathologic examination after surgical resection in 19 patients and by biopsy in six. Four-phase CT imaging comprises early arterial, late arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase imaging obtained 25 seconds, 45 seconds, 75 seconds, and 180 seconds after the start of contrast material injection using multidetector row helical CT. Three-phase CT images (late arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase) and four-phase CT images (early arterial, late arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase) were interpreted independently for the detection of HCC by three blinded observers on a segment-by-segment basis. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (Az) for three-phase CT images and four-phase CT images were calculated. The enhancement pattern of HCC was analyzed on early arterial and late arterial phase imaging. RESULTS: The mean sensitivity of three- and four-phase CT images was 94% and 93%, respectively. The differences between sensitivities were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). The mean specificities of three- and four-phase CT images were 99% and 98%, respectively. The differences between the specificities were not statistically significantly (all p > 0.05). Neither were the mean areas under the ROC curve for four-phase CT images (Az = 0.976) and three-phase CT images (Az = 0.971) statistically significant (p > 0.05). On early arterial phase imaging, 16 HCCs were hyperattenuating and 17 HCCs were isoattenuating. On late arterial phase imaging, 24 HCCs were hyperattenuating and nine HCCs were isoattenuating. CONCLUSIONS: Additional early arterial phase imaging did not improve the detection of HCC compared with three-phase CT images, including late arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase imaging.     

Quantitative perfusion map of malignant liver tumors, created from dynamic computed tomography data

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To apply perfusion computed tomography (CT) technique to variable malignant liver tumors, and to define the usefulness of quantitative color mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perfusion CT images were created for 36 malignant liver tumors in 28 patients (age, 66.4 +/- 10.1 years; range, 48-85) with metastatic liver tumors (n = 17; nine colorectal carcinomas, eight other malignant tumors) and hepatocellular carcinomas (n = 11). A single-slice dynamic CT was performed after an intravenous bolus injection of 40 mL of contrast material (320 mgI/mL) with 8 mL/sec. The parameters were calculated pixel-by-pixel using maximum slope method, and quantitative maps of arterial and portal perfusion were created. In four patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, perfusion CT was performed before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. RESULTS: In all patients, liver tumors were shown as hypervascular lesions on arterial perfusion CT. The average arterial perfusion value of the metastatic tumors from the colorectal carcinomas was 0.67 +/- 0.33 mL/min/mL, and that of hepatocellular carcinomas was 0.94 +/- 0.26 mL/min/mL (P = .03). The other metastatic tumors from various primary tumors showed a wide range (0.19-1.45 mL/min/mL) of arterial perfusion. Arterial perfusion of the liver tumors was obviously decreased after successful transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. In 12 of 15 tumors, in which portal perfusion CT images could be created, region-of-interest analysis showed no portal perfusion in the tumors. In two cases, decreased portal perfusion in the segments, which malignant tumors involved, was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Perfusion CT can provide quantitative information about arterial and portal perfusion of liver tumors, combined with good anatomic detail in one image. This technique has a potential to evaluate the angiogenesis of liver tumors, to show secondary changes in perfusion, such as decreased portal perfusion in apparently normal liver adjacent to metastases, and to monitor the therapeutic response in vivo.     

Multislice helical CT of the pancreas and spleen

Multislice helical CT (MSCT) with its multidetector technology and faster rotation times, has led to new dimensions in spatial and temporal resolution in CT imaging. In contrast to single-slice CT, smaller slice collimations can be applied that lead to almost isotropic voxels and allow high quality multiplanar and 3-D image reconstructions. The high speed of multislice CT can be used to reduce the time needed to cover a given volume, to increase the spatial resolution along the z-axis by applying thinner slice collimations, and to cover longer anatomic volumes. The speed of MSCT allows organ imaging in clearly defined perfusion phases, e.g. the arterial, parenchymal, and portal venous perfusion phases. Contrast agents with higher iodine concentrations (400 mg iodine per ml compared with 300 mg iodine per ml) lead to higher contrast enhancement of the pancreas (arterial+portal venous phases), the kidneys (arterial+portal venous phases), the spleen (arterial phase), the wall of the small intestine (arterial+portal venous phases), the larger and smaller arteries (arterial phase), and the portal vein (portal venous phase). All of these advancements lead to improved visualization of small structures and of various pathologies, such as pancreatic tumors, liver metastases, vessel infiltration, and vascular diseases.     

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.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma: role of unenhanced and delayed phase multi-detector row helical CT in patients with cirrhosis

PURPOSE: To determine, by using multi-detector row helical computed tomography (CT), the added value of obtaining unenhanced and delayed phase scans in addition to biphasic (hepatic arterial and portal venous phases) scans in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Local ethical committee approval and patient consent were obtained. One hundred ninety-five patients (129 men, 66 women; mean age, 61 years; age range, 39-78 years) with 250 HCCs underwent multi-detector row helical CT of the liver. A quadruple-phase protocol that included unenhanced, hepatic arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases was performed. Analysis of images from hepatic arterial and portal venous phases combined, hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the unenhanced phase, hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the delayed phase, and all phases combined was performed separately by three independent radiologists. Relative sensitivity, positive predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A(z)) were calculated for each reading session. RESULTS: Mean sensitivity and positive predictive values, respectively, for HCC detection were 88.8% (666 of 750 readings) and 97.8% (666 of 681 readings) for the combined hepatic arterial and portal venous phases, 89.2% (669 of 750 readings) and 97.8% (669 of 684 readings) for hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the unenhanced phase, 92.8% (696 of 750 readings) and 97.3% (696 of 715 readings) for hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the delayed phase, and 92.8% (696 of 750 readings) and 97.3% (696 of 715 readings) for all four phases combined. The reading sessions in which delayed phase images were available for interpretation showed significantly (P < .05) superior sensitivity and A(z) values. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced phase images are not effective for HCC detection. Because of the significant increase in HCC detection, a delayed phase can be a useful adjunct to biphasic CT in patients at risk for developing HCC.     

256层螺旋 CT 灌注成像区分轻、中度肝纤维化的价值

目的：探讨256层螺旋C T灌注成像区分轻、中度肝纤维化的价值。方法分析经肝穿刺活检证实轻度肝纤维化（F1期）患者18例和中度肝纤维化（F2、F3期）患者21例,均行256层螺旋CT肝脏灌注成像,采用体灌注软件获得肝动脉灌注（HAP）,门静脉灌注（PVP）,全肝总灌注（TLP）和达峰时间（TTP）参数值,对比分析2组灌注参数值差异,采用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）评价各灌注指标区分轻、中度肝纤维化的能力,选择约登指数最大作为截断点,计算敏感度及特异度。结果中度肝纤维化患者与轻度肝纤维化患者相比,TTP明显增加[（43．86±13．41） s vs （37．84±9．97） s ,P＝0．034）],HAP、PVP及 TLP均无显著差异。ROC分析显示,TTP阈值在41．7 s区分轻、中度肝纤维化的敏感性为72．7％,特异性为75％。结论256层螺旋CT灌注参数能反映肝纤维化的血流动力学改变,TTP有助于区分轻、中度肝纤维化。     

螺旋CT动脉门脉造影在小肝癌诊断中的价值

目的：用螺旋ＣＴ动脉门脉造影（ＳＣＴＡＰ）评价肝癌并与超声（ＵＳ）及螺旋ＣＴ双期扫描进行检出敏感性和定性准确性比较研究。方法：肝癌４１例,行ＳＣＴＡＰ后分析病灶灌注特征,统计各种方法病灶检出数,计算检出敏感性及定性准确性并行统计学处理。结果：４１例共检出≤３ｃｍ病灶４５个,ＳＣＴＡＰ检出敏感性为９５．５％,双期扫描肝动脉期、门静脉期及双期合计的检出敏感性分别为：８８．８％、６８．８％、９１．１％,ＳＣＴＡＰ与ＵＳ（６６．６％）和双期扫描门脉期相比有显著性差异（ｐ＜０．０１）。其定性准确性为（９５．３％）,明显高于ＵＳ（８０．０％）。结论：ＳＣＴＡＰ能可靠反映小肝癌、肝实质血流灌注特征,明显提高病灶检出敏感性及定性准确性。螺旋ＣＴ动脉造影（ＳＣＴＡ）显示病变动脉血管最佳,两者结合可增加诊断特异性。     

运用CT动态灌注成像技术测定肝脏血流量的临床研究

目的 探讨CT灌注成像的测定方法和技术原理,以及肝硬化程度与肝脏血流量动态变化关系。资料与方法 肝硬化患者27例,其中Child A级12例,Child B级10例,CMld C级5例。对照组为无肝脏疾病者18例。选取同时含有肝脏、脾、主动脉和门静脉的层面进行CT动态增强扫描,绘制感兴趣区时间-密度曲线(TDC),计算肝脏血流量各参数。结果 (1)肝硬化患者的肝动脉灌注量(HAP)、门静脉灌注量(PVP)和总肝血流量(THBF)均较正常组降低,平均通过时间(MTT)较正常组延长。(2)肝硬化程度不同时,部分肝血流灌注参数存在显著性差异。(3)脾灌注量和门静脉灌注量呈正相关。结论 (1)肝脏CT灌注成像可定量测定肝血流量参数。(2)肝硬化时肝脏血流灌注的变化与疾病的严重程度相关。     

Hepatic enhancement in colorectal cancer: texture analysis correlates with hepatic hemodynamics and patient survival

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Perfusion imaging of the liver has attracted interest as a potential means for earlier detection of hepatic metastases, but the techniques are complex and do not form part of routine imaging protocols. This study assesses whether the hemodynamic status of the liver of patients with colorectal cancer but apparently normal hepatic morphology is reflected by texture features within a single portal-phase contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) image and correlates texture with overall survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Portal-phase CT images from 27 patients with colorectal cancer but no apparent hepatic metastases were processed using a band-pass filter that highlighted image features at different spatial frequencies. A range of parameters reflecting liver texture on filtered images were correlated against CT hepatic perfusion index (HPI) and patient survival. RESULTS: After image filtration, entropy values from hepatic regions were inversely correlated with HPI (r=-0.503978, P=.007355), and directly correlated with survival (r=0.489642, P=.009533). An entropy value below 2.0 identified four patients who died within 36 months of their CT scan with sensitivity 100% and specificity 65% (P<.03). CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic status of the liver is reflected by subtle changes in coarse texture on portal phase images that can be revealed by texture analysis. Texture analysis has the potential to identify colorectal cancer patients with an apparently normal portal phase hepatic CT but reduced survival.     

Discrimination of small hepatic hemangiomas from hypervascular malignant tumors smaller than 3 cm with three-phase helical CT

PURPOSE: To compare the appearance of small hepatic hemangiomas at nonenhanced and contrast material-enhanced helical computed tomography (CT) with that of small (<3-cm) hypervascular malignant liver tumors and to evaluate the accuracy of multiphase helical CT for differentiating small hemangiomas from small hypervascular malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologists reviewed multiphase helical CT liver images in 86 patients with 37 hemangiomas and 49 malignant liver tumors. They evaluated lesion type and degree of enhancement for change from arterial to portal venous phase. They rated their confidence in the discrimination of hemangiomas from malignant tumors. RESULTS: At arterial phase CT, enhancement similar to aortic enhancement was observed in 19%-32% of hemangiomas and 0%-2% of malignant tumors; globular enhancement, in 62%-68% and 4%-12%, respectively. At portal venous phase CT, enhancement similar to blood pool enhancement was observed in 43%-54% of hemangiomas and 4%-14% of malignant tumors; globular enhancement, in 46%-49% and 0%-2%, respectively. For all readers and all phases of enhancement, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.81-0.87, indicating that inherent accuracy of CT is high and that there was no significant difference (P >.28) in overall accuracy. Readers diagnosed hemangiomas with 47%-53% mean sensitivity with all enhancement phases and diagnosed malignant lesions with 95% mean specificity. CONCLUSION: Small hemangiomas frequently show atypical appearances at CT. Two-phase helical CT does not improve sensitivity but does improve specificity for differentiating hemangiomas from hypervascular malignant tumors.     

Improved diagnosis of hepatic perfusion disorders: value of hepatic arterial phase imaging during helical CT.

The liver has a unique dual blood supply, which makes helical computed tomography (CT) a highly suitable technique for hepatic imaging. Helical CT allows single breath-hold scanning without motion artifacts. Because of rapid image acquisition, two-phase (hepatic arterial phase and portal venous phase) evaluation of the hepatic parenchyma is possible, improving tumor detection and tumor characterization in a single CT study. The arterial and portal venous supplies to the liver are not independent systems. There are several communications between the vessels, including transsinusoidal, transvasal, and transplexal routes. When vascular compromise occurs, there are often changes in the volume of blood flow in individual vessels and even in the direction of blood flow. These perfusion disorders can be detected with helical CT and are generally seen as an area of high attenuation on hepatic arterial phase images that returns to normal on portal venous phase images; this finding reflects increased arterial blood flow and arterioportal shunting in most cases. Familiarity with the helical CT appearances of these perfusion disorders will result in more accurate diagnosis. By recognizing these perfusion disorders, false-positive diagnosis (hypervascular tumors) or overestimation of the size of liver tumors (eg, hepatocellular carcinoma) can be avoided.     

肝移植术后移植肝血流灌注异常的CT灌注研究

目的 运用CT灌注成像(CTP)探讨肝移植术后肝脏血流灌注的影响因素.方法33例肝移植术后患者接受CT血管成像(CTA)及CTP检查.计算主动脉强化峰值的95%可信区间范围,排除此范围以外的病例.测量无并发症患者肝动脉灌注量(HAP)、门静脉灌注最(PVP)、总肝灌注最(TLP)及肝动脉灌注指数(HPI)的平均值及其95%可信区间范围,并在此基础上分析有术后并发症患者的肝脏血流灌注情况及上述各项指标的影响因素.结果29例患者纳入该研究,其中无术后并发症15例,有术后并发症14例.无术后并发症患者HAP、PVP、TLP和HPI的95%可信区间范围分别为(0.1509～0.3183)、(0.7223～1.3859)、(0.8367～1.7231)ml·min-1·ml-1和17.83%～31.63%.14例有并发症的患者中,HAP降低7例,其巾肝动脉狭窄5例、脾大3例;HAP增高2例,均为中、重度门静脉狭窄患者.PVP减低13例,其中门静脉狭窄或闭塞8例、脾肾分流4例、脂肪肝2例;TLP减低12例,全部与PVP减低有关.仅2例HAP减低患者HPI减低.结论CTP技术通过定量测量肝动脉、门静脉血流灌注,能够无创性评价各种移植肝血流灌注异常,客观评价移植肝缺血的程度和类型,对指导临床治疗具有重要价值.     

Dual Energy CT lung perfusion imaging--correlation with SPECT/CT

Objective

Aims were (1) to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Dual Energy CT (DECT) in the detection of perfusion defects and (2) to evaluate the potential of DECT to improve the sensitivity for PE.

Methods

15 patients underwent Dual Energy pulmonary CT angiography (DE CTPA) and a combination of lung perfusion SPECT/CT and ventilation scintigraphy. CTPA and DE iodine distribution maps as well as perfusion SPECT/CT and inhalation scintigrams were reviewed for pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis. DECT and SPECT perfusion images were assessed regarding localization and extent of perfusion defects. Diagnostic accuracy of DE iodine (perfusion) maps was determined with reference to SPECT/CT. Diagnostic accuracies for PE detection of DECT and of SPECT/CT with ventilation scintigraphy were calculated with reference to the consensus reading of all modalities.

Results

DE CTPA had a sensitivity/specificity of 100%/100% for acute PE, while the combination of SPECT/CT and ventilation scintigraphy had a sensitivity/specificity of 85.7%/87.5%. For perfusion defects, DECT iodine maps had a sensitivity/specificity of 76.7% and 98.2%.

Conclusion

DECT is able to identify pulmonary perfusion defects with good accuracy. This technique may potentially enhance the diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of PE.     

Perfusion measurement of the whole upper abdomen of patients with and without liver diseases: initial experience with 320-detector row CT

Objectives

To report initial experience of upper abdominal perfusion measurement with 320-detector row CT (CTP) for assessment of liver diseases and therapeutic effects.

Materials and methods

Thirty-eight patients who were suspected of having a liver disease underwent CTP. There were two patients with liver metastases, two with hemangiomas, and four with cirrhosis (disease group). CTP was repeated for four patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after therapy. Hepatic arterial and portal perfusion (HAP and HPP) and arterial perfusion fraction (APF), and arterial perfusion (AP) of pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intra-portal HCC were calculated. For disease-free patients (normal group), the values were compared among liver segments and among pancreatic and gastric parts. The values were compared between groups and before and after therapy.

Results

No significant differences were found in the normal group except between APFs for liver segments 3 and 5, and fundus and antrum. Mean HAP and APF for the disease group were significantly higher than for the normal group. APF increased after partial splenic embolization or creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. HPP increased and AP of intra-portal HCC decreased after successful radiotherapy.

Conclusions

320-Detector row CT makes it possible to conduct perfusion measurements of the whole upper abdomen. Our preliminary results suggested that estimated perfusion values have the potential to be used for evaluation of hepatic diseases and therapeutic effects.     

Fungal liver infection in immunocompromised patients: depiction with multiphasic contrast-enhanced helical CT

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess multiphasic (nonenhanced, arterial phase, and portal venous phase) computed tomography (CT) of the liver for depiction of hepatic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional ethics review board approved the study and waived the requirement for informed consent. Sixty multiphasic hepatic CT examinations were performed in 39 immunocompromised patients who fulfilled the criteria for having probable or proved fungal liver infection. The detection and conspicuity of focal liver lesions were assessed on scans obtained during each CT phase. The lesion enhancement pattern was determined, and, accordingly, lesions were stratified into two groups: lesions suggestive of infection (with ring enhancement patterns or high attenuation) and nonspecific hypoattenuating lesions. Statistical analyses were performed by using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 536 liver lesions detected at 36 CT examinations with results positive for fungal infection were assessed. All 36 (100%) examinations yielded positive results during the arterial phase, whereas 25 (69%) of them yielded positive results during the portal venous phase (P < .001). At lesion-by-lesion analysis, the arterial phase scans depicted significantly more lesions (483 of 536 [90%]) than the portal venous phase (329 of 536 [61%]) and nonenhanced (265 of 465 [57%]) scans (P < .001 for both comparisons). In addition, on arterial phase scans, 386 of 483 lesions, as compared with 134 of 329 lesions on portal venous phase scans (P < .001), were judged to have an enhancement pattern suggestive of infection. The CT phases did not differ significantly in terms of the conspicuity of detected lesions. CONCLUSION: In patients suspected of having hepatic fungal infection, arterial phase CT depicts significantly more hepatic lesions than does CT performed during the other phases, and it reveals more lesions with enhancement patterns suggestive of infection. Arterial phase CT should be performed in addition to portal venous phase CT in patients suspected of having hepatic fungal infection.     

Liver metastases from melanoma: detection with multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical utility of multiphasic computed tomography (CT) of the liver in patients with metastatic melanoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonenhanced and biphasic hepatic CT examinations were performed in 28 patients with metastatic melanoma, and liver lesion conspicuity was graded. CT studies in 20 patients met the eligibility criteria, and 13 patients had liver lesions. RESULTS: A total of 57 liver lesions were seen on CT studies: 48 on hepatic arterial phase images, 49 on portal venous phase phase images, and 30 on delayed phase images. Of eight lesions overlooked on portal venous phase images, six were seen on nonenhanced images, and six were seen on arterial phase images. Twenty-eight lesions were graded as more conspicuous on portal venous phase images; 10 were graded as more conspicuous on arterial phase images. CONCLUSION: CT images obtained only during the portal venous phase would have resulted in eight (14%) overlooked lesions, which implies that more than one phase is needed for hepatic CT in patients with malignant melanoma. The combination of nonenhanced and portal venous phase CT was as effective as the combination of arterial and portal venous phase CT in these patients. Delayed phase CT did not improve lesion detection either alone or in combination with CT at other phases.     

Comparison of the hepatic perfusion index measured with gadolinium-enhanced volumetric MRI in controls and in patients with colorectal cancer

The aim of the study was to adapt the methodology established for dynamic CT measurements of the hepatic perfusion index (HPI) to MRI, and to assess the potential role of MRI measurements of the HPI in detecting regional alterations in liver perfusion between patients with colorectal liver metastases and normal controls. The HPI was evaluated from serial T(1) volume acquisitions acquired over the course of a Gd-DTPA bolus injection. Time-course data from regions of interest in the liver, spleen and aorta were used to calculate the HPI; and HPI data from control subjects were compared with data from patients with known colorectal metastases. Significant differences were found between the relative portal perfusion and hepatic perfusion indices calculated for the patient and control groups (p<0.005). These results suggest that hepatic perfusion indices can be derived using MRI-based methods, and that these perfusion indices are sensitive to differences in liver perfusion associated with established metastatic liver disease on imaging. This technique may contribute to the early detection of liver metastases, allowing early surgical intervention and improved patient survival.     

Colorectal cancer: role of CT colonography in preoperative evaluation after incomplete colonoscopy

PURPOSE: To evaluate computed tomographic (CT) colonography in patients with clinical suspicion of colorectal cancer and in whom colonoscopy was incomplete. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After incomplete colonoscopy, 34 patients underwent CT colonography before and after intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agent, in supine and prone positions. Twenty patients with no evidence of colon cancer after complete colonoscopy were included as a control group. Sensitivity and specificity of CT colonography were determined for detection of cancers, polyps, and metastases to liver. RESULTS: In 29 patients, surgery revealed 30 colorectal cancers (three synchronous cancers) and two ischemic lesions of the descending colon. Colonoscopy missed 10 colorectal cancers and three synchronous cancers; all were detected with CT colonography. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of colorectal cancer were 56% and 92%, respectively, for incomplete colonoscopy and 100% and 96%, respectively, for CT colonography (P <.01). Sensitivity and specificity of CT colonography in detection of polyps were 86% and 70%, respectively, for diameters of 5 mm or less; 100% and 80%, respectively, for 5-10-mm diameters; and 100% for diameters greater than 10 mm. Spiral CT of the liver revealed four metastases (2-5 cm); sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 43% for nonenhanced scans and 100% for contrast-enhanced scans (P <.01). CONCLUSION: In this selected group of patients, CT colonography provided complete information to properly address surgery of colorectal cancer and treatment of liver metastases.     

Perfusion CT best predicts outcome after radioembolization of liver metastases: a comparison of radionuclide and CT imaging techniques

Objective

To determine the best predictor for the response to and survival with transarterial radioembolisation (RE) with ⁹⁰yttrium microspheres in patients with liver metastases.

Methods

Forty consecutive patients with liver metastases undergoing RE were evaluated with multiphase CT, perfusion CT and ^99mTc-MAA SPECT. Arterial perfusion (AP) from perfusion CT, HU values from the arterial (aHU) and portal venous phase (pvHU) CT, and ^99mTc-MAA uptake ratio of metastases were determined. Morphologic response was evaluated after 4 months and available in 30 patients. One-year survival was calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

We found significant differences between responders and non-responders for AP (P?<?0.001) and aHU (P?=?0.001) of metastases, while no differences were found for pvHU (P?=?0.07) and the ^99mTc-MAA uptake ratio (P?=?0.40). AP had a significantly higher specificity than aHU (P?=?0.003) for determining responders to RE. Patients with an AP >20 ml/100 ml/min had a significantly (P?=?0.01) higher 1-year survival, whereas an aHU value >55 HU did not discriminate survival (P?=?0.12). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed AP as the only significant (P?=?0.02) independent predictor of survival.

Conclusion

Compared to arterial and portal venous enhancement and the ^99mTc-MAA uptake ratio of liver metastases, the AP from perfusion CT is the best predictor of morphologic response to and 1-year survival with RE.

Key Points

? Perfusion CT allows for calculation of the liver arterial perfusion. ? Arterial perfusion of liver metastases differs between responders and non-responders to RE. ? Arterial perfusion can be used to select patients responding to RE.     

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。