CT arteriography of hepatic tumors]

The liver has dual blood supply from the portal vein and hepatic artery. Computed tomographic findings of hepatic neoplasms are greatly influenced by hepatic blood flow, and abnormal portal and hepatic arterial blood flow needs to be examined separately by CT arteriography (CTA) and CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Both CTA and CTAP have advantages over conventional CT in that they can provide greater contrast enhancement of hepatic tumors by injecting contrast material directly into the hepatic or superior mesenteric arteries. The methods of CTA and CTAP are described. CTA and CTAP were useful in the detection of small hepatic lesions, evaluation of changes in hepatic parenchymal blood flow, and evaluation of portal flow in hepatocellular carcinoma, which contribute to the classification of HCC. In conclusion, CTA and CTAP were indispensable in selecting a therapeutic approach.