J Korean Radiol Soc.
1995 Aug;33(2):265-271.
Spiral CT for the Detection of Metastatic Tumor of the Liver: Relative Value of Arterial, Portal Venous and Delayed Phase Scanning
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To evaluate the relative value of arterial, portal venous and delayed phase images of spiral CT in
the detection of metastatic tumor of the liver.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty-three metastatic tumors in twelve patients were underwent tri-phasic spiral
CT examination with injection of 120 ml ionic contrast material (36 g of iodine) at the rate of 3 ml/sec. Arterial,
portal venous and delayed phase CT images were obtained 35, 65, and 360 seconds after the start of contrast
injection, respectively.
RESULTS
Arterial phase images detected 35(81%), portal venous phase images 43(100%), and delayed phase
images 34(79%) lesions, respectively(p<0.05). All masses larger than 2cm(n=23) were detected in all three
phases, whereas 60%, 100%, 55%of the masses smaller than 2cm(n=20) were detected in arterial, portal venous
and delayed phase CT, respectively. The best contrast between masses and the hepatic parenchyma was
in portal venous phase followed by arterial and delayed phase(p<0.01). In two hypervascular masses, the
contrast was better in arterial phase.
CONCLUSION
Portal venous phase of spiral CT is optimal in the detection of metastatic tumor of the liver.
Arterial phase may be helpful for the detection of hypervascular metastasis. Delayed phase should be used restrictively.