J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Jun;30(6):1079-1084.

The Significance of Postangiographic CT for Differentiation of Hepatic Masses

• Chang JC
• Chang YS
• Lee JK

Abstract

PURPOSE
To identify the longterm hemodynamics of various hepatic masses and to determine any differential findings by using postangiographic CT performed with increased amount of contrast media and time than conventional contrast CT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
50 confirmed masses consisted of 22 hepatocellular carcinoma, 10 cholangiocarcinoma, 9 metastasis, and 9 cavernous hemangioma were included. The changes of the density of internal viable tumor portion relative to surrounding normal liver parenchyma in postangiographic CT from that in conventional CT were classified as 3 patterns; no specific changes, increase, or decrease.
RESULTS
in 22 cases of hepatoceilular carcinoma, six cases showed no relative density change, four cases increase, and twelve cases decrease. In ten cases of cholangiocarcinoma, one case showed no change, nine cases increase. In nine cases of metastasis, four cases showed no change, five cases increase. In nine cases of hemangioma, all cases showed increase.
CONCLUSION
In postangiographic CT which emphasize the significance of postequilibrium and delayed phase, other hemodynamic changes undetected in angiography could more easily be comprehended. Considering the differing amount of consumed contrast media and time duration, and with reference of other imaging modalities, differential diagnosis of hepatic masses based on longterm hemodynamics could easily be made.

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Cholangiocarcinoma
Contrast Media
Diagnosis, Differential
Hemangioma
Hemangioma, Cavernous
Hemodynamics
Liver
Neoplasm Metastasis
Specific Gravity
Contrast Media