Multidetector CT in evaluating blood supply of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

World J Gastroenterol. 2004 Jul 15;10(14):2127-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i14.2127.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the value of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in choosing retreatment methods of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through evaluating the blood supply of low-density area of HCC after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods: Thirty-two patients with HCC after TACE treatment were examined by plain scanning and hepatic multidetector-row CT. The location of low-density area on plain scanning and the enhancement patterns on dynamic contrast-enhanced scanning were observed. At the same time, three-dimensional CT (3D CT) models of the volume rendering, curved multiplanar reformations, surface shaded display and maximum intensity projection reconstruction of the hepatic artery and portal vein were performed in 6 cases.

Results: In CT plain scanning data, low density areas of 32 cases of HCC after TACE treatment were divided into three types: peripheral, one-side-located and mixed types. In contrast-enhanced CT scans, the blood supply of low-density area was classified into four types: arterial blood supply (20 cases), portal blood supply (5 cases), arterial combined with portal blood supply (5 cases) and poor blood supply (2 cases). In 6 cases, the relationship between the low-density area and branches of hepatic artery as well as portal vein was shown by 3D CT.

Conclusion: Hepatic MDCT is an effective method for evaluating the blood supply of low-density area and therapeutic effect of HCC after TACE treatment. Types of blood supply is helpful for the selection of retreatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / blood supply*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / standards*