The role of CT imaging in detection of hepatocellular
carcinoma is well established and many strategies for optimizing
data acquisition to improve CT detection of HCC
were tried. Helical CT is an ideal method that fulfills the
requirements of rapid scanning during the short interval of
maximum hepatic enhancement. The aim of this work was
to establish the optimal protocol for contrast injection and
image acquisition to achieve maximum liver to tumor contrast
in cases of HCC. Thirty-five patients with pathologically
proven HCC were examined by triphasic spiral CT
of the liver; they were divided into two groups, utilizing a
different injection protocol in each group. It was found
that 97.9% of the lesions were detected during arterial
phase in both groups, while 85% of the lesions were seen
in delayed phase and only 68% were detected in portal venous
phase. It was also noted that maximal tumor enhancement
occurs at a longer delay time and a higher rate
of contrast injection. We concluded that in dynamic helical
CT of the liver, high injection rate and short delay time
provide higher and faster enhancement of the hepatocellular
carcinoma and hence increase lesion detectability.
Key Words: Triphasic spiral CT - Hepatocellular carcino |
