Hepatocellular carcinoma treated by transcatheter arterial embolization: progress evaluated by computed tomography.
Computed tomography (CT) was performed after 65 transcatheter arterial embolizations (TAE) in 50 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Nonenhanced high-density areas were seen in the tumors within 3 days in 17/25 cases (though they soon disappeared) and low-density areas within 2 weeks in 62/65. Gas bubbles were seen in these areas within 2 weeks in 60% of embolizations. Within 3 to 6 months after the first TAE, enhanced lesions developed around or inside the low-density areas in 15/22 patients. Complications appearing within 2 weeks included non-enhanced low-density areas in the liver and spleen, gallbladder thickening, swelling of the head of the pancreas, contrast retention in the kidneys and gallbladder, ascites, and pleural effusion.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography