[Evaluation of the arterial phase of biphase enhanced SCT in the diagnosis of small HCC].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of the arterial phase (AP) of biphase enhanced SCT in the diagnosis of small HCC and investigate the criteria, initial time, ending time and duration of AP.


METHODS
From May 1995 to March 1999, patients with small HCC proved by surgicopathology including 49 cases (N = 53) in the 1st group, 148 cases (N = 186) in the 2nd group and 52 cases (N = 52)n in the 3rd group were collected. Biphase dynamic enhanced SCT scans were performed in all patients of three groups and additional single-level dynamic scans only done in the 3rd group. The detectability, diagnostic accuracy of the lesions and enhancement of the lesion in AP were analyzed statistically. In addition, the initial time, ending time and duration of AP were measured.


RESULTS
The results of the 1st group showed the detectability of small HCC was 88.68% in AP and 90.57% in both phases, higher than those by US. Markedly enhanced lesion in AP accounted for 76% and 78% in the 2nd and 3rd groups respectively. The initial, ending and duration times of AP measured on single-level dynamic scans were 16.9 s, 39.6 s and 22.7 s in average respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The biphase dynamic SCT especially its arterial phase appears to be very valuable in diagnosing small HCCs. In light of short duration of AP, understanding and strict control of AP is obviously imperative.
Zhou
K
K
Department of Radiology, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University.
Yan
F
F
Tu
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed