Value of hepatic arterial phase CT versus lipiodol ultrafluid CT in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of hepatic arterial phase (HAP) spiral computed tomography (CT), as compared with iodized oil (Lipiodol ultrafluid [LUF]) CT for revealing nodular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).


METHODS
Twenty-four cirrhotic patients underwent two-phase HCT examination: HAP 25 seconds and portal phase 70 seconds after injection of 1.5 mL/Kg contrast medium. All patients also underwent hepatic angiography and intraarterial infusion of iodized oil; LUF CT was performed 3-4 weeks after infusion. HCT images were compared with LUF CT images for detection of hepatic nodules.


RESULTS
We found no significant difference between the sensitivity of HAP CT and LUF CT for nodules >10 mm, while HAP CT was more sensitive than LUF CT in revealing nodules <10 mm (47 vs. 27, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
HCT should be considered as the first method for the detection of HCC, whereas LUF CT should be used only for therapy.
Colagrande
S
S
Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy.
Fargnoli
R
R
Dal Pozzo
F
F
Bindi
A
A
Rega
L
L
Villari
N
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide; D007459:Iodized Oil