Hepatic computed tomography for simultaneous depiction of hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins in real-time virtual sonography: initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine a double-step injection of contrast material in hepatic computed tomography (CT) for the simultaneous depiction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins in real-time virtual sonography.


METHODS
This study consisted of 6 patients with solitary HCC nodules with early enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. Computed tomographic scanning was performed in a combined late arterial/hepatic phase after 2 sequential contrast material injections.


RESULTS
In all 6 patients, the solitary HCC nodule, intrahepatic portal veins, and hepatic veins were simultaneously visualized with enhancement, for which CT values were appreciably higher than that of the liver parenchyma. In virtual sonography, HCC nodules and intrahepatic vessels were simultaneously shown, and the HCC lesions were treated by radio frequency ablation without vascular injury.


CONCLUSIONS
A double-step injection of contrast material in hepatic CT was helpful in the identification of the relationship between the HCC nodule and intrahepatic vessels under virtual sonography and contributed to the accurate and safe performance of radio frequency ablation for HCC.
Tatsugami
Fuminari
F
Department of Radiology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka, Japan. sa104@rg8.so-net.ne.jp
Matsuki
Mitsuru
M
Nakai
Go
G
Tanikake
Masato
M
Yoshikawa
Shushi
S
Narabayashi
Isamu
I
Miyaji
Katsuhiko
K
Asai
Akira
A
Fujiwara
Shinya
S
Hongo
Yasushi
Y
Katsu
Kenichi
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014584:User-Computer Interface
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol