Optimizing scanning phases in detecting small (<2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma: whole-liver dynamic study with multidetector row CT.
OBJECTIVE
To define the optimal scanning phases for detecting small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with whole-liver dynamic helical computed tomography.


METHODS
Sixty-one patients with 112 hypervascular HCCs smaller than 2 cm underwent 7-phase dynamic study from the early arterial to the late equilibrium phases of the entire liver. Proof of neoplasms was based on biopsy results and computed tomography with iodized oil. Time-density curves of the individual tumor and the liver were compared.


RESULTS
Of 112 hypervascular nodules, the late arterial phase had the best liver-tumor conspicuity (P < 0.001). Ninety-one nodules (81%) had peak liver-tumor contrast in late arterial phase, and only 21 (19%) in the early arterial phase. All the hypervascular HCCs became isoattenuating to the regional parenchyma before the late portal venous phase (120th second).


CONCLUSIONS
The late arterial and late portal venous phases are recommended for detecting small HCC smaller than 2 cm.
Huang
Jer-Shyung
JS
Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386 Ta-Chung First Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. jshuang@isca.vghks.gov.tw
Pan
Huay-Ben
HB
Chou
Chun-Ping
CP
Liang
Huei-Lung
HL
Yeh
Lee-Ren
LR
Yang
Tzong-Long
TL
Liu
Shiuh-Inn
SI
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; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*