title: Value of noncontrast CT immediately after transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with drug-eluting beads.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To retrospectively evaluate the presence and distribution patterns of contrast agent retention in the liver on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) immediately following chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEBs).
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2008 to 2010, 95 patients with 224 liver lesions had chemoembolization performed with DEBs and a noncontrast CT examination of the liver performed immediately after embolization. Of these, 85 patients with 193 lesions were included. The postembolization CT scan was reviewed by a diagnostic radiologist, and the presence of contrast agent retention within the lesion was assessed. Varying patterns of contrast agent retention were defined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 193 lesions included, 146 (76%) retained contrast medium. Aside from some contrast medium in vessels, very little if any contrast medium was seen in the surrounding liver. Various patterns of contrast agent retention were noted within lesions. In a single case, repeat imaging was obtained 6 hours later, which demonstrated washout of contrast agent in a lesion that had retained contrast agent on the postprocedure CT scan. Of significance, 13 additional foci of contrast agent retention were identified on postchemoembolization CT scans that, on retrospective review of preprocedure imaging, represented enhancing lesions not previously identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Noncontrast CT after chemoembolization with DEBs demonstrates contrast agent retention in 76% of cases, without significant contrast medium seen in the adjacent liver parenchyma. The presence or absence of contrast agent retention may prove to be useful in evaluating accurate targeting of a lesion.
authors: Department of Radiology and Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th St., Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
authors: Yosef S
authors: YS
authors: Golowa
authors: Jacob
authors: J
authors: Cynamon
authors: John F
authors: JF
authors: Reinus
authors: Milan
authors: M
authors: Kinkhabwala
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Abrams
authors: Marcy
authors: M
authors: Jagust
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Chernyak
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Kaubisch
mesh_terms: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D003287:Contrast Media; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004998:Ethiodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D009518:New York; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids
chemical_list: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; D004998:Ethiodized Oil; D004317:Doxorubicin; C044834:iodixanol