Triphasic Helical CT Scan :Value of Arterial Phase Acquisition in Detection of Focal Lesion in Cirrhotic Liver

Abstract

Background: To determine the value of triple phase
CT scan and the phase acquisition in which maximum
tumour conspicuity can be obtained, in a population of
patients with chronic liver disease.
Methods: In this descriptive study tripahsic CT scan of
50 chronic liver disease patients who presented with
sonographic suspicion of space occupying lesion, were
evaluated. CT scan appearances of different focal liver
lesions , in arterial and portal venous phases, were
evaluated . Tumour conspicuity was assessed on different
phases of CT acquisition to determine the phase which
provided maximum tumour to parenchymal difference,
while using multidetector CT with fixed timing delay.
Results: Focal hepatic lesion was found to be present in
41 out of 50 patients. 24 patients had morphological
characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Tumour
was found to be most conspicuous in late arterial phase of
acquisition in 30 patients
Conclusion: Triphasic helical CT of liver, using early,
late arterial and portal venous phases with fixed timing
delays is quick, easy and non-invasive useful imaging
modality in detection and characterization of focal lesions
and especially diagnosis of HCC in cirrhotic patients.