Demonstration of aberrant hepatic and gastric arteries with helical CT.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the demonstration of aberrant hepatic and gastric arteries with routine axial biphasic helical CT.

METHODS

The arterial-phase images of biphasic helical CT were reviewed to evaluate aberrant hepatic and gastric arteries in 166 patients with hepatocellular carcinomas. Biphasic (30 and 70 seconds) helical CT was performed with 10 mm of collimation. The results were compared with angiography performed within 2 weeks after this CT.

RESULTS

Aberrant hepatic arteries were identified by CT in 38 patients and by angiography in 43 patients (38/43, 88%). Aberrant left gastric arteries were identified in three patients by angiography and by CT (3/3). Careful observation of the fissure for the ligamentum venosum and portacaval space was useful for the detection of these arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant hepatic and gastric arteries were well demonstrated with routine axial biphasic helical CT. This may be useful for the surgical and transcatheter management of hepatic tumors.