Contrast-enhanced agent detection imaging: value in the characterization of focal hepatic lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of SH U 508A-enhanced agent detection imaging in the characterization of focal hepatic lesions.

METHODS

Contrast-enhanced agent detection imaging was performed on 78 focal hepatic lesions: 34 hepatocellular carcinomas, 22 metastases, 9 hemangiomas, 9 abscesses, 3 cysts, and 1 focal nodular hyperplasia. After administration of SH U 508A, interval delay scanning with agent detection imaging was performed with intervals of approximately 7 seconds (phase I), 30 seconds (phase II), and 90 seconds (phase III) after the first arrival of the contrast agent to the liver. Two observers blinded to the final diagnosis reviewed selected images and assessed the enhancement patterns of the lesions. For quantitative analysis, we calculated the enhancement ratio of the lesions and the difference of enhancement between the lesions and the liver parenchyma.

RESULTS

Agent detection imaging showed a distinctive enhancement pattern in focal liver lesions compared with that in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinomas were characterized by early enhancement (phase I) and washout (phases II and III; sensitivity, 94.1%; specificity, 93.2%; positive predictive value, 91.4%). Metastases showed peripheral rim or targetlike enhancement (phase I, phase II, or both) and a defect (phase III) and had sensitivity of 77.3%, specificity of 100%, and a positive predictive value of 100%. Hemangiomas showed peripheral nodular or inhomogeneous (phase I, phase II, or both) and gradually centripetal (phase II, phase III, or both) enhancement (sensitivity, 88.9%; specificity, 100%; positive predictive value, 100%). Abscesses were partially enhanced from phase I to phase III (sensitivity, 66.7%; specificity, 95%; positive predictive value, 85.7%). The results of the quantitative analysis of lesion enhancement were compatible with those of the qualitative analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

SH U 508A-enhanced agent detection imaging may yield distinctive enhancement characteristics in focal liver lesions that would contribute positively to the characterization of these hepatic lesions.