Multidetector CT in evaluating blood supply of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

AIM

To assess the value of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in choosing retreatment methods of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through evaluating the blood supply of low-density area of HCC after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with HCC after TACE treatment were examined by plain scanning and hepatic multidetector-row CT. The location of low-density area on plain scanning and the enhancement patterns on dynamic contrast-enhanced scanning were observed. At the same time, three-dimensional CT (3D CT) models of the volume rendering, curved multiplanar reformations, surface shaded display and maximum intensity projection reconstruction of the hepatic artery and portal vein were performed in 6 cases.

RESULTS

In CT plain scanning data, low density areas of 32 cases of HCC after TACE treatment were divided into three types: peripheral, one-side-located and mixed types. In contrast-enhanced CT scans, the blood supply of low-density area was classified into four types: arterial blood supply (20 cases), portal blood supply (5 cases), arterial combined with portal blood supply (5 cases) and poor blood supply (2 cases). In 6 cases, the relationship between the low-density area and branches of hepatic artery as well as portal vein was shown by 3D CT.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic MDCT is an effective method for evaluating the blood supply of low-density area and therapeutic effect of HCC after TACE treatment. Types of blood supply is helpful for the selection of retreatment.