Comparison between postprocessing techniques in the analysis of hepatic arteries using multi-detector-row computed tomography angiography.

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to compare 4 different postprocessing techniques (maximum-intensity projection [MIP], multiplanar reconstruction, curved planar reconstruction, and volume rendering [VR]) for the study of hepatic arteries.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent multi-detector-row computed tomography angiography between August 2009 and January 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient and for each reconstruction method, the image quality was evaluated and the interobserver and intraobserver agreement was calculated according to Cohen statistics.

RESULTS

The Pearson r between the observers for the common hepatic artery measurement (Hounsfield unit) was good (r = 0.88). The VR showed a Cohen κ value of 0.78, and the highest image-quality score was obtained using MIP (total value, 384; mean value, 3.01) for observer 1 and using VR and MIP for observer 2 (mean value of 2.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Maximum-intensity projection and VR showed the optimal interobserver and intraobserver agreement and the highest quality scores and therefore should be used as postprocessing techniques when analyzing the hepatic arteries.