Imaging Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Dynamic CT Before and After Transarterial Chemoembolization: Optimal Scan Timing of Arterial Phase.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal arterial phase delay for computed tomography imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a low iodine dose protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 39 patients with known HCC were imaged with dynamic computed tomography of the liver (40-second scan duration, 60 mL of contrast medium), both on the same day before TACE and 1 day after TACE. Time attenuation curves of vessels, nonmalignant liver parenchyma, and 62 HCCs were normalized to a uniform aortic contrast arrival and analyzed.

RESULTS

Maximal arterial phase HCC to liver contrast was reached between 13 and 17 seconds after aortic contrast arrival, both before and after TACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Using our low iodine dose protocol, arterial phase imaging of HCC should be performed between 13 and 17 seconds after aortic contrast arrival, both before and after TACE.