CT evaluation of extrahepatic disease in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma receiving hepatic arterial chemotherapy.

Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis in 88 patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma undergoing hepatic arterial chemotherapy has been reviewed. Extrahepatic disease was present as determined by CT examination in 83 (94%). Tissue proof was available for 23 sites in 19 patients, with the most common sites being retroperitoneal lymph nodes (5), lung (3), abdominal wall (3), and peritoneum or mesentery (3). Clinical proof was obtained for 78 sites in 51 patients, the most common being lung (20), retroperitoneal lymph nodes (19), and porta hepatis lymph nodes (12). CT detection of extrahepatic disease is useful, since its presence has prognostic and therapeutic implications.