CT angiography in hepatocellular carcinoma.

In 32 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to evaluate its diagnostic usefulness. The contrast material was infused into both the hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery. Computed tomography was performed during the arterial and the portal phase. According to the CTA findings, HCC could be classified into four types; 28 of 32 cases (87.5%) showed the characteristic findings of HCC. It was also apparent that CT portography was quite efficient in detecting the existence of tumor, in particular the presence of small intrahepatic metastatic lesions and tumor infiltration into the portal vein. Computed tomographic angiography performed during both the arterial and portal phase is useful in evaluating HCC prior to hepatic lobectomy or arterial embolization therapy.