Detection of Hepatocelluar Carcinoma on Triple-Phase Images of Liver Using Multi-Detector Row Helical CT

Choo, Ki Seok; Lee, In Sook; Jun, Woong Bae; Jung, Yeon Joo; Lee, Jun Woo; Lee, Seok Hong

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine whether triple-phase multi-detector-row helical CT images of the liver improves the detection rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty-one patients with 103 HCCs underwent triple-phase multi-detector-row helical CT imaging of the entire liver after contrast administration. Early and late arterial phase images were obtained serially during a single breath-hold, and portal venous-phase images were then obtained. Each image set was independently assessed for the presence of HCC by two radiologists unaware of the possible presence of tumors, and for each phase the detection rate was determined. For each arterial-phase image, lesion conspicuity (attenuation of a tumor compared with that of its parenchyma) was calculated.
RESULTS
For reader 1, the detection rates for the early arterial, late arterial, and portal venous phase were 81%, 77%, and 55%, respectively, and for reader 2 were 83%, 81%, and 68%, respectively (p>0.05). When triplephase imaging findings were combined, the detection rate was significantly higher than when only those of the early or late arterial, and portal venous, phase were used (p<0.05). Mean lesion conspicuity for the late arterial phase was higher than for the early arterial phase, but the difference was statistically insignificant (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Triple-phase imaging of the liver, involving the early arterial, late arterial, and portal venous phase, and using multi-detector-row helical CT, increases the detection rate of HCC.