J Korean Radiol Soc.  1999 May;40(5):921-927. 10.3348/jkrs.1999.40.5.921.

The Imaging Findings of Small(< or =15mm) Portal Defects in the Liver on CT Arterial Portography: Evaluationwith CT Hepatic Arteriography and Lipiodol CT

• Kim HS
• Yoon HK
• Ko KY
• Song HY
• Lee MG
• Ha HK
• Sung GB
• Auh YH

• KMID: 2201001
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1999.40.5.921

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the malignant potential of small(< or =15mm) portal defects seen on CT arterial portography,the findings of CT hepatic arteriography and lipiodol CT CT were reviewed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 91 patientswho underwent both CTAP and CTHA, small portal defects were re-viewed for frequency, multiplicity and location. Weprospectively evauluated changes in the size and enhance-ment pattern of malignant lesions on follow up CTaccording to density on CTHA, location, lipiodol deposits on lipiodol CT, and multiplicity.
RESULTS
Among the 91patients, 102 small defects were defected in 42 patients(46%). Small portal defects were benign, malignant, and ofundetermined malignant potential in 77%, 20% and 3% of cases, respectively. Small portal defects that werehyperattenuated on CTHA, and lipiodol deposits on lipiodol CT, were malignant in 42% and 70% of cases,respectively. Location and multiplicity did not show statistically significant variation between benign andmalignant defects.
CONCLUSION
Small portal defects are common and there is a high probability that portaldefects smaller than 15mm are benign, even in patients with a known hepatic mass and defect that washyperattenuated on CTHA. If a small defect showed lipiodol deposit on lipiodol CT, malignancy must be suspected.

Keyword

Liver, CT; Liver neoplasm, CT; Computed tomography, helical technology

MeSH Terms

Angiography*
Ethiodized Oil*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Liver*
Portography*
Ethiodized Oil