Pattern Analysis of False Positive Findings of Spiral CT Hepatic Arteriography

Oh, Min Cheol; Kim, Yun Hwan; Chung, Kyoo Byung; Suh, Won Hyuck

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the patterns of pseudo-lesions present on spiral CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred and seventy five patients (161 men and 14 women, aged 15-70 years [mean, 52 years]) who underwent spiral CTHA for the detection of hepatic lesions were retrospectively reviewed.Pseudo-lesion type was determined by comparing hyperattenuating lesions on CTHA with the findings of ultrasonography, conventional or multi-phase CT, Lipiodol CT, angiography, CT arterial portography(CTAP), and follow-up of spiral CTHA. Pseudo-lesions were classified according to site, size and shape.
RESULTS
A total of 77 pseudo-lesions were found in 56 of the 175 patients(32.6%), and were classified into the following types :peritumoral(n=18), segment I(n=3), segment IV(n=3), gallbladder fossa (n=13), subsegmental (n=3), subcapsular(n=13), straight line sign (n=10), arterioportal shunt (n=13), and technical error (n=1). Fifteen of 77 pseudo-lesions(19.5%) showed hyperattenuation on CTHA and iso attenuation on CTAP, in contrast to adjacent liverparenchyma.
CONCLUSION
In patients with hepatic mass, it is very important to understand the characteristicsite, shape and size of pseudo-lesions for the correct interpretation of CT and subsequent management of thepatient.