Changes in microvascular architecture in colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

Objective To study the changes in microvascular architecture in colorectal liver metastases so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment for colorectal liver metastases.Methods 20 fresh cadaveric livers were obtained for this research project.These livers were obtained from deceased patients who had a clinical diagnosis of colorectal liver metastases with detailed clinical imaging data.These patients did not receive any surgical resection or intervention treatment for their liver metastases.After perfusion of the liver with physiological saline,the hepatic artery,portal vein and bile duct were infused with different colors of resin.After successful infusion the livers were corroded to remove the liver tissues,leaving behind the resins.The areas of interest (tumor center and periphery) were located and the changes in microvascular architecture were observed.Results There were 20 specimens from 20 patients with colorectal liver metastases with 64 tumors,23 were more than 3 cm in diameter and 41 less than 3 cm.These tumors were divided into the single nodular,multinodular,and diffuse types.Cancers of more than 3 cm received mainly their blood supply from the hepatic artery.Cancers of less than 3 cm received their blood supply from the portal vein (P =0.004).Scanning electron microscopy showed the microvascular architecture in colorectal liver metastases to be complex and consisted of loops,bifurcated,spiral and networking types.With different tumor diameters,the microvascular diameters showed significant differences (P =0.038,0.012).Conclusions Different sizes of colorectal liver metastases had different sources of the blood supply with different microvascular architectures.These features have significant impact on clinical treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Key words: Liver metastasis ; Microvascular; Colorectal cancer