Evaluation studies of hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation with 320-detector row computed tomography scanner for Surt-start imaging and dynamic volume scanning

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical application comparison of Surt-start imaging and dynamic volume scanning acquired from 320-detector row computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation. Retrospective analysis was conducted for 20 patients undergoing 320-slice CT scanning. Aquilion One scanner after liver transplantation was performed from April 2009 to September 2011. Dynamic volume scanning group employed dynamic volume scanning pattern while Surt-start group used helical scanning pattern. The contrast medium (Ultravist, 370 mgI/ml iopromide) was infused at 6 ml/s with a total dose of 50 ml in dynamic volume scanning group versus 1.5 ml/kg in Surt-start group. Two groups were compared with regards to hepatic artery enhancing peak time, the best arterial phase time, maximum peak enhancement of artery, maximum absolute peak enhancement of artery and branches of hepatic artery. The hepatic artery enhancing peak time and the best arterial phase time was (21.5 ± 2.5) s and (22.4 ± 3.3) s in dynamic volume scanning group versus (19.5 ± 1.8) s in Surt-start group. And there was significant inter-group difference (P = 0.001, P = 0.000). The maximum peak enhancement of artery or the maximum absolute peak enhancement of artery and branches of hepatic artery had no inter-group difference. Two groups showed no difference in displaying hepatic artery anastomosis and variations. Dynamic volume scanning group was better than Surt-start group in displaying hepatic artery microscopic lesions. 320-detector CT dynamic volume scanning has the advantage of low-dose contrast medium. Capable of acquiring overall accurate imaging process of hepatic artery, it is effective for follow-ups of hepatic artery complications after liver transplantation.