Multi-detector row helical CT angiography of hepatic vessels: depiction with dual-arterial phase acquisition during single breath hold.

Abstract

To determine by using multi-detector row computed tomography (CT), in a triphasic hepatic dynamic study, which included single breath-hold dual-arterial phase acquisition, the accuracy and frequency of visualization of the small hepatic arterial and portal venous anatomy with angiographic correlation. In 62 patients, pre- and postcontrast triphasic helical CT were performed by using a multi-detector row CT scanner, with 2.5-mm detector row collimation, at a pitch of 6. The first and second arterial phases were performed during a single breath hold. One reader, blinded to the results of the angiography, reviewed the first arterial phase images on a cine display to assess hepatic arterial anatomy. Visualization of the portal vein and its branches was assessed by using second arterial and portal venous phase images. Major arterial trunks (celiac, hepatic, superior mesenteric, and left gastric) were depicted in all cases. Visualization of small arteries was as follows: right and left hepatic, 62 (100%) of 62; middle hepatic, 52 (87%) of 60; cystic, 47 (90%) of 52; right gastric, 50 (89%) of 56; and right and left inferior phrenic, 57 (92%) and 55 (89%) of 62, respectively. Subsegmental or more peripheral branches of the portal vein were depicted in 83% of cases during the second arterial phase and in 96% during the portal phase. There was no difference in degree of visualization in these two phases. Multi-detector row CT angiography was able to depict the hepatic vascular anatomy.