Multiple spiral CT perfusion imaging in differential diagnosis of peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph nodes

Abstract

Objective To measure and assess CT perfusion value for peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph node by using multiple spiral CT (MSCT) with body perfusion software package. Methods The MSCT perfusion imaging was performed for peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph nodes and muscle on a multi-section CT scanner (SOMATOM Sensation Cardiac 64). 4 x 5 mm collimation, 120 kV, 60mA. Contrast injection was done with 40 ml nonionic contrast agent (300 mg l/ml), at a flow rate of 4.0 ml/s, and 5 seconds delay, and data acquisition lasted for 40 seconds. The mean blood flow (BF) were measured and analyzed in patients with pathologically proven peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph nodes(n=29)and hyperplastic lymph nodes(n=15) on work station using body perfusion software (Siemens) with deconvolution method. Results The mean BF in peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph nodes were (53.63±18.82) ml·min-1·100 ml-1, in hyperplastic lymph nodes were 29.78±7.52 ml·min-1·100 ml-1, the difference was significant (P<0.001). Conclusions Perfusion imaging of MSCT was useful in differentiation between peri-pancreatic metastatic lymph nodes and hyperplastic lymph nodes. Key words: Tomography, X-ray computed ; Hemoperfusion; Metastatic lymph node