The analysis of imaging features of liver metastases by multi-slice spiral CT

Abstract

Objective To investigate the characteristics of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) of liver metastases from different sources, and to explore the characteristics of rare type of liver metastases in order to improve the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of liver metastases from different sources. Methods Clinical data of 94 cases of liver metastases was recorded, including the site of the primary tumor, metastasis number, the CT values of different phase time. Results (1) The Three enhanced phases of liver metastasis can be divided into two types : the gastric cancer showed a type of time densitycurve (TDC) of gradual rise–gradual fall, and colorectal cancer and lung cancer showed continued going-up. (2) In this study, 94 patients with liver metastases had 36 cases of cystic changes,including 17 cases of colorectal cancer, 17 cases of gastric cancer and 2 cases of lung cancer. Calcification occurred in 21 cases, including 16 cases of colorectal cancer, 4 cases of gastric cancer and 1 case of lung cancer. The rate of cystic degeneration and calcification of the digestive system of malignant tumors from portal vein (colorectal cancer and gastric cancer)was significantly higher than that of patients with the hepatic artery metastasis of lung cancer . There were significant differences in the rate of cystic degeneration (χ2=5.17, P=0.023; χ2=11.79, P=0.001)and calcification(Fisherʹs exact test, P=0.038) between the two kinds of liver metastases from different hematogenous pathways and different sources. Conclusions (1) The three enhanced phases of liver metastasis from three different sources can be divided into two types: the gastric showed a TDC type of gradual rise–gradual fall, colon and lung showed continued going-up. (2) Cystic degeneration and calcification common in the portal vein of the digestive system of malignant tumors caused by liver metastases, this phenomenon to determine the source of liver metastases have a certain role in guiding. Key words: Neoplasm Metastasis; Colorectal neoplasms; Multi-slice spiral CT; Liver metastases