Multidetector-row Helical CT Research Articles

Selective venous sampling for primary hyperparathyroidism: how to perform an examination and interpret the results with reference to thyroid vein anatomy

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) causes hypercalcemia. The treatment for pHPT is surgical dissection of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland. Lower rates of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury imply that minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is safer than bilateral neck resection. Current trends in MIP use can be inferred only by reference to preoperative localization studies. Noninvasive imaging studies (typically preoperative localization studies) show good detection rates of hyperfunctioning glands; however, there have also been cases of nonlocalization or discordant results. Selective venous sampling (SVS) is an invasive localization method for detecting elevated intact parathyroid hormone in the thyroid and/or internal jugular and brachiocephalic veins. SVS was developed mainly for postoperative patients with persistent or recurrent pHPT; however, SVS could also be useful before initial operations due to its high sensitivity to pHPT. Currently, SVS is generally indicated for recurrent HPT, and for cases with negative imaging study results for HPT or discordant results. Multi-detector row helical CT is useful for imaging the anatomy of the jugular and thyroid veins. Knowledge of the thyroid vein anatomy enables the creation of sampling points in the internal jugular and brachiocephalic veins for catheterization of the thyroid veins and venous anastomoses.

Current status of multi-detector row helical CT in imaging of adult acquired pancreatic diseases and assessing surgical neoplastic resectability

BackgroundIt is usually hard to detect pancreatic lesions early as the pancreas lays retro peritoneum so it cannot be assessed during a routine physical exam. By the time a person has symptoms, the disease has already established morphological imaging CT changes. ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to clarify the role of multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) in different adult acquired pancreatic diseases and assess the efficacy of surgical pancreatic tumors resectability preoperative. Materials & methodsThe study included thirty adult patients suspected to have pancreatic diseases (18 males and 12 females); their age range was 45–90years with a mean age of 68years. All patients underwent triple-phase multi-detector row CT using a 16-slice machine. The presence of inflammation, masses, and vascular invasion was evaluated and interpreted images were obtained during each phase. Results were compared with surgery, histopathology or follow-up. ResultsOf 30 patients, 15 had pancreatic malignancies (14 adenocarcinoma of which 6 were resectable and 8 were irresectable, 1 distant metastasis) proven at biopsy and/or surgery, 11 patients had pancreatitis (acute and chronic), three patients had cystic benign tumors (2 mucinous cystadenoma, 1 serous cystadenoma), and one patient had neuroendocrine tumor (insulinoma). ConclusionContrast enhanced multiphase pancreatic imaging by MDCT with its post processing techniques represents the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of different adult acquired pancreatic diseases.

Acute Mesenteric Ischaemia

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a surgical emergency, and has a high mortality. The term AMI covers arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia and venous thrombosis which all lead to ischaemia/reperfusion syndrome of the bowel. Multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT) technology has dramatically improved the performance of CT by allowing rapid volumetric data acquisition to provide increased resolution, leading to better identification of the site, level and cause of ischaemia. CT angiography for diagnosing mesenteric ischaemia is now highly sensitive and specific, and should be used as first line when AMI is suspected. The aim of management is to restore intestinal blood flow in a timely manner. Therapeutic decisions are based on the presence of peritonitis, the presence of irreversible ischaemia or infarcted segments of the bowel, the general condition of the patient and the pathophysiological process underlying the ischaemia. AMI remains a challenging condition with high mortality. There is a need for good general surgical cover on the intensive care unit, with continuing care and clinical review by experienced senior surgeons with an interest in this condition.

Wide variation in anal sphincter muscles in cases of high- and intermediate-type male anorectal malformation

The distribution of sphincter muscle complex in anorectal malformation (ARM) needs to be investigated on a case-by-case basis. This study was undertaken to demonstrate the differences in the anal sphincter muscles between patients with the same type of ARM. Computed tomography (CT) data from cases of high- and intermediate-type male patients with ARM were reviewed using three-dimensional (3D) image analysis. Twenty-seven male patients with ARM (18 high and 9 intermediate) before anorectoplasty were assessed using multidetector-row helical CT (MRH-CT). A 3D reconstruction was made using volume rendering method. The multi-dimensional sections of the 3D reconstructed images of the pelvic muscles were then analyzed and compared with schematic drawings from the literature. The sphincters in the high and intermediate types of ARM could be divided into five groups. In 13 out of 18 cases in the high type and 7 out of 9 cases in the intermediate type, images of the sphincter muscles appeared different from schematic drawings appearing in the literature. In both high and intermediate types of ARM, more than 2/3 of cases demonstrated unexpectedly displaced and deformed hypoplastic sphincters. Therefore, we recommend that variations in anal sphincter should be investigated on an individual basis prior to surgery.

Assessment of the feeding arteries by three-dimensional computed tomography angiography prior to multi-arterial infusion chemotherapy for lung cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multi-detector row helical computed tomography (MDCT) angiography in the detection of feeding arteries prior to multi-arterial infusion for lung cancer. A total of 59 consecutive patients (44 males and 15 females; age range, 27-86 years; median age, 62 years) with non-small cell lung cancer underwent MDCT angiography of the thorax prior to multi-arterial infusion for lung cancer. Findings on CT angiograms, including CT scans, maximum intensity projections and three-dimensional volume-rendered images, were used to evaluate the depiction of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries. The results of detecting the feeding arteries for lung cancer by MDCT angiography and conventional angiography were compared. Among the 59 patients treated with multi-arterial infusion chemotherapy, a total of 80 feeding arteries (62 bronchial feeding arteries and 18 non-bronchial systemic arteries) were detected by conventional angiography and/or MDCT angiography. In 56 (70%) feeding arteries (including 44 bronchial feeding arteries and 12 non-bronchial systemic arteries) for lung cancers, concordant findings were observed with the two modalities. In 23 (29%) cases, MDCT angiography could not be used to define feeding arteries, but was used to identify the ostia of these feeding arteries. In one (1/80, 1.3%) case, the CT-defined feeding artery was not selectively catheterized. MDCT angiography of the chest is able to provide an overview for successful catheterization in multi-arterial infusion chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Jejunal GIST causing acute massive gastrointestinal bleeding: Role of multidetector row helical CT in the preoperative diagnosis and management

In this report, we describe a 34-year-old man with a jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) accompanied by an unusual severe haemorrhage. Because oesophagogastroduodenoscopy proved inconclusive in determining the source of the bleeding and also because of gradually dropping haemoglobin levels and persistence of the melena not allowing colonic preparation, colonoscopy was cancelled and a mesenteric angio-computed tomography (angio-CT) was deemed necessary. The results of this analysis showed a 5-cm heterogeneous mass located in the jejunal loop surrounded by abnormal arterial structures. This multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) appearance was highly suggestive of GIST.The patient then underwent an urgent laparotomy and, peroperative findings being compatible with angio-CT descriptions, a small-bowel resection was performed. The results of the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of GIST.Angio-CT helps define the size of GIST as well as its range and location and can be used as the primary routine test for patients suffering from lower-GI bleeding.

Multidetector row helical computed tomography for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: correlation between radiological findings and the corresponding biological characteristics of patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between multidetector row helical computed tomography (MDCT) findings and the histopathological characteristics of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed MDCT findings and the corresponding histopathological features of 442 women with invasive ductal carcinoma. We received informed consent from the patients and the protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee at Tohoku University. The median age was 53 years (26-89 years). We examined the MDCT findings based on mass shape classified into well, moderate, poorly and scattered demarcated shapes, the enhancement pattern classified into homogenous, heterogeneous, rim and poor, and mass density classified into high, intermediate or low. We subsequently compared these radiological findings with the histological characteristics and clinical outcome. Poorly demarcated types were higher in ER+/HER2- (P = 0.008), while the well-demarcated type was higher in ER-/HER2- and ER-/HER2+ (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010). Rim pattern was higher in ER-/HER2- (P < 0.001). Intermediate or low density was higher in ER-/HER2- (P < 0.001, respectively). Further analysis based on histological grade, mitotic counts and lymphovascular invasion demonstrated that the well-demarcated shape was higher in grade 2 and 3 (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively), and rim pattern was observed in grade 3 (P < 0.001). Regarding mitotic counts, poorly and scattered demarcated shapes were observed in score 1 (P = 0.008 and P = 0.014), while well-demarcated shape and rim enhancement were observed in score 3 (P < 0.001, respectively). Lymphovascular invasion correlated with a moderate demarcated shape (P = 0.029). Regarding recurrence rates, there were statistically significant differences between well and moderate, poorly or scattered demarcated shapes (P = 0.007, 0.028 and 0.035, respectively). These proposed MDCT diagnostic criteria based on biological characteristics contribute to more accurately predicting the biological behavior of breast cancer patients.

Multidetector row helical CT and US in diagnosing appendicitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of multi-detector row helical computed tomography (MDCT) with oral and intravenous contrast material and ultrasound in depiction of appendicitis. Patients and methodsSixty three patients (35 female and 28 male patients) aged 16–81years (mean, 38years) who presented with right lower quadrant pain and 2 with upper quadrant pain who were suspected of having acute appendicitis underwent both US and enhanced multi-detector row CT of the entire abdomen and pelvis.The examinations were performed within 1–2h of each other. Data from both the US and CT were compared, and the definite diagnosis was established with surgical findings and results of clinical follow-up as the reference standard. Comparisons were made for the patient's age and sex. ResultsThirty seven (out of 63) patients had definite appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were superior for MDCT over that of US. The frequency of inconclusive examinations was significantly higher with US than with CT, regardless of radiologist experience. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the diagnostic value of MDCT is relatively higher than that of US in the detection of acute appendicitis regardless of patient sex and age.

Thoracic complications following lung transplantation: 64‐MDCT findings

The aim of this review is to present the wide spectrum of common and uncommon thoracic complications that can affect the lung after transplantation. These complications were analyzed using 64 multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT). Sixty-four MDCT techniques and parameters are illustrated. Correlations of imaging findings and pathologic and histologic specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy and broncoalveolar lavage are illustrated in representative cases.

Response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy measured on imaging predicts early recurrence and death in breast cancer patients with lymph node involvements

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is effective as postoperative adjuvant therapy, permits more lumpectomies, and can be used to study breast cancer biology. Although pathological response is the strongest prognostic factor, response rates vary according to various parameters, such as dissociation between breast and axillary node responses. To clarify the correlation of response rates between breast tumors and metastasized lymph nodes and to identify the clinical significance; response rates measured on imaging were evaluated among breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node involvement. Subjects consisted of 98 patients diagnosed with node-positive breast cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery. The response to the therapy was evaluated by changes in the largest dimensions of the breast mass and of regional lymph nodes measured on a multidetector row helical CT before and after chemotherapy. The percent reduction was calculated as a response rate. The correlation between response rate and patient outcome was analyzed retrospectively. Breast tumor response rates correlated statistically well with those of lymph nodes (p < 0.001). Disease-free cases had a greater tumor and/or nodal response rates than recurrence cases (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively), regardless of tumor size, histological grade and HER2 amplification. Cancer-associated death was observed more frequently in cases with lower response rates compared to surviving cases (p = 0.007, p = 0.021, respectively). The prognostic difference was found most strongly in nodal response rates (p = 0.001). The present series evaluated the therapeutic effect of NAC on breast tumors and metastasized lymph nodes, and a significant correlation with patient outcome was observed. Evaluating the response rate measured by imaging could be used as a surrogate marker for prognosis before assessment of the pathological response which is ordinarily obtained after surgery.

Evaluation of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic liver: Comparison of different concentrations of contrast material with multi-detector row helical CT – A prospective randomized study

To evaluate two different iodine concentrations of contrast material for detecting hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in cirrhotic liver by multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT) when a fixed contrast material volume and injection rate is used. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. In this prospective study, 105 patients were randomly assigned a group A (an iodine concentration of 300 mg I/mL), and a group B (an iodine concentration of 370 mg I/mL). In both groups the volume of contrast material was 100 mL and the injection rate was 4 mL/s. Fifty-two patients had 122 hypervascular HCCs. The diagnosis of HCCs was established histopathologically (n=24) and by imaging findings (n=98). Three readers independently analyzed four image sets: an arterial phase (AP), a portal phase (PP), an equilibrium phase (EP), and combined all three phase images set. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The mean sensitivity for detecting hypervascular HCCs of the AP set, EP set, and combination set in group B (0.94, 0.81, and 0.93) was significantly higher than in group A (0.84, 0.69, and 0.80). Area under the ROC curve of the AP set and the combination set in group B (0.974 and 0.981) was significantly higher than in group A (0.939 and 0.958). At the same contrast material volume and injection rate, higher iodine concentration of contrast material was effective for detecting hypervascular HCCs by MDCT.

Diffuse liver diseases in neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates: a pictorial essay

A wide spectrum of common and uncommon diffuse liver diseases affecting neonatal and pediatric liver transplant candidates is presented and analyzed using 16 and 64 multi-detector row helical CT (MDCT) and 1.5 T MRI fast imaging. Correlation of imaging findings and explanted liver or histology is illustrated in representative cases. Associated uncommon congenital anomalies are shown. In conclusion, in pediatric liver transplant candidates, 16-MDCT and 1.5 T fast MRI are useful for diagnosis and staging of liver disease, as well as for the evaluation of associated congenital anomalies.

Neurological recovery after surgical treatment of giant cervical pseudomeningoceles extending to lumbar spine associated with previous brachial plexus injury

The authors describe a case of 28-year-old man who presented with cervical myelopathy and lumbar radiculopathy due to the giant cervical pseudomeningocele extending to the lumbar spine at 10 years after previous brachial plexus injury. To evaluate the communicating tract between pseudomeningocele and subarachnoidal space, the multidetector-row helical CT with simultaneous myelography was performed preoperatively. The surgical treatment in the cervical spine included the resection of pseudomeningocele and the repair of dural defects communicating into the cyst following multi-level laminoplasty and foraminotomies. At 6 years after surgery, the significant neurologic recovery and complete obliteration of cysts in the whole spine area were maintained. This serves as the first report describing the significant neurologic recovery after the surgical treatment of giant cervical pseudomeningocele extending to the lumbar spine after previous brachial plexus injury.

乳腺内視鏡手術と3D-CT乳腺リンパ管造影＜その2＞3D-CT乳腺リンパ管造影によるセンチネルリンパ節生検

Background: I have studied endoscopic surgery for breast diseases and 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) lymphography for sentinel node (SN) biopsy. In this second in a series of reports, I explain the techniques of 3D-CT lymphography. 3D-CT lymphography can show the detailed lymphatic flow from the breast tumor toward the SNs and the exact local relation between axillary lymph nodes. I have developed this 3D image-processing system to more precisely depict the anatomical structures of the mammary lymphovascular system. This system allows us to systematically collect axillary lymph nodes, including SNs. Methods: 3D-CT lymphography was performed to mark SNs on the skin on the day before surgery. Above the tumor and near the areola, 2ml of Iopamiron 300 was injected subcutaneously. Sixteen-channel multidetector-row helical CT scan images were obtained 1 minute after injection to detect SNs, and after 3 and 5 minutes to observe lymph flow into the venous angle. The scan images were reconstructed to produce 3D images. SN biopsy was performed with the dye-staining method and endoscopy. Results: 3D-CT lymphography accurately showed lymphatic flow from the tumor to SNs. We classified the relationship between the lymph ducts and the drained SNs into 4 patterns. Following up 3 and 5 minutes after injection of the contrast agent, we can follow the lymph ducts beyond the SN into the second and third nodes toward the venous angle with the complex plexus. The figure of the axillary nodes shows 5 beads-like grouped nodes. 3D-CT lymphography can also recognize the metastatic patterns of the enhanced lymph node. These patterns will predict the metastasis before SN biopsy. 3D-CT lymphography can also be used to detect lymph flow from the arm to avoid harming the arm lymph channel during axillary node dissection and SN biopsy. Conclusions: With 3D-CT lymphography, we can more accurately and precisely recognize lymph flow and the positional relations of SN and axillary nodes to surrounding anatomical structures.

Efficacy of Double-Arterial Phase Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid-Enhanced Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared With Double-Arterial Phase Multi-Detector Row Helical Computed Tomography

To evaluate the efficacy of double-arterial phase gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 3-dimensional gradient-echo sequences compared with double-arterial phase multi-detector row helical computed tomography (CT). This study included 15 patients with 24 surgically proven hepatocellular carcinomas. Dynamic MRI and CT were evaluated by 2 observers using a 4-point scale. We compared the scores of double-arterial phase MRI and CT for each observer and determined whether a significant difference existed. Using MRI, 83% and 79% of the lesions were considered hypervascular by the two observers versus 88% for both observers using CT. The difference between MRI and CT was not significant. Double-arterial phase gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI is as useful as double-arterial phase multi-detector row helical CT for detecting the hypervascularity of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Empirical description of bronchial and nonbronchial arteries with MDCT

Purpose We aimed to retrospectively evaluate bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries using multi-detector row helical computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography in patients with pulmonary disorders. Materials and Methods Thirty-nine patients (24 men, 15 women; mean age, 63.4 years; range, 20–82 years) with congenital and acquired pulmonary disorders of the bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries underwent multi-detector row helical computed tomographic angiography of the thorax using a 16-detector row scanner. Each of these patients had experienced an episode of hemoptysis. Computed tomographic angiogram data, which included maximum intensity projections, multiplanar reconstruction, and three-dimensional volume-rendered images, were used to retrospectively analyse the characteristics of the bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries. Results We identified a total of 128 bronchial arteries (76 on the right side and 52 on the left) in 39 patients. We detected 42 nonbronchial systemic artery branches, including 19 internal mammary artery branches, 8 subclavian artery branches, 8 inferior phrenic artery branches, 5 intercostal artery branches, 1 thyrocervical trunk branch, and 1 celiac trunk branch. Thirty-five dilated and tortuous nonbronchial systemic arteries entered into the lung parenchyma and extended down to the lesions. Every case, except the one case of sequestration, was associated with pleural thickening where the vascular structures passed through the extrapleural fat. Conclusions The variations in both the bronchial artery anatomy and the location and type of the nonbronchial arteries were great. Nonbronchial arteries may be a significant source of hemoptysis. MDCT angiography can be used to detect detailed anatomical information about the origins and courses of bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries and their pathophysiologic features.

Sentinel and axillary nodes of the breast distinguished from those of the arm by 3D-CT lymphography and selectively dissected by endoscopic surgery

616 Background: In early breast cancer, the presence of metastasis in axillary lymph nodes (AN) is an important factor in prognosis and further treatment. However, AN dissection causes many complications such as contracture of shoulder joint, lymph edema, and paralysis of upper extremities. Sentinel node (SN) biopsy provides us valuable information about no need to dissect AN for node-negative patients. However, on node-positive patients, the conventional AN dissection has been performed. 3D-CT lymphography (LG) can show the precise individual lymphatic flow not only from the breast tumor to SN but also from SN to venous angle, which means breast lymphatic channel. We applied 3D-CT LG to distinguish them from the arm channel to avoid any arm complications. Methods: 3D-CT LG was performed on the day before surgery to mark SN on the skin. Above the tumor and near the areola and the arm pit, 2 ml of Iopamidol 300 was injected subcutaneously. Images of 16-channel multidetector-row helical CT scan were taken at 1, 3, and 5 min after injection. They were reconstructed to produce a 3D image of lymph ducts and lymph nodes. SN biopsy and AN sampling were performed by dye-staining method using endoscopy. Results:We performed SN biopsy with 3D-CT LG on 160 patients. 3D-CT LG clearly showed the precise lymphatic flow from the tumor to SN. It can show SN at only one min after injection. But following up to 5 min, we can follow the lymph ducts beyond SN into the second to the fifth node groups toward the venous angle with complex plexus, observed in the surrounding anatomical architecture. Detection rate was 100% for SN; 80% for the third group; and 30% for the fifth group. The arm lymph flow was distinguished by the connections between the breast and the arm flow, observed 39% and 71% in the fourth and the fifth group. SN was shared from between the breast and the arm in 5 patients (3.1%). They complained arm edema only by SN biopsy. We can distinguish and sample AN drained from the breast, guided by 3D-CT LG and dye-staining using endoscopy. Conclusions:By 3D-CT LG, we can recognize the accurate and more precise lymph flow in the surrounding anatomical architecture. It helps us easily to pursuit lymph flow and to remove SN and AN from the breast selectively using endoscopic surgery. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Video-assisted breast surgery can sample the second and third sentinel nodes to omit axillary node dissection for sentinel-node-positive patients

The preservation of the axillary node (AN) has become standard therapy for early breast cancer patients with a metastasis-positive sentinel node (SN). However, about half of the patients with metastasis in the SN have no metastasis in the other AN. Late-phase three-dimensional computed tomographic lymphography (3D-CT LG) of the breast can show the axillary lymphatic architecture from the SN into the venous angle. These nodes are classified into five groups. For the sake of aesthetics, video-assisted breast surgery (VABS) was used to sample the second and third nodes shown by 3D-CT LG. For marking the SN on the skin, 3D-CT LG was performed the day before the surgery. Iopamiron 300 (2 ml) was injected subcutaneously. A 16-channel multidetector-row helical CT image was reconstructed to produce a 3D image of the lymph ducts and nodes. A biopsy of the SN was performed by the dye-staining method using Visiport-aided endoscopy for VABS. Stained nodes were located by following the dye in the lymph ducts on a video monitor. For SN-metastasis-positive patients, standard AN dissection was performed under video assistance. Since July 2002, the authors have performed SN biopsy for 186 patients as well as 3D-CT LG and VABS SN biopsy for 146 patients. Five chained-node groups were shown. Even in the multiple SN case, the lymph ducts were converging into the second node. The second and third nodes beyond the SN were detected and sampled in 82 patients (56.2%) by VABS assisted with 3D-CT LG. Sentinel node metastasis (n = 40) involved SN metastasis alone in 21 cases (52.5%) and SN, second-node, and third-node metastasis in eight cases. A reviewed lymphoid path by 3D-CT LG confirmed that metastasis occurred in order of lymph flow. The use of 3D-CT LG-guided VABS SN biopsy of the second and third nodes will predict SN metastasis alone and help to obviate the need for dissection of more nodes.

Selective axillary node dissection differed from the arm lymph flow oriented by 3D-CT lymphography.

Abstract Abstract #1012 Background: In early breast cancer, the presence of metastasis in axillary lymph nodes is an important factor in prognosis and further treatment. However, axillary node dissection causes many complications such as contracture of the shoulder joint, lymph edema, and paralysis of the upper extremities. Sentinel node (SN) biopsy provides us an information about no need to dissect axillary nodes for node-negative patients. But on node-positive patients, the conventional axillary node dissection has been performed. 3D-CT lymphography (LG) can show the precise individual lymphatic flow not only from the tumor to SN but also from SN to venous angle, which means breast lymphatic channel. We applied 3D-CT LG to distinguish them from the arm channel to avoid any arm complications.&amp;#x2028; Materials and Methods: 3D-CT LG was performed on the day before the surgery to mark SN on the skin. Above the tumor and near the areola, 2 ml of Iopamidol was injected subcutaneously. A 16-channel multidetector-row helical CT images were taken at 1 min after injection for SN detection, and at 3 and 5 min for observing advancement of lymph flow into venous angle. They were reconstructed to produce a 3D image of lymph ducts and lymph nodes by shaded volume rendering method. SN biopsy and axillary node sampling were performed by dye-stain method using endoscopy.&amp;#x2028; Results: We performed SN biopsy with 3D-CT LG in 146 patients. 3D-CT LG showed periareolar circular lymph ducts and complicated radial breast subcutaneous lymph ducts flow. They were connected to make a network. It clearly showed the precise lymphatic flow from the tumor to SN. 3D-CT lymphography can show sentinel lymph node at only one minute after injection. But following up to 3 minutes and 5 minutes after injection, we can follow the lymph ducts beyond SN into the second and the third nodes toward the venous angle with complex plexus. It shows five beads-like grouped nodes beyond SN. Detection rate was 100% for SN; 80.1% for the third group; and 30.1% for the fifth group. The position of SN and the other groups of axillary nodes were identified by their surrounding anatomical architecture of pectoral muscles and vascular systems, such as axillary vein, lateral thoracic artery, and thoracodorsal artery. Under the endoscopic technique, we can observe the dye-stained nodes in 63.3% of the second group and in 47.9% of the third group detected by 3D-CT LG. SN metastasis was positive in 40 patients, and only SN metastasis was found in 21 patients (52.5%) among them. Any skip metastasis beyond second and third nodes was not observed. Under the direct view, we can distinguish and the axillary node drained from the breast, guided by 3D-CT LG and dye-stain, in 40 patients with SN metastasis, and sample them selectively.&amp;#x2028; Conclusions: By 3D-CT LG, we can recognize the accurate and more precise lymph flow, and their positional relations to surrounding anatomical architecture. It helps us easily to pursuit lymph flow and to remove SN and the axillary nodes from the breast selectively. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1012.

Iodized oil uptake assessment with cone-beam CT inchemoembolization of small hepatocellular carcinomas

To evaluate the utility of assessing iodized oil uptake with cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cone-beam CT provided by a biplane flat-panel detector angiography suite was performed on eighteen patients (sixteen men and two women; 41-76 years; mean age, 58.9 years) directly after TACE for small HCC (26 nodules under 30 mm; mean diameter, 11.9 mm; range, 5-28 mm). The pre-procedural locations of the tumors were evaluated using triphasic multi-detector row helical computed tomography (MDCT). The tumor locations on MDCT and the iodized oil uptake by the tumors were analyzed on cone-beam CT and on spot image directly after the procedures. All lesions on preprocedural MDCT were detected using iodized oil uptake in the lesions on cone-beam CT (sensitivity 100%, 26/26). Spot image depicted iodized oil uptake in 22 of the lesions (sensitivity 85%). The degree of iodized oil uptake was overestimated (9%, 2/22) or underestimated (14%, 3/22) on spot image in five nodules compared with that of cone-beam CT. Cone-beam CT is a useful and convenient tool for assessing the iodized oil uptake of small hepatic tumors (< 3 cm) directly after TACE.