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Transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) in patients without neoplasm: frequency, shape, distribution, and
M Yamasaki1, A Furukawa, K Murata
1Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.
Radiation Medicine
|July 10, 1999
Summary
Transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) is a common finding on CT scans, often mimicking liver lesions. This study identifies its prevalence, typical appearance, and causes in patients without liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) is a significant finding in contrast-enhanced CT, crucial for identifying hypervascular liver lesions.
- However, THAD can also appear in patients without hepatic neoplasms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the characteristic findings and causes of THAD in patients without hepatic neoplasm.
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT in evaluating liver lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of dual-phased contrast-enhanced CT studies in 450 patients.
- Analysis of THAD prevalence, morphology, distribution, and association with hepatic diseases.
Main Results:
- THAD was observed in 9.3% of patients (42/450).
- In 40/42 cases, THAD was linear or wedge-shaped, contiguous to the liver surface with obscure margins.
- Common causes included chronic cholecystitis and prior biliary surgery; THAD in disease-free patients often appeared near the gallbladder fossa or liver periphery.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the prevalence, shape, distribution, and causes of THAD is essential for accurate interpretation of arterial phase contrast-enhanced CT images.
- THAD in patients without hepatic disease has distinct characteristics that aid in differentiating it from true hepatic lesions.