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Computed tomographic appearance of colorectal hepatic metastases
S H Chiang1, C H Thng, C S C Teh
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610.
Introduction:
This article reviews the various computed tomography (CT) appearances of hepatic metastases from colorectal primaries and assesses the frequency of occurrence of the various patterns.
Materials And Methods:
This is a retrospective study of the CT appearances of histologically proven colorectal hepatic metastases in a group of 52 patients who had undergone surgical hepatic resection between January 1994 and December 2001. A total of 74 hepatic metastatic lesions were reviewed. All lesions were examined in the portal venous phase.
Results:
A discernible rim was seen in 54 lesions (73%). Thick rim was present in 36 lesions (48.6%) and thin rim in 18 lesions (24.3%). Enhancement of the rim was present in 62 cases (83.8%). Increased central attenuation was seen in 38 lesions (51.4%). Of these, the centre was heterogeneous in 76.3% and scar-like in 23.7%. A non-enhancing rim was seen in 12 lesions (16.2%) which appeared as lesions with "bevelled edge". Thick enhancing rim with non-enhancing centre was the most common combination in 15 lesions (20.3%).
Conclusion:
An enhancing rim could be seen in 83.8% of lesions. Increased central attenuation was present in 51.4% of the lesions. Familiarity with the various CT appearances may facilitate identification and diagnosis of colorectal liver metastases.