Dynamic CT of hepatic masses using intraarterial enhancement: advantages and pitfalls

Forty-two patients were evaluated by dynamic incremental computed tomography (CT) following transcatheter infusion of contrast material into the celiac and hepatic arteries. Most of these patients had liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma, but the series also included two cases of hepatic hemangiomas, one case of granulomas due to atypical mycobacterium, and two cases of retroperitoneal tumors involving the liver. Several distinct patterns of liver opacification were recognized, reflecting differential perfusion of hepatic lobes during selective intraarterial contrast enhancement. The spectrum of observed findings, as well as the advantage or limitations of this technique, are described.