[Angiographic detection of focal changes in the liver]

CT and ultrasound have completely replaced angiography in the diagnosis of focal liver lesions. However, angiography of the liver is still important for delineation of the vascular anatomy and enhancing diagnostic specificity, especially prior to hepatic surgery. CT angiography using water-soluble or oily contrast materials improves the diagnostic accuracy with regard to the number of lesions detected in patients with liver metastases or hepatoma. Both techniques reveal more lesions than do standard angiographic methods.