[Time related changes in the density of liver metastases after contract (a densitometric investigation with computer...

The present investigation is concerned with the increase in density of normal liver parenchyma and of liver metastases after the injection of contrast. Following a bolus injection (5 ml./sec.) of 390 mg. I/kg. body weight the difference in density between metastases and liver parenchyma at one minute after the injection was twice the pre-injection differential. This lead to a better differentiation of metastases from artefacts, and the ability to demonstrate liver metastases with a diameter less than 1 cm.. Computer tomography is likely to be better than sonography or liver scintigraphy. Some metastases show peripheral concentration of contrast with an apparent diminution in size at 5 to 10 minutes after the injection of contrast. Further investigation might lead to the ability to recognise the type of metastases where the primary tumour is unknown. After a plain film, computer tomography following injection of a suitable contrast medium is recommended.