Computed tomography and angiography in carcinoid liver metastases

Fifteen patients with carcinoid metastases in the liver were examined with computed tomography (CT). In 13 patients, liver metastases were demonstrated, while 2 patients had a normal liver at CT. The attenuation of the metastases was lower than that of the liver parenchyma in 12 patients, higher in one. Angiography was performed on 10 patients, and liver metastases were diagnosed in 9. Eight patients had hypervascular metastases with dense accumulation of contrast medium. In one patient, displacement of the intrahepatic arteries was the only sign of an expansive process. In one patient, previously treated with ligation of the common hepatic artery, no signs of liver metastases could be revealed at angiography but were evident at CT.