CT evaluation of therapeutic embolization of hepatic hemangiomas

Computed tomography (CT) was used to monitor the response to therapeutic embolization in two cases of giant cavernous hemangiomas of the liver. Base-line tumor volume and rat of enhancement were calculated. Therapeutic embolization with a detachable balloon or Ivalon microsphere plus a detachable balloon was then performed. CT was repeated to evaluate both change in tumor volume and in rate of enhancement ("fill-in") of the lesion. It was possible to document the response to embolization by changes in the size and the degree of enhancement of the lesions. Thus, CT can be used to document the success or failure of embolization of hepatic hemangiomas.