[Computerized tomographic arteriography of the liver]

Thirty-three patients with primary and secondary tumors of the liver were examined by computer-tomographic arteriography. Methods of selective intraarterial amplification of a computer-tomographic image is presented, as are indications for and contraindications against the use of such technique. The authors have united on a single working place a computer-aided tomographer Somatom DR-2 and a Siremobil device, this essentially simplifying the examinations. Selective administration of a contrast agent through a catheter into the celiac trunk helped significantly augment the density (200-240 U) of liver parenchyma, this permitting the detection of focal liver involvement undetectable by standard computer tomography because of a density similar to that of liver parenchyma. The method permitted the detection of foci 3-5 mm in diameter. On the whole use of computer-tomographic arteriography helped improve the diagnosis of focal liver involvement by 27%.