[Three-dimensional MR angiography of HCC and portal and hepatic veins using superparamagnetic iron oxide]

We examined a new MR technique for obtaining 3D-MRA images of the liver that simultaneously depicts HCC and the portal and hepatic veins. Five patients with clinically suspected HCC were studied with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SHU-555A) used as a negative contrast medium for the liver. In our study, a 3D-rotational display was provided on the CTR monitor from 2D-TOF images by computed reconstruction, clearly showing HCC and portal and hepatic veins on the same image. Our method was found to be of great value in planning surgery of the liver.