ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY PERFUSION COMPARED TO COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TRIPHASIC STUDY IN ASSESSMENT OF HEPATIC FOCAL LESIONS

Abstract

CT perfusion and spiral CT are useful and non invasive technique for evaluating hepatic malignancies. Malignant and normal tissue can be accurately differentiated using perfusion maps. Hepatic malignancy derive neo vasculature through process of angiogenesis mediated through several angiogenic factors which are critical for tumor growth and metastasis. So perfusion CT is found to be helpful in oncology with a wide array of application in tumor diagnosis, staging, prognostic evaluation and monitoring therapeutic response. Early identification of the tumor around the RFA or lipiodolized nodule is sometimes challenging with spiral CT because tumor recurrence around RFA defect can be confused with reactive hyperemia around RFA area and because HCC recurrence around lipiodolized nodule can be obscured by beam hardening artifacts that occurred due to high attenuation of accumulated lipiodol. CTP may play important role. Diagnosis of hepatic metastases is of great importance for staging, prognosis, and treatment. Perfusion CT is more sensitive in the characterization of focal hepatic lesions and in the early detection of hepatic metastases that are otherwise too small to be determined by spiral CT.