[Improvement in diagnosis of liver metastases with the multi-detector CT]

Radiologe. 2001 Jan;41(1):16-23. doi: 10.1007/s001170050923.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The introduction of multidetector computed tomography in clinical routine creates a new dimension of increased spatial and temporal resolution in CT scanning. On the basis of the very short acquisition time, the whole liver can now be scanned within one breathhold. Multidetector-CT allows the examination of the liver with nearly isotropic data sets. This is the prerequisite for the optimal assessment of very small liver lesions in all planes and excellent enhancement of liver lesions in defined organic perfusion phases. The speed of multidetector-CT can either be used to reduce the time to cover a given volume, or to use narrower beam collimation to increase the resolution of details along the z-axis and to reduce volume averaging. We report our clinical experiences in hepatic multidetector-CT examinations and optimized examination protocols in the assessment of hepatic metastases. Multidetector-CT and the use of interactive multiplanar reconstructions improve the detection and characterization of liver metastases. However, new problems in data management may arise from the large amount of data generated by multidetector-CT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / instrumentation*