Value of hepatic arterial phase CT versus lipiodol ultrafluid CT in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

To evaluate the role of hepatic arterial phase (HAP) spiral computed tomography (CT), as compared with iodized oil (Lipiodol ultrafluid [LUF]) CT for revealing nodular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Twenty-four cirrhotic patients underwent two-phase HCT examination: HAP 25 seconds and portal phase 70 seconds after injection of 1.5 mL/Kg contrast medium. All patients also underwent hepatic angiography and intraarterial infusion of iodized oil; LUF CT was performed 3-4 weeks after infusion. HCT images were compared with LUF CT images for detection of hepatic nodules. We found no significant difference between the sensitivity of HAP CT and LUF CT for nodules >10 mm, while HAP CT was more sensitive than LUF CT in revealing nodules