The application of C- arm CT imaging technique in evaluating the efficacy of TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the application of C- arm CT imaging technique in evaluating the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods During the period from Sep. 2012 to Mar. 2013 at authors’ hospital, C- arm CT scanning was employed during the performance of TACE in 80 patients with HCC. The residual active tumor lesions, Lipiodol deposition and the embolization of the feeding arteries after TACE therapy were assessed by C- arm CT plain scan images and the images of early artery phase and parenchymal phase, as well as the post- processing images. The efficacy of TACE was thus evaluated. Results A total of 139 hepatic tumors were detected in 80 patients by C- arm CT imaging. C- arm CT scanning performed immediately after TACE showed that satisfactory result was obtained in 128 lesions of 75 patients(128/139, 92.9%). Fewer, medium and more residual active tumors were seen in 78, 29 and 21 lesions respectively, while dense, moderate and thin Lipiodol deposition was seen in 64, 39 and 25 lesions respectively. After TACE therapy obvious decrease in blood supply was demonstrated in 101 lesions, while no obvious decrease in blood supply was seen in 27 lesions. Conclusion C- arm CT scanning after TACE for patients with HCC can conveniently, accurately and comprehensively reveal the residual active tumors, Lipiodol deposition and embolization status of feeding arteries. Therefore, this technique should be regarded as an important means to evaluate the efficacy of TACE.