Multi-Detector-Row Helical CT Features of Hepatic Metastases from Adenocarcinoma of Digestive Tract / 中国普外基础与临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the CT imaging features of metastatic hepatic adenocarcinomas from the digestive tract by using multi-detector-row helical CT (MDCT) with pathological correlation. Methods CT and clinical data of 36 patients with pathologically proven metastatic hepatic adenocarcinomas from the digestive tract were retrospectively reviewed. The primary tumors included 10 cases of gastric cancer, 1 duodenal cancer, 18 colo- nic carcinoma, 7 rectal cancer. All patients underwent MDCT plain scan and contrast-enhanced dual-phase scanning of upper or whole abdomen. The appearances of hepatic metastatic lesions on MDCT images at various enhancement phases were carefully observed. Results On plain CT scan 32 cases (88.9%) presented multiple nodules of low density at different sizes, 3 cases (8.3%) showed a single low-density nodule, and 1 case presented with a cystic mass. On contrast-enhanced scan, 4 cases (11.1%) showed faintly enhanced rim around the nodules on arterial phase; on portal venous phase 29 cases (80.6%) presented slight ring-like enhancement at the periphery of the nodule while the nodule core was markedly hypodense with intermediate soft tissue density area in between, giving rise to the typical appearance of “bull’s-eye” sign. Three cases (8.3%) showed no enhancement on either phase images. Conclusion The ring-like enhancement and the appearance of “bull’s-eye” on portal venous phase was characteristic CT features of metastatic hepatic adenocarcinoma from digestive tract.