Evaluation of ligamentum teres hepatis with multi-slice spiral CT:an initial experience / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To recognize the features of the ligamentum teres hepatic(LTH) in multi-slice spiral CT,and to preliminarily explore its clinical value.Methods A total of 130 patients without liver disease underwent abdominal scanning with a 16-slice spiral CT scanner.LTHs,as focused points,were observed by using postprocessing techniques such as multi-planar reformation(MPR),slab maximum intensity projection(slab-MIP) and slab volume rendering(slab-VR).Results The LTH was detected by multi-slice spiral CT in 90.8%(118/130).On these oblique-sagittal MPR,slab-MIP and slab-VR images,LTH presentedas slightly high density smooth cord-like structure in accordance with its anatomical morphology and position.The mean diameter of fissure portion of normal LTH was(5.44?0.96) mm(range 3.2-7.2 mm) measured at its middle region,and that of free portion of normal LTH was(3.43?0.91) mm(range 1.6-6.0 mm).Conclusions Multi-slice spiral CT demonstrates the LTH clearly,and has a potentialto evaluate the LTH before abdominal operation in which the LTH is to be used as an autogenous repairmaterial.