OBJECTIVE. We measured changes in hepatic attenuation during arterial and p
ortal phase acquisition of hepatic CT in the craniocaudal and caudocranial
directions.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS. In 10 of 20 patients undergoing dual phase helical CT
during staging for colorectal cancer, images in both phases were obtained
in the craniocaudal direction. Ten patients underwent imaging in the caudoc
ranial direction. Attenuation values in the aorta and in the peripheral and
central liver regions of interest were measured on each slice. Central and
peripheral liver attenuation was also measured in 10 additional patients u
ndergoing unenhanced CT.
RESULTS. Both peripheral and central regions of interest revealed progressi
vely increasing attenuation during the arterial phase, irrespective of scan
ning direction. During the portal phase, hepatic attenuation was stable in
the craniocaudal direction but decreased in the caudocranial direction (p <
0.05, Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test). Central hepatic attenuation was lo
wer than peripheral attenuation in unenhanced livers and in enhanced livers
during both phases of caudocranial acquisition. We determined no significa
nt difference during the arterial phase of enhancement in the craniocaudal
direction.
CONCLUSION. The direction of acquisition does not influence sequential live
r enhancement during the arterial phase. Craniocaudal acquisition produces
more stable enhancement during the portal phase. Differences in attenuation
between the central and peripheral areas of the liver are probably unrelat
ed to contrast administration.