Arterial phase hyperenhancement, sometimes termed arterial “wash-in” or arterial “hypervascularity,” is defined as
enhancement in the arterial phase that unequivocally is greater than that of surrounding liver
. The pathophysiologic basis for arterial phase hyperenhancement in HCC is well understood.
What does Hypoenhancing mean?
Definition:
Enhancement that unequivocally is less than that of liver
. If there is equivocal hypoenhancement: Characterize as isoenhancement.
What does arterial enhancement mean?
Arterial phase hyperenhancement is defined as
enhancement in the arterial phase that is unequivocally greater than that of the surrounding liver
according to the current major guidelines (1,2).
What is the arterial phase?
The arterial phase is a
post-contrast injection time range in
which images have the following characteristics: Hepatic artery and branches are fully enhanced. Hepatic veins not yet enhanced by antegrade flow.
What is arterial phase CT scan?
The late arterial phase, also known as the arterial phase or early venous portal phase, is a contrast-enhanced CT or MRI series, in which there is
an optimal enhancement of structures that get their blood supply directly from the arterial system
.
What is HCC diagnosis?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a
primary tumor of the liver
that usually develops in the setting of chronic liver disease, particularly in patients with cirrhosis due to alcohol use, chronic hepatitis B or C virus infections, or nonalcohol-associated steatohepatitis (NASH) [1,2].
What does HCC look like on CT?
Classic
CT
findings of
HCC
include a hypervascular pattern with arterial enhancement and rapid washout during the portal venous phase. (See the images below.) In contrast, regenerative nodules generally
appear
isoattenuating or hypoattenuating when compared with the remaining parenchyma.
What does Enhancing mean on MRI?
In MRI field, usually the term “enhancing” is coupled with “gadolinium” or “contrast”. Therefore, an enhancing lesion is
a lesion that assumes contrast medium
.
What is the difference between a tumor and lesion?
A bone lesion is considered a bone tumor if the abnormal area has cells that
divide and multiply at higher-than-normal rates
to create a mass in the bone. The term “tumor” does not indicate whether an abnormal growth is malignant (cancerous) or benign, as both benign and malignant lesions can form tumors in the bone.
What is meaning of ring enhancing lesion?
A ring-enhancing lesion is
an abnormal radiologic sign on MRI or CT scans obtained using radiocontrast
. On the image, there is an area of decreased density (see radiodensity) surrounded by a bright rim from concentration of the enhancing contrast dye.
What is washout on MRI?
Washout appearance is defined as
a visually assessed temporal reduction in enhancement relative to surrounding liver from an earlier to a later phase
, resulting in portal venous or delayed phase hypoenhancement (12).
What is the portal venous phase?
The portal venous phase, also known as the late portal phase or hepatic phase, is a
contrast-enhanced CT or MRI series
that has the following characteristics: liver parenchyma is at its peak enhancement with a density >110 HU (an increase of at least 50 HU from the unenhanced baseline)
What is a triple phase CT?
Triple-phase CT (including
an arterial phase, a portal venous phase, and a late washout phase
) has been found to be highly accurate in the diagnosis and characterization of HCCs but, like US, may miss smaller lesions. Pooled estimates reveal a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 93%.
What are the side effects of contrast dye after a CT scan?
- nausea and vomiting.
- headache.
- itching.
- flushing.
- mild skin rash or hives.
What cancers can a CT scan detect?
5 Cancers a CT Scan Can Easily Detect
That’s where a CT scan for cancer comes in. At American Health Imaging (AHI), we offer diagnostic CT scans that can easily detect
bladder cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer and even colon cancer
.
How is contrast given for CT scan?
Contrast agents can
be injected through a vein in your arm
to help your gallbladder, urinary tract, liver or blood vessels stand out on the images. You may experience a feeling of warmth during the injection or a metallic taste in your mouth.
