Three-dimensional CT Angiography of the Hepatic Artery: Use of Multi-Detector Row Helical CT and a Contrast Agent

Tanikake M, Shimizu T, Narabayashi I, Matsuki M, Masuda K, Yamamoto K, Uesugi Y, Yoshikawa S.

The administration of a contrast agent to obtain optimal images at three-dimensional computed tomo-graphic (CT) angiography of the hepatic artery by using multi-detector row helical CT was investigated. Three-dimensional CT angiographic images were evaluated visually, and quantitative evaluation was performed by measuring the postcon-trast CT number of the aorta. The injection rate of 5 mL/sec was significantly superior to that of 4 mL/sec in both evaluations. At administration of a contrast agent with 300 or 350 milligrams of iodine per milliliter, there were no significant differences in either evaluations. The preferable injection rate to obtain sufficient three-dimensional CT angiographic data was 5 mL/sec.