Radiology, Vol 147, 173-178, Copyright © 1983 by Radiological Society of North America
Intrahepatic vascular territories shown by computed tomography (CT). The value of CT in determining resectability of hepatic tumors
JJ Pagani
Hepatic vascular anatomy as seen on computed tomography (CT) is correlated
with surgical planes. The portal triad structures course in an intralobar
and intrasegmental direction but are bounded by interlobar and
intersegmental surgical planes which are traversed by the hepatic veins.
All of these vessels and planes are oriented cephalocaudally and are shown
well on axial CT images following a bolus contrast injection or a
combination bolus and drip infusion (80 g I). In a prospective survey of 24
partial hepatectomy candidates evaluated by this technique, with
angiographic or surgical corroboration in 15, CT accurately established
lack of resectability in 11 patients and was correct in 11 of 13 patients
whose tumor was considered resectable. Angiography and surgery may be
averted in some partial hepatectomy patients using this technique.
