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Purpose. To assess the diagnostic value of 256-detector row MDCT in the characterization of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 6389 studies performed on a 256-row detector scanner, wherein ≥1 PCLs were incidentally detected. Images from a total of 192 patients (99 females; age range 31-90 years) were analysed referring to morphologic predictive signs of malignancy, including multifocality, inner septa, wall thickening, and mural enhancing nodules. Results. We evaluated 292 PCLs in 192 patients (solitary in 145 and ≥2 in 47; incidence 2.05%). Size ranged from 3 to 145 mm (mean 15 mm); body was the most common location (87/292; 29.8%). Intralesional septa were detected in 52/292 lesions (17.8%), wall thickening >2 mm in 13 (4.5%), enhancing wall and mural nodules in 15 (5.1%) and 12 (4.1%), respectively. Communication with ductal system was evident in 45 cases. The most common diagnoses, established by histology or imaging analysis, were IPMNs (about 86%), while serous cystic neoplasia (3.7%) and metastases (0.5%) were the less common. Conclusion. MDCT provides detailed features for characterization of PCLs, which are incidentally discovered with increased frequency due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging.

Purpose. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DSCE-MRI) in differentiation between benign and malignant liver lesions by assessment of tumoral perfusion parameters. Methods Materials. Seventy-three patients with known focal liver lesions, including 45 benign (16 FNH, 27 angiomas, and 2 abscesses) and 28 malignant ones (17 metastases, 9 HCCs, and 2 cholangiocarcinoma) underwent 1.5 T MRI upper abdominal study, with standard protocol that included dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences. On dedicated workstation, time-intensity curves were determined and the following perfusion parameters were calculated: relative arterial, venous and late enhancement (RAE, RVE, RLE), maximum enhancement (ME), relative enhancement (RE), and time to peak (TTP). Results. All diagnoses were established either by histopathology or imaging follow-up. Perfusion mean values calculated in benign lesions were RAE 33.8%, RVE 66.03%, RLE 80.63%, ME 776.00%, MRE 86.27%, and TTP 146.95 sec. Corresponding perfusion values calculated in malignant lesions were RAE 22.47%, RVE 40.54%, RLE 47.52%, ME 448.78%, MRE 49.85%, and TTP 183.79 sec. Statistical difference (p<0.05) was achieved in all the perfusion parameters calculated, obtaining different cluster of perfusion kinetics between benign and malignant lesions. Conclusions. DSCE-MRI depicts kinetic differences in perfusion parameters among the different common liver lesions, related to tumour supply and microvascular characteristics.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic quality of low dose (100kV) CT angiography (CTA), by using ultra-low contrast medium volume (30ml), for thoracic and abdominal aorta evaluation. Methods: 67 patients with thoracic or abdominal vascular disease underwent multidetector CT study using a 256 slice scanner, with low dose radiation protocol (automated tube current modulation, 100kV) and low contrast medium volume (30 ml; 4ml s-1). Density measurements were performed on ascending, arch, descending thoracic aorta, anonymous branch, abdominal aorta, and renal and common iliac arteries. Radiation dose exposure [dose-length product (DLP)] was calculated. A control group of 35 patients with thoracic or abdominal vascular disease were evaluated with standard CTA protocol (automated tube current modulation, 120 kV; contrast medium, 80ml). Results: In all patients, we correctly visualized and evaluated main branches of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. No difference in density measurements was achieved between low tube voltage protocol (mean attenuation value of thoracic aorta, 304HU; abdominal, 343 HU; renal arteries, 331HU) and control group (mean attenuation value of thoracic aorta, 320HU; abdominal, 339; renal arteries, 303 HU). Radiation dose exposure in low tube voltage protocol was significantly different between thoracic and abdominal low tube voltage studies (490 and 324DLP, respectively) and the control group (thoracic DLP, 1032; abdomen, DLP 1078). Conclusion: Low-tube-voltage protocol may provide a diagnostic performance comparable with that of the standard protocol, decreasing radiation dose exposure and contrast material volume amount. Advances in knowledge: Low-tube-voltage-setting protocol combined with ultra-low contrast agent volume (30 ml), by using new multidetector-row CT scanners, represents a feasible diagnostic tool to significantly reduce the radiation dose delivered to patients and to preserve renal function, while also maintaining adequate d

AIM: To assess the clinical diagnostic value of functional imaging, combining quantitative parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and standardized uptake value (SUV) max, before and after chemo-radiation therapy, in prediction of tumor response of patients with rectal cancer, related to tumor regression grade at histology. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with biopsy proven diagnosis of rectal carcinoma were enrolled in our study. All patients underwent a whole body (18)FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan and a pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) examination including diffusion weighted (DW) imaging for staging (PET1, RM1) and after completion (6.6 wk) of neoadjuvant treatment (PET2, RM2). Subsequently all patients underwent total mesorectal excision and the histological results were compared with imaging findings. The MR scanning, performed on 1.5 T magnet (Philips, Achieva), included T2-weighted multiplanar imaging and in addition DW images with b-value of 0 and 1000 mm(2) /s. On PET/CT the SUVmax of the rectal lesion were calculated in PET1 and PET2. The percentage decrease of SUVmax (.SUV) and ADC (.ADC) values from baseline to presurgical scan were assessed and correlated with pathologic response classified as tumor regression grade (Mandard's criteria; TRG1 = complete regression, TRG5 = no regression). RESULTS: After completion of therapy, all the patients were submitted to surgery. According to the Mandard's criteria, 22 tumors showed complete (TRG1) or subtotal regression (TRG2) and were classified as responders; 9 tumors were classified as non responders (TRG3, 4 and 5). Considering all patients the mean values of SUVmax in PET 1 was higher than the mean value of SUVmax in PET 2 (P < 0.001), whereas the mean ADC values was lower in RM1 than RM2 (P < 0.001), with a.SUV and.ADC respectively of 60.2% and 66.8%. The best predictors for TRG response were SUV2 (threshold of 4.4) and ADC2 (1.29 x 10-3 mm(2)/s) with high sensi

The aim of this article is to assess whether measures of abdominal fat distribution, visceral density, and antropometric parameters obtained from computed tomography (CT) may predict postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurrence. We analyzed 117 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and had a preoperative CT scan as staging in our center. CT images were processed to obtain measures of total fat volume (TFV), visceral fat volume (VFV), density of spleen, and pancreas, and diameter of pancreatic duct. The predictive ability of each parameter was investigated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves methodology and assessing optimal cutoff thresholds. A stepwise selection method was used to determine the best predictive model. Clinically relevant (grades B and C) POPF occurred in 24 patients (20.5%). Areas under ROC-curves showed that none of the parameters was per se significantly predictive. The multivariate analysis revealed that a VFV >2334 cm3, TFV >4408 cm3, pancreas/spleen density ratio <0.707, and pancreatic duct diameter <5mm were predictive of POPF. The risk of POPF progressively increased with the number of factors involved and age. It is possible to deduce objective information on the risk of POPF from a simple and routine preoperative radiologic workup.

Background: Aim of the study was to determine the value of perfusion computed tomography in the quantitative assessment of tumour-related neoangiogenesis for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions. Methods: Overall, 47 consecutive patients with cirrhotic liver disease, with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and undergoing standard surveillance (six-month intervals) were eligible for inclusion in this prospective study; based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines, 27 patients were enrolled. Perfusion computed tomography was performed in 29 biopsy-proven hepatocellular carcinoma lesions before and after treatment with transarterial chemoembolization or radiofrequency ablation. The dynamic study was performed with a 256-slice multidetector-computed tomography scanner; the following parameters were measured: hepatic perfusion, arterial perfusion, blood volume, hepatic perfusion index, and time-to-peak in all patients. Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma lesions had the following median perfusion values: perfusion 46.3. mL/min/100. g; blood volume 20.4. mL/100. mg; arterial perfusion 42.9. mL/min; hepatic perfusion index 92.5%; time to peak 18.7. s. Significantly lower perfusion values were obtained in correctly treated lesions or surrounding parenchyma than in viable hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. Conclusions: In hepatocellular carcinoma, perfusion computed tomography could contribute to a non-invasive quantification of tumour blood supply related to the formation of new arterial structures, and enable the assessment of therapeutic response

Purpose To assess if radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may influence the evaluation of perfusion parameters obtained with CT-perfusion (CT-p) in HCC treated patients. Materials and methods Thirty-three consecutive cirrhotic patients with biopsy-proven diagnosis of HCC lesions and candidates to TACE or RFA were included. The CT-p study of hepatic parenchyma and of treated lesions was performed about 1 month after treatment on 16 multidetector CT after injection of 50 mL of non ionic contrast agent (350 mg I/mL) at a flow rate of 6 mL/s acquiring 40 dynamic scans. A dedicated perfusion software which generated a quantitative map of arterial and portal perfusion by means of colour scale was employed.The following perfusion parameters were assessed before and after RFA or TACE treatment: hepatic perfusion (HP), arterial perfusion (AP), blood volume (BV), time to peak (TTP), hepatic perfusion index (HPI). Results A complete treatment was obtained in 16 cases and incomplete treatment in the 17 remaining cases. The perfusion data of completely treated lesions were: HP 10.2 ± 6.3; AP 10.4 ± 7; BV 4.05 ± 4.8; TTP 38.9 ± 4.2; HPI 9.9 ± 9.2, whereas in partially treated lesions were: HP 43.2 ± 15.1 mL/s/100 g; AP 38.7 ± 8.8 mL/min; BV 20.7 ± 9.5 mL/100 mg; TTP 24 ± 3.7 s; HPI 61.7 ± 7.5%. In adjacent cirrhotic parenchyma, the parameters of all evaluated patients were: HP 13.2 ± 4; AP 12.3 ± 3.4; BV 11.8 ± 2.8; TTP 43.9 ± 2.9; and HPI 17.1 ± 9.8. A significant difference (P < 0.001) was found for all parameters between residual viable tumor tissue (P < 0.001) compared to successfully treated lesion due to the presence of residual arterial vascular structure in viable portion of treated HCC. Conclusion According to our results, CT-p evaluation is not influenced by TACE or RFA treatments, thus representing a feasible technique that allows a reproducible quantitative evaluation of treatment response in HCC patients. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Lt

Object: To assess the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detection, characterization and grading of endometrial cancer, using histopathological analysis as the standard of reference. Results: All patients underwent total hysterectomy. Histopathological analysis documented: G1 tumour in 21 patients, G2 tumour in 44 patients, G3 tumour in 14 patients and one squamous cell carcinoma. The following mean value perfusion parameters, with corresponding mean standard deviation, were obtained for endometrial cancer: RE (%) = 59.3 ± 36.3; ME (%) = 862.7 ± 475.9; MRE (%) = 75.3 ± 37.6 and TTP (s) = 164.7 ± 78. RE, ME and MRE were lower in tumour lesions than in normal myometrium (p < 0.001) and significantly higher values (p < 0.001) of perfusion parameters were obtained for G1 (well-differentiated) tumours as compared to those in G2 and G3 (moderately and poorly differentiated) lesions. Materials and methods: Eighty patients with histologically proven endometrial carcinoma who underwent MRI (1.5 T magnet) of the pelvis for staging purposes were enrolled in the study. Each MR examination consisted of multiplanar T2 and T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences and T1-weighted gradient echo sequences before, during and after the administration of contrast medium. For each patient colour perfusion maps were derived from the dynamic sequences using a dedicated workstation. On the maps a region of interest was manually drawn both on normal myometrium and on the endometrial lesion. Then the following perfusion parameters were automatically calculated: relative enhancement (RE, %), maximum enhancement (ME, %), maximum relative enhancement (MRE, %) and time to peak (TTP, s). Conclusion: DCE perfusion-MRI can provide quantitative information on tissue vascularity, which may be of help in detecting endometrial cancer and in the assessment of tumour grading

Purpose: To evaluate the semiquantitative DCE and quantitative DWI parameters in endometrial cancer, in order to assess the presence of neoplastic tissue and normal myometrium and to ascertain a potential relationship with tumor grade. Methods and materials: A total of 57 patients with biopsy-proven endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent MR imaging examination for staging purposes were retrospectively evaluated. Imaging protocol included multiplanar T1- and T2-weighted TSE, DCE T1-weighted (THRIVE; 0, 30, 90 and 120seconds after intravenous injection of gadolinium) and DWIBS sequences (b values=0 and 1000mm2/s). Color perfusion and ADC maps were automatically generated on dedicated software. Relative enhancement (RE, %), maximum enhancement (ME, %), maximum relative enhancement (MRE, %), time to peak (TTP, s) and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were calculated by manually drawing a region of interest (ROI) both on the neoplastic tissue and the normal myometrium. Histopathology was used as reference standard. Results: Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of endometrial carcinoma in all patients. Neoplastic tissue demonstrated significantly lower (P<0.001) values of RE (%) 63.92±35.68; ME (%) 864.91±429.54 and MRE (%) 75.97±38.26 as compared to normal myometrium (RE (%) 151.43±55.99; ME (%) 1800.73±721.32; MRE (%) 158.28±54.05). TTP was significantly higher (P<0.05) in tumor lesion (385.51±1630.27 vs 195.44±78.69). Mean ADC value of neoplastic tissue (775.09±?220.73×10-3mm2/s) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than in myometrium (1602.37±378.54×10-3mm2/s). The analysis of perfusion and diffusion parameters classified according to tumor grades, showed a statistically significant difference only for RE (P=0.043) and ME (P=0.007). Conclusions: Perfusion parameters and mean ADC differ significantly between endometrial cancer and normal myometrium, potentially reflecting the different microscopical features of cellularity and vascularity; h

Purpose: To assess the role of whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) in the diagnosisand staging of patients with suspicion of multiple myeloma (MM).Materials and methods: A total of 138 patients (76 male and 62 female; mean age 63.5 years, range 50-81years), with early MM, underwent WBLDCT protocol study, performed on 16-slice scanner (Brilliance,Philips Medical System, Eindhoven, The Netherlands): tube voltage 120 kV; tube current time product40 mAs. Diagnosis of osteolytic lesions was performed on the basis of axial and multiplanar reformattedimages, whereas the assessment of spinal misalignment and fracture was done by using multiplanarreformatted images. The overall dose delivered to each patient was 4.2 mSv. Every patient gave personalinformed consent, as required by our institution guidelines.Results: The diagnosis was established either by histopathology or imaging follow-up (size increase ofover a period time). In all 138 patients, image resolution was diagnostic, enabling correct classification ofmultiple myeloma patients. WBLDCT showed a total of 328 pathologic bone findings in 81/138 patients.CT scanning resulted in complete evaluation of the bone lesions in these areas of the skeleton: skull (42),humerus (15), femur (20), ribs (7), scapulae (13), pelvis (35), clavicle (13), sternum (10), cervical (39),dorsal (65), lombar (48) and sacral rachis (21). In 40/81 bone involvement detected by CT was the onlyCRAB criterion present. Furthermore, WBLDCT demonstrated pleuro-pulmonary lesions in 20 patients(11 infective, 9 as MM localizations) and 1 renal neoplasia.Conclusion: WBLDCT, detecting bone marrow localizations and demonstrating extra-osseous findings,with a fast scanning time and high resolution images, is a reliable imaging-based tool for a propermanagement of MM patients.

Purpose: To assess the role of CT perfusion technique in detection of blood flow changes related to the therapeutic effects in HCC lesion treated with RFA. Methods: 14 cirrhotic patients with known HCC underwent a perfusion study about 4 months (range 1-13 months) after RFA on a 16-slice MDCT scanner (Brilliance, Philips). Dynamic CT was performed acquiring 8 dynamic slice/scan, after injection of 50 mL of contrast media. In treated lesion, surrounding parenchyma and hypervascular tissue suspicious for residual disease/recurrence, the following perfusion parameters were analyzed: perfusion (P, mL/100 g min); arterial perfusion (AP, mL/min); blood volume (BV, mL/100 mg); hepatic perfusion index (HPI, %), and time to peak (TTP, s). Univariate Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In patients with residual disease (8/14) values of perfusion parameters measured within tumor were: P, median = 45.2; AP, median = 48.2; BV, median = 18.9; HPI, median = 35.8; and TTP, median = 19.4. The values calculated in ablated area were: P, median = 10.9; AP, median = 9.6; BV, median = 5.5; HPI, median = 14.6; TTP, median = 39.6. The parameters calculated in the surrounding parenchyma were: P, median = 15.8; AP, median = 14.2; BV, median = 12.0; HPI, median = 17.9; TTP, median = 43.2. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in mean values of P, AP, and HPI, calculated between treated lesions with residual tumor and those successfully treated. Conclusion: Perfusion CT enables assessment of HCC vascularity after RFA treatment, by adding quantitative information about the presence of residual arterial vessels within the viable residual neoplastic tissue.

Purpose: To assess the additional functional vascular information and the relationship between perfusion measurements and glucose metabolism (SUVmax) obtained by including a perfusion CT study in a whole-body contrast-enhanced PET/CT protocol in primary lung cancer lesions. Methods: Enrolled in this prospective study were 34 consecutive patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of lung cancer who were referred for contrast-enhanced PET/CT staging. This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Perfusion CT was performed with the following parameters: 80 kV, 200 mAs, 30 scans during intravenous injection of 50 ml contrast agent, flow rate 5 ml/s. Another bolus of contrast medium (3.5 ml/s, 80 ml, 60-s delay) was administered to ensure a full diagnostic contrast-enhanced CT scan for clinical staging. The perfusion CT data were used to calculate a range of tumour vascularity parameters (blood flow, blood volume and mean transit time), and tumour FDG uptake (SUVmax) was used as a metabolic indicator. Quantitative and functional parameters were compared and in relation to location, histology and tumour size. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for statistical analysis. Results: A cut-off value of 3 cm was used according to the TNM classification to discriminate between T1 and T2 tumours (i.e. T1b vs. T2a). There were significant perfusion differences (lower blood volumes and higher mean transit time) between tumours with diameter >30 mm and tumours with diameter <30 mm (p < 0.05; blood volume 5.6 vs. 7.1 ml/100 g, mean transit time 8.6 vs. 3.9 s, respectively). Also there was a trend for blood flow to be lower in larger lesions (p < 0.053; blood flow 153.1 vs. 98.3 ml/100 g tissue/min). Significant inverse correlations (linear regression) were found between blood volume and SUVmax in tumours with diameter >30 mm in diameter. Conclusion: Perfusion CT combined with

Objective To determine the value of perfusion computed tomography (CT-p) in the quantitative assessment of tumour-related neoangiogenesis processes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and methods Fifty-two biopsy proven HCC lesions were examined with dynamic CT investigations during injection of 50 mL of contrast agent (350 mgI/mL). A dedicated perfusion software which generated a quantitative map of arterial and portal perfusion by means of a colour scale was employed. The following parameters related to the blood microcirculation and tissue perfusion were calculated: hepatic perfusion (Perf), tissue blood volume (BV), hepatic perfusion index (HPI), arterial perfusion (AP), portal perfusion (PP), and time to peak (TTP). Perfusion parameters were statistically analysed, comparing neoplastic lesions with cirrhotic parenchyma. Results Perf, BV, HPI and AP values were higher (P< 0.001), whereas PP and TTP were lower (P<0.001) in HCC relative to the surrounding liver. No significant correlation was found between perfusion parameters and HCC grade. Values of perfusion parameters in the cirrhotic liver of patients with and without HCC were not significantly different. Conclusions Our results suggest that CT-p can help in noninvasive quantification of tumour blood supply, related to the formation of new arterial structures (neoangiogenesis), which are essential for tumour growth. Key Points.Perfusion computed tomography (CT) enables depiction of tumour vascular physiology.Perfusion CT is non-invasive and is now quick to perform and analyse.Quantitative measurements of hepatic perfusion provide important information about hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Such perfusion CT data may help in the determination of the outcome of HCC..Perfusion CT can act as an in-vivo biomarker of tumourrelated angiogenesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the changes of SUV(max) and of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) before and after neoadjuvant therapy, to enable us predict the therapy response, in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). A total of 30 patients with LARC who underwent CRT were recruited for our study. All the patients underwent a whole body 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan and a pelvic MR examination including DW imaging for staging (PET/CT1 and RM1), and after the chemoradiation therapy (PET/CT2, and RM2). Histopathologic analysis of rectal specimen, according to tumor regression grade (Mandard's criteria) was used as the standard reference. MR and PET-CT images were analyzed, and measurements of ADC values and SUV(max) were taken. Diagnostic performance for selection of complete responders (TRG1-2) and overall diagnostic accuracy for each item were calculated. After neoadjuvant therapy, all patients were submitted to surgery. According to Mandard's criteria, 21 tumors showed complete (TRG1) or subtotal regression (TRG2) and were classified as responders; nine tumors were classified as non responders (TRG3, 4, and 5). In all the patients, mean value of SUV(max) in PET/CT1 was higher than those in PET/CT2 (P < 0.001), whereas mean ADC value was lower in RM1 than RM2 (P < 0.001), with a significant percentage decrease of values after the treatment (P < 0.005).The best predictors cut-off values for TRG response were SUV(max) of 4.4 and ADC of 1.28 × 10(3) mm(2)/s with sensitivity, specificity accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive values of 77.3%, 88.9%, 80.7%, 61.5%, and 94.4%, respectively. We conclude from the overall data of this study that the absolute values of SUV(max) and ADC of rectal lesion after CRT were the best parameters to define the response to treatment, by differentiating fibrosis from viable tumor tissue.

PURPOSE: In order to analyze the changes of glucose metabolism by maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with rectal cancer submitted to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) and to correlate SUV changes with tumor regression grade (TRG). METHODS AND MATERIAL: Three sequential 18F-FDG PET/CT studies were performed in 31 patients with rectal cancer at the following time point: before starting the treatment (PET/CT1), during the treatment (PET/CT2), and after completion of neoadjuvant treatment (PET/CT3). The SUVmax values of the rectal lesion in the PET/CT1 (SUV1), PET/CT2 (SUV2), and PET/CT3 (SUV3) were obtained; deltaSUV1 [(SUV1 - SUV2)/SUV1] and deltaSUV2 [(SUV1 - SUV3)/SUV1] were also calculated. Metabolic parameters were compared to TRG. RESULTS: Significant differences in pathologic responder and non-responder patients were found only for SUV2 (6.4 ± 2.9 in responder and 10.7 ± 4.8 in non-responder patients, respectively; P = 0.006) and SUV3 (3.6 ± 1.4 in responder and 6.6 ± 2.1 in non-responder patients, respectively; P = 0.0009). The best predictor for TRG response was SUV3 (threshold of 4.4) with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 77.3%, 88.9%, 80.7%, 61.5%, and 94.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: 18F-FDG PET/CT is a reliable and accurate technique to assess the response to nRCT in rectal cancer. In our population, the absolute value of SUVmax after treatment was the best predictor of pathological response.

Background: To compare magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and computed tomography enterography (CTE) in detecting inflammatory bowel disease activity (IBD) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: A total of 29 patients (M 20; F 9; mean age 43.8 ± 15.9) with known CD underwent MRE. MRE was performed at 1.5 T using phased-array sense body coil, after oral administration of 1.5-2 L of PEG solution as oral contrast agent. MRE protocol included T1-weighted, sSShT2, sBTFE and gadolinium-enhanced THRIVE sequences acquired on coronal and axial planes. CTE was performed using a 16 multidetector-row computedtomography before and after intravenous administration of 120 mL of iodinated contrast. MRE images and CTE scans were reviewed by a radiologist for bowel thickness and enhancement, mesenteric lymph nodes, vascular engorgement, fibrofatty proliferation, fistulas and abscesses. The disease activity was also defined by CDAI > 150. Results: MRE has demonstrated a good sensitivity in detection ofCDactivity, particularly in depiction of mural thickening, mural enhancement, and vascular engorgement. The level of agreement between the two technique was excellent in evaluating wall thickening with mucosal hyperenhancement (j = 1), comb (j = 0.90) and halo signs (j = 0.86). In detecting fibrofatty proliferation and mesenteric lymph nodes, CTE was superior to MRE (accuracy: P < 0.05), while MRE was superior in visualization of fistulas. Conclusion: MREis an accurate method in monitoring the activity ofCDas compared toCTEand may be considered an alternative to CTE in assessing degree of CD and evaluating therapeutic effectiveness. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009.

Aim: To asses the value of computed tomography (CT)-perfusion in the detection of residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vascularization after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients were prospectively included in this study. All patients had liver cirrhosis and a confirmed HCC lesion which was treated with TACE. One month after treatment, perfusion measurements of treated lesions were carried out. The CTperfusion (CT-p) protocol was performed with 16 slice multidetector computed tomography which included the following parameters: 8 dynamic slices/scan per 40 scans after iv injection of 50 mL of iodinated contrast (350 mg/mL) at a flow rate of 6 mL/s. Treated lesions were evaluated using dedicated perfusion software, which generated a quantitative colour map of perfusion. The following parameters were considered: hepatic perfusion (HP), arterial perfusion (AP), blood volume (BV), hepatic perfusion index (HPI), and time to peak (TTP). Perfusion parameters were described with quartile values of their distribution and statistically analyzed. Results: Perfusion parameters of the treated lesions could be quantitatively assessed using CT-p analysis. The presence of residual tumor tissue was observed in 13 of the 32 patients. The values of the perfusion parameters measured within the relapse tissue were: HP (mL/100 g per minute): median = 44.4 (1stqt = 31.3, 3rdqt = 55.8); BV (mL/100 g): median = 18.7 (1stqt = 11.5, 3rdqt = 22.5); AP (mL/min): median = 39.0 (1stqt = 36.5, 3rdqt = 61.3); HPI (%): median = 34.0 (1stqt = 30.4, 3rdqt = 38.9); TTP (s): median = 17.3 (1stqt = 15.8, 3rdqt = 26.5). With the use of the univariate paired Wilcoxon signed rank test, HP, AP and HPI were shown to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. The BV and TTP parameters showed a tendency to be greater and lower, respectively, in the relapse site than in the primary lesion. Conclusion: In patients with HCC tr

Introduction: Liver metastases often exhibit a hypervascular halo during the arterial phase of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). This finding has no correlates on baseline gray-scale imaging, and it has never been characterized. The aim of this study was to identify the features of this halo and determine whether it should be included in the ablation volume during thermal ablation procedures. Materials and methods: We prospectively enrolled 25 patients referred to our department for thermal ablation of liver metastases. Before treatment all patients underwent CEUS, and the maximum diameter of the metastatic lesion was measured before administration of the ultrasound contrast agent and during the arterial and portal venous phases of the contrast contrast-enhanced study. Maximum diameters in the different vascular phases were compared with the Turkey-Kramer test. Two biopsies were obtained from each lesion with a 21-gauge needle: 1) one from the center of the metastasis to confirm the diagnosis and 2) one from the hypervascular peripheral halo identified in the arterial phase at CEUS. Results: The mean (±standard deviation) maximum lesion diameter was 2.67 ± 1.2 cm before contrast agent injection, 3.50 ± 1.4 cm during the arterial phase, and 2.71 ± 1.2 cm during the venous phase. The difference between maximum diameters measured before contrast enhancement and in the arterial phase was highly significant (mean: 0.84 ± 0.45 cm, p < 0.0001). Histological examination of halo specimens revealed inflammatory infiltrates with no evidence of tumor infiltration in 24/25 (96%) cases and normal hepatic parenchymal tissue in the 25th specimen. Discussion: The hypervascular halo surrounding liver metastases during the arterial phase of CEUS represents a chronic inflammatory infiltrate, not tumor infiltration. However, since chronic inflammation appears to promote neovascularization and the production of tumoral growth factors, it seems wise to include the hypervascular ha

Purpose: To assess the value of CT-perfusion in determining the quantitative vascularization features of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients. Materials and methods: A total of 35 cirrhotic patients with single histologically proven HCC not exceeding 3 cm in diameter underwent conventional triple-phase multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examination. All patients were also examined with CT-perfusion (CTp) technique after i.v. injection of 50 mL of iodinated contrast. Data were analyzed using a dedicated software which generated a quantitative map of liver parenchyma perfusion. The following parameters were assessed: hepatic perfusion (HP); blood volume (BV); arterial perfusion (AP); time to peak (TTP) and hepatic perfusion index (HPI). Univariate Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In the 35 HCCs evaluated, the following quantitative data were obtained: HP (mL/s/100 g): median = 47.0 (1stqt = 35.5; 3stqt = 61.2); BV (mL/100 mg): median = 22.5 (1stqt = 18.4; 3stqt = 27.7); AP (mL/min): median = 42.9 (1stqt = 35.8; 3stqt = 55.6); HPI(%): median = 75.3 (1stqt = 63.1; 3stqt = 100); TTP(s): median = 18.7 (1stqt = 16.8; 3stqt = 24.5). Perfusion values calculated in cirrhotic liver parenchyma were HP: median = 10.3 (1stqt = 9.1; 3stqt = 13.2); BV: median = 11.7 (1stqt = 9.6; 3stqt = 15.5); AP: median = 10.4 (1stqt = 8.6; 3stqt = 11.3); HPI: median = 17.5 (1stqt = 14.3; 3stqt = 19.7); TTP: median = 44.6 (1stqt = 40.3; 3stqt = 50.1). HP, BV, HPI and AP were found to be significantly higher in HCC lesion than in liver parenchyma (p < 0.001), while TTP was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CT-perfusion technique allows obtaining quantitative information about tumor-related vascularization of early HCC, in patients with liver cirrhosis.