Gd-EOB enhanced MRI T1-weighted 3D-GRE with and without elevated flip angle modulation for threshold-based liver volume segmentation.

Background: Despite novel software solutions, liver volume segmentation is still a time-consuming procedure and often requires further manual optimization. With the high signal intensity of the liver parenchyma in Gd-EOB enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liver volume segmentation may be improved.

Purpose: To evaluate the practicability of threshold-based segmentation of the liver volume using Gd-EOB-enhanced MRI including a customized three-dimensional (3D) sequence.

Flip angle modulations in late phase Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI improve the identification of the biliary system.

Objectives: To assess the improvement of bile duct visualization in Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MR-cholangiography (EOB-MRC) by using an increased flip angle.

Methods: 35 patients underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver including T2-weighted MRCP and hepatobiliary phase EOB-MRC using a flip angle of 10° (FA10) and of 35° (FA35), respectively. Images were evaluated regarding the delineation of biliary ducts, the order of branching and anatomic visualization of the biliary tree.

Size determination and response assessment of liver metastases with computed tomography--comparison of RECIST and volumetric algorithms.

Objective: To compare different three-dimensional volumetric algorithms (3D-algorithms) and RECIST for size measurement and response assessment in liver metastases from colorectal and pancreatic cancer.

Methods: The volumes of a total of 102 liver metastases in 45 patients (pancreatic cancer, n=22; colon cancer, n=23) were estimated using three volumetric methods (seeded region growing method, slice-based segmentation, threshold-based segmentation) and the RECIST 1.1 method with volume calculation based on the largest axial diameter.

Arterial versus portal venous embolization for induction of hepatic hypertrophy before extended right hemihepatectomy in hilar cholangiocarcinomas: a prospective randomized study.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of portal vein (PV) embolization versus hepatic artery embolization (HAE) for induction of hepatic hypertrophy before extended right hemihepatectomy in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Materials And Methods: Fifty patients (female, n = 15; male, n = 35; age range, 37-80 y) with hilar cholangiocarcinomas who were planned to undergo extended right hemihepatectomy were prospectively included in 2003-2006. In addition to biliary decompression of the left liver, patients were randomized to undergo embolization of the right hepatic artery (with transfemoral access and polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] particles plus coils) or right PV branches (with computed tomography [CT]-guided transhepatic access and PVA particles).

Multidetector computed tomography for preoperative assessment of hepatic vasculature and prediction of splenic artery steal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis before transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT for preoperative assessment of hepatic vascular anatomy and the identification of liver-transplantation (OLT) patients at risk of developing subsequent splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS). A total of 145 patients with liver cirrhosis who had undergone OLT and had pre-operative three-phase MDCT (4- to 64-rows) within 100 days before OLT were enrolled retrospectively. MDCT and 3Ds were reviewed by two independent blinded observers (O1/O2).