Computed tomography perfusion study of hemodynamic changes and portal hyperperfusion in a rabbit model of small-for-size liver.

Background: Portal hyperperfusion in the small-for-size (SFS) liver can threaten survival of rabbits. Therefore, it is important to understand the hemodynamic changes in the SFS liver.

Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups: a control group and a modulation group. The control group underwent an extended hepatectomy. The modulation group underwent the same procedure plus splenectomy to reduce portal blood flow. CT perfusion examinations were performed on all rabbits before and after operation. Perfusion parameter values, especially portal vein perfusion (PVP), were analyzed.

Results: PVP in the modulation group was lower than in the control group after operation (P=0.002). In the control group, postoperative PVP increased by 193.7+/-55.1% compared with preoperative PVP. A weak correlation was found between the increased percentage of PVP and resected liver-to-body weight ratio (RLBWR) (r=0.465, P=0.033). In the modulation group, postoperative PVP increased by 101.4+/-32.5%. No correlation was found between the increased percentage of PVP and RLBWR (r=0.167, P=0.644). Correlations were found between PVP and serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin after surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion: We successfully evaluated the characteristics of hemodynamic changes as well as the effects of splenectomy in the SFS liver in rabbits by the CT technique.