Abstract
Helical computed tomography (CT) of the liver has greatly improved both the accuracy
and characterization of focal liver masses. This paper focuses on specific techniques
for helical CT, including dual helical CT (acquisition of scans during both the arterial
and portal venous phases of contrast enhancement), high-dose helical CT, delayed iodine
CT, and helical CT angiography and portography. Techniques of generating three-dimensional
helical CT angiograms from axial datasets are also discussed here. The clinical applications
and results of these different techniques will also be discussed. In addition, helical
CT produces or reveals some specific hepatic perfusion abnormalities that can lead
to erroneous diagnoses; caveats for avoiding these pitfalls in interpretation are
offered.
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