4D-CT imaging with synchronized intravenous contrast injection to improve delineation of liver tumors for treatment planning

• Published in: Radiotherapy and oncology Vol. 87; no. 3; pp. 445 - 448
• Main Authors: Beddar, A. Sam, Briere, Tina Marie, Balter, Peter, Pan, Tinsu, Tolani, Naresh, Ng, Chaan, Szklaruk, Janio, Krishnan, Sunil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.06.2008
• Subjects: 4D-CT; Bile Duct Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Bile Duct Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - radiotherapy; Cholangiocarcinoma - diagnostic imaging; Cholangiocarcinoma - radiotherapy; Contrast Media - administration & dosage; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Humans; Imaging; Injections, Intravenous; Intravenous contrast; Liver Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Liver Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Liver tumors; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Triiodobenzoic Acids - administration & dosage; Intravenous contrast; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver tumors; 4D-CT; Imaging
• ISSN: 0167-8140; 1879-0887
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2007.12.009

Abstract We have developed a tumor-specific protocol for the 4D-CT imaging of liver tumors using synchronized intravenous (IV) contrast injection to improve the accuracy of tumor delineation for treatment planning. Most liver metastases and cholangiocarcinomas can be imaged in the portal venous phase, while hepatocellular carcinomas are most visible in the delayed phase. Combined 4D-CT imaging with synchronized IV contrast allows for both enhancement of tumor contrast and coverage over the entire breathing cycle.