Role of Computed Tomography in The Evaluation of Focal Liver Lesions

Abstract

The liver lesions have marked differences across geographic regions and ethnic groups. In order to avoid inappropriate diagnosis and unnecessary surgery, Computed Tomography  (CT) being a non-invasive imaging modality and with high sensitivity, provides better detection and distinguishing benign from malignant focal liver tumor lesions. Objective: To determine the role of Computed Tomography in the evaluation of focal liver lesions. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at Government Kot Khawaja Saeed Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A sample size of 124 patients of both genders, age ranging from 22-90 years were enrolled in this study with a convenient sampling technique. Pregnant females and patients having renal insufficiency were excluded. The variables used to obtain data were: Age, Gender, Presenting complex clinical risk factors, CT findings, and other diagnoses. Toshiba Aquilion 16 CT scanner with KV 80-135 and MAs 500 was used. Injections of 1.5ml/kg IV contrast were given to patients, with a total dosage of 80-100ml at 4.5ml/sec through an 18G intravenous catheter. After contrast injection liver was scanned at 3 different time points or phases. All of the factors mentioned above were documented and kept in each patient's individual case record form (CRF). Data was gathered during the time frame specified. To examine the acquired data and arrange and compile the results, the statistical tool SPSS version 24 was used. Descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test was applied to check the comparison. Results: Among 124 individuals, 77 (62.1%) individuals were males, and 47 (37.9%) individuals were female. Average age of patients was 53.85±13.50 years. Multiple lesions were observed in 79 (63.7%) individuals had multiple lesions while 45 (36.3%) individuals had a single lesion. 94 (75.8%) individuals had malignant lesions while 30 (24.2%) had benign lesions. Lesions were more common in males than in females. The most common presenting complex clinic risk factor was hepatitis C virus with 45 individuals (36.3%) with Hepatitis C +ve. The most common CT finding was Hepatocellular Carcinoma with 41(33.1%). Conclusions: The study concluded that Computed Tomography being a non-invasive imaging modality and with high sensitivity, provides better detection and differentiation between benign and malignant focal liver lesions.