Multidetector helical CT of the liver for tumor detection and characterization.

Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) scanners have been recently introduced into clinical practice. Major attributes that are improved are the z-axis coverage speed and the longitudinal resolution. These improvements translate into rapid hepatic imaging and allow new imaging protocols. Thin sections can now be used on a routine basis in single-breath-hold technique. This results in improved lesion detection and the nearly isotropic image acquisition provides high-resolution multiplanar reformations. Furthermore, the ability to scan through the entire liver in 10 s or less allows acquisition of two separate sets of CT images of the liver within the time generally regarded as the hepatic arterial dominant phase in monoslice CT; thus, MDCT may demonstrate three clear separate distinct hepatic circulatory phases with a triple-pass technique. Multidetector-row CT with the improvements in morphological and functional information compared with single-slice CT enables a comprehensive approach to hepatic imaging within a single examination.