Reliability of hepatic artery configuration in 3D CT angiography compared with conventional angiography--special reference to living-related liver transplant donors.

Although an accurate anatomical understanding of the hepatic arteries is the most and essential step in living-related liver transplantation (LRLT), the need to reduce the burden place on the donor should be considered in imaging diagnosis. The present study examined the reliability of intravenously enhanced three-dimensional (3D) angiography from multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluating the anatomical configuration of the hepatic arteries comparing with those from conventional angiography by Seldinger method. A total of 109 patients underwent MDCT and 3D images were reconstructed on arterial phase using the volume rendering (VR) method. In the case of 3D angiography, at an infusion rate of 4 ml/s, the extrahepatic hepatic arteries were visualized successfully in all cases (the right, left and middle hepatic artery). The aberrant hepatic arteries were successfully visualized in 23 of 24 cases. The 3D angiography is a reliable method of visualizing the extrahepatic and aberrant hepatic arteries. This minimally invasive examination procedure is useful in individual operative planning and is help to increase the safety of surgery.