Objective To review the principles and techniques of CT perfusion imaging and its applications in the imaging diagnosis of abdominal disorders. Methods All the relevant literatures were reviewed. The principles and techniques of CT perfusion imaging were described and summarized in detail. The functional information of a target abdominal organ (e.g. the liver and pancreas) revealed by CT perfusion imaging, such as hemodynamics and microcirculation status, was also evaluated. Results In addition to the morphologic information, CT perfusion imaging can also provide functional information about the circulation parameters of target abdominal organs. Moreover, such functional information can be generated for the neovasculature and microcirculation of tumor lesions of abdominal organs, which is very helpful for not only the diagnosis, but also the evaluation of tumor invasiveness and response to treatment. Conclusion CT perfusion imaging offers an effective method for studying abdominal disorders by providing functional information that is quite useful for the differential diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic response.
Objective To summarize the research status and progress of imaging diagnosis of periampullary carcinoma. Methods The literatures on imaging diagnosis of periampullary carcinoma were reviewed. Results At present, the commonly used imaging diagnosis methods for periampullary carcinoma mainly include ultrasound, CT, MRI, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Some other new imaging techniques had also been applied in the diagnosis and evaluation of periampullary carcinoma. Conclusions Different imaging methods have their own advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis of periampullary carcinoma. Therefore, the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of periampullary carcinoma can be improved by rational selection of imaging techniques or combined application of multiple techniques.
Objective To introduce the imaging modalities used for the evaluation of postoperative complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to present the imaging findings of these complications. Methods The literatures related to the imaging methods and imaging manifestations of OLT complications were reviewed. Results Ultrasound was the initial imaging technique used for the detection of complications in the early postoperative period. Spiral CT and MRI yielded more accurate and comprehensive evaluation of postoperative complications in later stage. So far, there had been no specific imaging findings to suggest rejection reaction. The spectrum of imaging manifestations of OLT complications, such as vascular complications, biliary complications, liver parenchymal complications, and so on, were summarized and illustrated. Conclusion Imaging examination (especially ultrasound, spiral CT and MRI ) plays an important role in the evaluation of postoperative complications of OLT.
Objective To investigate the CT manifestations of acute pancreatitis (AP) and its complications and to evaluate the imaging modalities for staging the severity of AP. Methods Literatures on CT manifestations of AP and its complications and severity staging of AP were reviewed.Results CT has shown an early overall detection rate of 90% for pancreatic necrosis with close to 100% sensitivity 4 days after episode. The CT severity index has shown a bly positive correlation with the development of local complications and mortality of AP.Conclusion Contrastenhanced CT is the imaging modality of choice to help detect pancreatic necrosis, stage the severity of the inflammatory processes, and depict local complications.
Objective To assess value and limitations of non-invasive methods in assessing liver fibrosis．Methods By summarized current situation and advancement of serum fibrotic markers, ultrasound, CT and MRI in assessing liver fibrosis, we investigated their value and limitations. Results In addition to diagnosis, non-invasive methods of assessing liver fibrosis assess severity of liver fibrosis. For liver fibrosis, however, non-invasive methods can not monitor effectively reaction to therapy and progression. Conclusion Non-invasive methods play important roles in diagnosis and assessing severity of liver fibrosis, and reduce the need of liver biopsy.
