Hepatic arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Comparison of CT scans and resected specimens.

Abstract
Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (THAE) was performed in 18 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The final CT [computed tomography] scans (with and without contrast media enhancement) were compared with the resected specimen after a short interval (9.8 days .+-. 9.9 SD). The necrotic area observed histologically corresponded closely to the constant low-density area seen on the CT scan (r = 0.959) in all but 2 cases. CT apparently closely reflects gross anatomical changes and is useful in assessing THAE and deciding if and when embolization should be repeated, especially in patients with negative serum .alpha.-fetoprotein.