Impact of transient hepatic attenuation differences on computed tomography scans in the diagnosis of acute gangrenous cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: We examined the utility of transient hepatic attenuation differences (THADs) detected in the arterial phase of computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute gangrenous cholecystitis (AGC). METHODS: We examined 83 consecutive patients who underwent cholecystectomy within 72 h of undergoing three-phase dynamic computed tomography scans for acute cholecystitis between 2009 and 2018 (histopathological examination later confirmed 42 with AGC, 41 without). The THAD volume (cm3 ) was calculated by multiplying the total area of the enhancing lesions (traced on axial images) by the thickness of the scan (0.5-cm slices). We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the THAD volume and other computed tomography findings of AGC. RESULTS: The THAD volume was significantly larger in the AGC group than in the non-gangrenous acute cholecystitis group (P < 0.0001). The cutoff value of 78 cm3 , determined using a receiver operating characteristics curve, yielded a sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 75.6% for detecting AGC. Multivariate analysis revealed a THAD volume of >78 cm3 to be an independent predictor of AGC. CONCLUSIONS: Acute gangrenous cholecystitis can be diagnosed using THAD volume, resulting in improved treatment and fewer serious complications.

[A case of multiple liver metastases from colon cancer treated with complete resection via two-stage hepatectomy after regeneration of the liver].

A 55-year-old woman underwent low anterior resection for sigmoid colon cancer with multiple bilobar metastases. She then received 23 courses of Leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX) plus bevacizumab and 13 courses of Leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus bevacizumab as down staging chemotherapy. A two-stage hepatectomy was planned to avoid the risk of hepatic failure due to radial resection of bilobar metastases. Therefore, a right lobectomy was performed, and curative resection was achieved 54 days after the first hepatectomy. Two-stage hepatectomy as well as a combination of induction chemotherapy and portal vein embolization may have contributed to the improved prognosis of the initially unresectable multiple bilobar liver metastases.

Diagnostic accuracy of transient hepatic attenuation differences on computed tomography scans for acute cholangitis in patients with malignant disease.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have assessed the accuracy of transient hepatic attenuation differences (THAD) in the arterial phase of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing acute cholangitis (AC). We examined the diagnostic accuracy of THAD in AC in patients with malignant disease. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of 123 consecutive patients (73 men, 50 women; mean age, 69 [range, 43-91] years) who underwent dynamic CT 3 days before biliary drainage for malignant hepatobiliary disease between 2006 and 2011. We examined the diagnostic ability of THAD for AC and assessed the relationship between THAD and AC severity. RESULTS: Acute cholangitis was present in 45% of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of THAD for AC were 93% and 39%, respectively. Diffuse, hemi-hepatic, and segmental THAD for AC were seen in 84%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. In all, 64% of patients were diagnosed with severe AC and 29% with mild AC, depending on the intensity of THAD, but the patterns and degree of intensity of THAD and AC severity were not related. CONCLUSION: Although the pattern and the degree of intensity of THAD and AC severity were not related, THAD might be useful in diagnosing AC. Thus, THAD should be considered a diagnostic criterion for AC.