Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography for evaluating hepatic tumors.

The intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of 52 patients with hepatic tumors was retrospectively reviewed. In 18 patients, intraarterial DSA was compared with conventional angiography. With DSA, the displacement of arteries, arterial encasement and tumor vessels were equally well identified on comparison with conventional angiography. DSA was superior to conventional angiography in demonstrating tumor stains. The diagnostic imaging capability of DSA was studied in 52 patients. In the majority of cases, DSA imaging was diagnostic for visualizing the tumors and determining their extent. The differential diagnosis of hepatic tumors was made without difficulty. Demonstration of the portal venous system was excellent using smaller quantities of contrast material and slower injection rates than by the conventional angiography. The major advantage of DSA is excellent contrast resolution and ability of the real-time information. DSA was therefore useful for evaluating hepatic tumors.