Volumetric and dimensional evaluation of the liver in patients with different liver pathologies : computed tomography based study

Abstract EN

Knowledge of liver dimensions and volume is prerequisite for clinical assessment of liver disorders and has critical medical implication.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the liver volume and dimensions changes in Sudanese adults with different liver diseases using Spiral Computed Tomography Scans (CT) and to observe it's relationship with various body indices (weight, height and body surface area (BSA)).

In this prospective study, all patients underwent Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen.

58 patients were selected: 37 were males and 21were females; their ages were extended from18-88years old.

The study was obtained at ALKUATII hospital-Khartoum – Sudan.

Study participants were evaluated clinically and also by CT triphasic technique and was diagnosed to have different liver pathologies.

Results showed significant changes in the liver dimensions: Right lobe craniocaudal, Right lobe (Antero-Posterior), Right lobe (Lateral) Left lobe width, Left lobe length, were reduced in the cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocelluler carcinoma (HCC), without any significant changes detected in the cases of Metastasis, Hydatid Cyst, Hemangioma, Simple Cyst and Liver Nodules.

However the right lobe (Antero-Posterior) measurements were significantly affected in the presence of Metastasis, Hydatid Cyst, Liver Nodule, and intrahepatic duct dilation (IHDD).

Hepatic volume was reduced significantly in the cases of cirrhosis, and (HCC) and significantly correlated with body indices: height, weight, and BSA.

CT number of liver (Hounsfield)/density was significantly changed in both cases of cirrhosis and (HCC) without any changes detected in other diffused or focal lesions.

Triphase CT technique is an excellent method to be utilized for measurement of liver dimensions and volume in different liver diseases.