- Strengths
- dedicated study to: 1) characterize a discovered liver mass but of uncertain etiology (i.e. question hemangioma, FNH vs other); 2) Restage hypervascular tumors of liver such as carcinoid or HCC.
- Limitations
- Consider standard CT abdomen for screening for potential liver involvement, portal vein patency, potential causes of abnomal liver function, others (less radiation exposure to patient than multiphase and provides evaluation of other abdominal organs too).
- Contraindications
- 1) Allergy to contrast, but we will premedicate patient as necessary; 2) IV contrast will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance.
- CPT Code
- 74170
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- CT abdomen with and without IV contrast. No oral contrast.
- Patient Preparation
- NPO 4 hours, but can take meds with small sip of water.
