Computed tomographic cholangiography in living liver transplant donors: factors determining the degree of contrast enhancement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting liver and bile duct contrast enhancement during computed tomographic cholangiography (CTC) in living-donor transplant candidates.

METHODS: Forty-four candidates underwent preoperative triphasic CT followed by intravenous infusion of 20 mL of iodipamide for CTC. Body size indices and liver volume were correlated to parenchymal and biliary enhancement. Bile duct visibility was compared to duct enhancement.

RESULTS: Poorly visualized first- and second-order bile ducts demonstrated diminished enhancement (P < 0.015). Both CTC parenchymal and biliary enhancement correlated inversely with body surface area, height, and weight (P < 0.001); inverse correlation was also seen between liver volume and parenchymal enhancement (P < 0.001). A moderately positive correlation was noted between CTC biliary and parenchymal portal venous enhancement (r = 0.421; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomographic cholangiography parenchymal and biliary enhancement diminishes with increased body size and liver volume, supporting a need for adjustable contrast dosing. Portal venous parenchymal enhancement may serve as a preinfusion indicator.