OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) with in vivo labeled erythrocytes and intravenous multiphase contrast in diagnosing liver hemangiomas.

Materials and Methods. SPECT-CT studies of 139 patients were analyzed. All patients underwent combined liver SPECT-CT with in vivo labeled erythrocytes and intravenous multiphase bolus contrast. Informativity indicators for the SPECT method in single mode and the hybrid technique (combined SPECT-CT) were calculated using standard formulas.

RESULTS

Based on SPECT-CT results, 68 patients (49%) were diagnosed with hemangiomas. No SPECT-CT signs of liver hemangiomas were found in 71 patients (51%), among whom 58 (82%) had focal liver lesions. Full CT with intravenous multiphase bolus contrast determined the nature of these lesions in 51 (88%) of the 58 patients. Combined SPECT-CT demonstrated superior sensitivity (98% vs. 76%) and accuracy (99% vs. 88%) compared to single-mode SPECT, with both methods showing 100% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Combined SPECT-CT is highly sensitive and accurate for diagnosing and differentiating liver hemangiomas, outperforming single-mode SPECT. It confirms or refutes hemangioma diagnoses in most cases for lesions larger than 15—20 mm when CT results are uncertain. Additionally, in cases where hemangioma is excluded, the full CT component with multiphase bolus contrast effectively determines the nature of the lesion in 88% of cases.