Prospective comparative study of ultrasound, CT-scan, scintigraphy and laboratory tests to detect hepatic metastases
De Brauw, L.M.; van de Velde, C.J.; Pauwels, E.K.; Bok, R.; Bloem, J.L.; Aarts, J.C.; Hermans, J.
Journal of Nuclear Biology and Medicine 35(3): 131-134
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-3249 PMID: 1816868 Document Number: 373661
The conventional methods of CT scan (CT), ultrasound (US), scintigraphy (SC), and laboratory tests (LDH, AP, 5-Nt) were prospectively compared in 135 patients with gastrointestinal carcinoma to define the most useful test to detect hepatic metastases. Thirty-six patients (26.7%) had hepatic metastases at laparotomy. Sensitivities were low: 46% for SC, 58% for US, 68% for CT and 63% for LDH. Accuracies ranged from 62% (LDH) to 78% (SC). No significant differences were found. Accurate and efficient detection of hepatic metastases is hampered by the relatively low sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of conventional imaging and laboratory tests.