03-543-6911

Computed Tomography (CT)

Medical imaging using X-rays.

Triphasic CT

The triple-phase liver CT protocol is a useful examination in the assessment of focal liver lesions, hypervascular liver metastases and endocrine tumors.

It involves a dedicated late arterial phase, portal venous phase and delayed phase acquisition. Not to be confused with a four-phase which involves the addition of a non-contrast series. This examination is most typically utilized to differential a hepatocellular carcinoma from other lesions.

  1. Liver Imaging:

    • Hepatic Lesions: To evaluate liver lesions, such as tumors or cysts, and determine their vascularity at different stages of contrast enhancement.
    • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Screening: Triphasic CT is commonly used in the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary liver cancer.
  2. Pancreatic Imaging:

    • Pancreatic Tumors: To assess the vascularity and characteristics of pancreatic tumors, including detection and staging.
    • Pancreatitis: In cases of suspected acute or chronic pancreatitis, a Triphasic CT can provide information about inflammation and complications.
  3. Renal Imaging:

    • Renal Lesions: To evaluate kidney tumors or cysts and assess their vascularity.
    • Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Assessment: Triphasic CT is commonly used for the evaluation and staging of renal cell carcinoma.
  4. Abdominal Masses and Tumors:

    • Gastrointestinal Tumors: Triphasic CT can help characterize and stage tumors in the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Retroperitoneal Masses: To evaluate masses in the retroperitoneal space and determine their vascularity.
  5. Vascular Studies:

    • Vascular Anomalies: Triphasic CT can be used to study blood flow and detect vascular anomalies, such as aneurysms or vascular malformations.
  6. Pelvic Imaging:

    • Gynecological Tumors: In the evaluation of gynecological cancers, such as ovarian or uterine tumors.
    • Bladder and Prostate: For assessing tumors or abnormalities in the bladder and prostate.
  7. Monitoring Treatment Response:

    • Cancer Treatment Response: In cancer patients undergoing treatment, Triphasic CT can be used to monitor the response to therapy and assess changes in tumor vascularity.
  • You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam.
  • Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. You may be asked to remove any piercings, if possible.
  • You should inform the technologist if you have a pacemaker.
  • You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used in your exam.
  • You should inform your physician of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
  • Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease or thyroid problems.
  • Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
  • Your diet will be restricted to clear liquids the day before the examination
  • Be sure to inform your physician if you have heart, liver or kidney disease to be certain that the bowel prep will be safe.

Get Directions

Emergency Service?

Contact Us