Question about CT report...

[happymom2v]

Hello Dr. I was trying to update on my prior thread from a few months ago, but the forum would not allow me (sorry)

This is from CT in FEBRUARY...Status post liver transplant. There are
several geographic, peripheral hypervascular foci, predominantly in the
left hepatic lobe, which do not demonstrate washout on the portal venous
or delayed phases and are likely vascular shunts (series 8 image 33). No
suspicious liver lesion.

This is TODAY'S CT report...Again seen are multifocal predominantly peripheral areas
of arterial phase hyperenhancement that equilibrate with the liver
parenchyma in the portal and delayed venous phases. None of these
observations demonstrate washout or capsule/pseudocapsule. For example:
The largest area in segment 5 measures 1.9 x 1.3 cm (4; 33), previously
measured 1.8 x 1.3 cm. A 0.6 x 0.5 cm area of arterial phase
hyperenhancement is not seen on the prior exam, though this could be due
to differences in timing of contrast enhancement.

What does this all mean? Only 1 year post transplant. Does this have any correlation to HCC? Is there something wrong with new liver? Are the measurements indicated in referring to something concerning?

Please help... Extremely worried.
Thank you very much.

[happymom2v]

No... The AFP was not elevated prior to transplant. If the AFP was elevated PRIOR would that indicate something referring to these areas? Can these areas of hyper enhancement/ perfusion abnormalities become HCC?
Also, is this area of perfusion also referred to as vascular shunts???
Thank you.

[happymom2v]

No... The AFP was not elevated prior to transplant. Would that be indicative of something if the AFP was elevated?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

from thre description these are not worrsiome abnormalities.  These type of perfusion abnormalities are common after a liver transplant.  prior to the transplant was your AFP level elevated?