Lipiodol CT Scan

Background and indications

Lipiodol-CT is used to detect small liver tumors that are difficult to visualize on standard imaging, particularly before chemoembolization or to complete hepatocellular carcinoma staging.

Benefits

Highly sensitive detection of small hepatic tumors by exploiting preferential Lipiodol uptake in tumor tissue.

Procedure

A catheter is introduced into the femoral or radial artery and guided to the hepatic artery. Lipiodol is injected, then a CT scan is performed in the following hours or days to observe its distribution in the liver. The examination lasts about 1 hour.

Risks

Risks are those of arteriography (puncture site hematoma, contrast allergy) and are generally low.

Recovery and follow-up

Same-day or next-day discharge. Results guide the therapeutic strategy.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).