Evaluation of the angiographic findings for extrahepatic arterial supply to primary hepatic cancer and interventional therapy

Objective: To study the angiographic characteristics of extrahepatic arterial supply for primary hepatic cancer (PHC)and the significance of interventional therapy. Methods: 32 cases of primary. hepatic cancer were undertaken routine celiac arterial angiography and explored the extrahepatic arterial supply for the tumor, then followed by superselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Results: 37 extrahepatic feeding arteries to hepatic cancers in 32 cases were found including 12 from superior mesenteric arteries(SMA), 9 right inferior phrenic arteries (RIPA), 1 left inferior phrenic arteries (LIPA), 2 pancreatic arterial arch, 1 right internal thoracic artery(RITA), 1 right intercostal artery(RICA), 6 left gastric arteries (LGA), 1 splenic artery, 2 omental arteries (OTA), 2 gastroduodenal arteries. The most common extrahepatic feeding arteries were originated from SMA and RIPA. The rest 33 were performed with superselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and the other 4 with only transcatheter arterial chemotherapeutic perfusion due to failure of superselective catheterization. Conclusion: The extrahepatic feeding artery is commonly seen with various kinds and also necessary for interventional treatment same as the primary ones for hepatic cancers. (authors)