Resolution of angiography in detecting liver metastases

Abstract Experiments were carried out to determine the “resolution” of splenoportography, transumbilical portography and hepatic arteriography. The resolution is expressed in terms of minimal diameter of metastatic foci detected in the liver by these methods. The resolution was compared with our own angiographical experience and relevant statements in the literature. Resolution, especially of transumbilical portography and hepatic arteriography, was found to be superior to that of liver scanning. In view of the elaborateness of these angiographic procedures and the limited resolution obtained, these methods are not suitable for ruling out the presence of metastases, except in a few tumour species; they might, however, be used profitably to locate slow-growing metastases solitary or few in number, and hence amenable to surgical treatment.