Severity of Liver Cirrhosis Evaluated by Digital Subtraction Angiography Using Quantitative Color-Coding Analysis Before Transarterial Embolization

Purpose This study examined whether the quantitative color-coding analysis (QCA) of two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) can accurately measure the maximal density time (Tmax) on the time–density curves of a contrast agent in selected vessels and evaluated the severity of liver cirrhosis during transarterial chemoembolization. Methods 48 patients were divided into the Child-Pugh A and Child-Pugh B groups based on the severity of liver cirrhosis. The Tmax values of the contrast agent in the proximal superior mesenteric artery, right colic artery and extra-hepatic portal vein were calculated based on the superior mesenteric angiography results. Different grades of liver cirrhosis were evaluated by the clinical biochemistry values, liver-to-spleen ratio (LSR), and Tmax duration. Results The Child-Pugh B group had a longer T3max duration (13.37 ± 3.76 s) than the Child-Pugh A group (13.04 ± 4.71 s), but the difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.825). The T3max duration correlated negatively and significantly (both p < 0.001) with the LSR in both groups (Child-Pugh A: ρ = − 0.867; Child-Pugh B: ρ = − 0.853). Conclusion The QCA technique of two-dimensional DSA allows for the accurate measurement of the Tmax, and the T3max duration can probably be used to evaluate the severity of liver cirrhosis. The T3max duration is negatively and significantly correlated with the LSR and is useful as an indicator to predict the severity of liver cirrhosis during the TACE procedure.