Application of cone-beam CT in transarterial chemoembolization with large versus conventional field-of-view

Objective To compare the application values of digital substraction angiography (DSA) large field-of-view (FOV) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional FOV CBCT in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods 37 patients with liver cancer who received TACE treatment from October to December in 2021 were selected and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. 20 patients in experimental group received large FOV CBCT scan during operation, and 17 patients in control group received conventional FOV CBCT scan. The imaging data, fluoroscopy and radiographic time, radiation dose were compared between the two groups.

Results The excellent rate of 3D image quality in experimental group was 90%, which was higher than 58.82% in control group (P=0.030). There were no significant differences in average radiographic times, average cumulative fluoroscopic time, average cumulative radiographic time, and air specific release kinetic energy between the experimental group and the control group. Dose area product (DAP) per unit time in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (26.852±6.430 μGymm²/s vs 53.132±29.087 μGymm²/s, P=0.002).

Conclusions Large FOV CBCT has better 3D image quality and lower DAP per unit time than conventional CBCT in TACE surgery, which can be safely and effectively applied in TACE surgery and provide a better choice for precise tumor treatment.