Abstract
AIM: The imaging features of MRI and DSA, using the models of implanted and induced hepatoma, were investigated in rats. METHODS: CBRH3 cancer cells were implanted for different liver site of rat liver and the diethylnitrosoamine was given orally to rats in order to induce liver cancer. Both experimental groups were detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and morphologic assay. RESULTS: Hypointensity on T1WI and homogenous high signal intensity on T2WI in MRI, and ring-like abnormal stain on DSA were found in implanted cancer. Induced cancers appeared as homogeneous or heterogeneous hypointensity on T1WI (10 cases), and equal or slight high intensity on T2WI (8 cases), but some as hypointensity on T2WI (2 cases). CONCLUSION: The imaging features of implanted cancers were similar to that of human liver metastases. Therefore, it could serve as an experimental model of human liver metastatic tumor. The imaging feature of induced cancers, whereas, were similar to that of human primary liver cancer. It could be use as an experimental model of human primary liver cancer.