Serial CEA assays and liver scintigraphy for the detection of hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma

摘要: Of 340 patients with histologically proven colorectal carcinoma, hepatic metastases were diagnosed in 90 (26 per cent), 50 at the time of initial surgery (synchronously) and 40 during postoperative follow-up (metachronously). At surgery, plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels markedly elevated synchronous normal or only moderately those metachronous metastases. During follow-up, CEA entire group remained 8 cent rose remainder: very quickly 85 slowly 15 cent. Hepatic metatases by strict scintigraphic criteria 70 suggested liberal remainder. progressed image from defined to criteria. In two-thirds patients, liver scintigraphy proved be superior test diagnosing criteria; majority remainder test, particularly cases a pattern fast increase plasma, before definite diagnosis could made scintigraphy. 3 neither nor indicative Thus, two diagnostic modalities, when combined, attain sensitivity 97 cent, persistently rising concomitant lesions grouped for whom was unequivocal.