need help understanding ct report...

[happymom2v]

Just received a copy of CT with contrast.

Hepatic morphology and masses: Status post liver transplant. There are several geographic, peripheral hypervascular foci, predominantly in the left hepatic lobe, which do not demonstrate washout on the portal venous or delayed phases and are likely vascular shunts. No suspicious liver lesion.

1. Is there anything to be concerned about?
2.  What does "geographic, peripheral hypervascular foci" mean???  
3. What are "vascular shunts"?

Thanks in advance.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

liver cancer is manifested by washout on scans which isnt apparant.  this could mean that there are regenerative nodules or cirrhosis present.  Do you have any liver disease?

[happymom2v]

No liver disease. This scan was been done almost 8 months POST transplant. The report does say "most likely vascular shunts"...what does that mean? What causes geographic, peripheral hypervascular foci, in a POST transplant liver? Should there be reason for concern???

[happymom2v]

Opps...I am sorry...the report says "there are several geographic, peripheral hypervascular lesions predominantly in the left hepatic lobe, which do not demonstrate wash out on the portal Venus or delayed phases and are likely vascular shunts. No suspicious liver lesions".

I accidentally typed "foci" in my original post. My error.

It's been approx. 8 months POST transplant. What causes geographic, peripheral hypervascular lesions, in a POST transplant liver? Should there be reason for concern???

What's a "vascular shunt" and is this common post transplant???

Thank you.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

if you are post-transplant, these are typical findings whic i wouldnt be concerned about

[happymom2v]

Thank you so much, Dr. Schiano, for your help. Why is this "typical" post transplant?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

there are always some perfusion abnormalities that can be seen

[happymom2v]

Does that mean, that there isn't a sufficient amount of blood being circulated in that particular area? If yes, can that potentially cause issue to the new liver or any other issues?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

there are different perfused areas of the liver--it should not cause any problem whatsdoever

[happymom2v]

Thank you so much, Dr. Schiano.

[happymom2v]

Opps...one more question...if something is "stable", what does that mean? For example if they say "small 3mm nodule is stable", does "stable" mean that it was there in the past or prior study and has not changed?
Thank you in advance.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

yes--that its been evident and hasnt changed in size over time

[happymom2v]

Thank you so much for being extremely helpful and answering my questions.