ASSESSMENT OF TRIPLE-PHASE LIVER COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN SOKOTO STATE ADVANCED MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Abstract

Introduction Triple-phase computed tomography (CT) is a cornerstone imaging modality for the evaluation and characterization of hepatic lesions, leveraging differential enhancement patterns across arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases.This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of hepatic lesions detected on triple-phase CT in SSAMDC and to assess their relationship with demographic characteristics and clinical indications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in SSAMDC. Triple-phase liver CT examinations performed between January 2022 and December 2024 were reviewed. Data on patients’ age, sex, clinical indications, and CT findings were retrieved from CT archives using a structured data capture sheet. All examinations were performed using a 16-slice multidetector CT scanner. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 41 patients were included, with a marked male predominance (87.8%). The majority of patients were within the 40–59 and 60–75-year age groups. Chronic liver disease was the most common clinical indication for imaging. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most frequently identified CT finding (26.8%), followed by hepatic metastases (17.1%). Overall, malignant hepatic lesions were more prevalent than benign lesions, particularly among middle-aged and elderly male patients. Conclusion: Triple-phase liver CT is an effective imaging modality for detecting and characterizing hepatic lesions in Sokoto metropolis. Hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver disease were the predominant findings, with strong associations observed with advancing age and male sex. The study provides valuable local data that supports the continued use of triple-phase CT for liver