1
|
Pepe A, Crimì F, Vernuccio F, Cabrelle G, Lupi A, Zanon C, Gambato S, Perazzolo A, Quaia E. Medical Radiology: Current Progress. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2439. [PMID: 37510183 PMCID: PMC10378672 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, medical radiology has undergone significant improvements in patient management due to advancements in image acquisition by the last generation of machines, data processing, and the integration of artificial intelligence. In this way, cardiovascular imaging is one of the fastest-growing radiological subspecialties. In this study, a compressive review was focused on addressing how and why CT and MR have gained a I class indication in most cardiovascular diseases, and the potential impact of tissue and functional characterization by CT photon counting, quantitative MR mapping, and 4-D flow. Regarding rectal imaging, advances in cancer imaging using diffusion-weighted MRI sequences for identifying residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and [18F] FDG PET/MRI were provided for high-resolution anatomical and functional data in oncological patients. The results present a large overview of the approach to the imaging of diffuse and focal liver diseases by US elastography, contrast-enhanced US, quantitative MRI, and CT for patient risk stratification. Italy is currently riding the wave of these improvements. The development of large networks will be crucial to create high-quality databases for patient-centered precision medicine using artificial intelligence. Dedicated radiologists with specific training and a close relationship with the referring clinicians will be essential human factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pepe
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Crimì
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Vernuccio
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Cabrelle
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Amalia Lupi
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Zanon
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gambato
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Perazzolo
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Santa Maria della Misericordia, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital of Padua-DIMED, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crawford D, Naidu S, Patel I, Knuttinen G, Alzubaidi S, Oklu R. Bland Embolization of Benign Liver Tumors: Review of the Literature and a Single Center Experience. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040658. [PMID: 33572120 PMCID: PMC7915444 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transarterial embolization has shown promise as a safe, effective, and less invasive treatment modality for benign liver lesions (hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hepatic adenoma (HA)) with fewer complications compared to surgical intervention. There is no consensus regarding the most appropriate embolization material(s) for the treatment of benign liver tumors. The purpose of this study was to review the current literature regarding the transarterial embolization of benign liver tumors and to share our single center experience. This was a non-blinded, retrospective, single-institution review of the bland embolization of benign liver tumors. Clinical data and imaging before and after embolization were used to evaluate lesion response to transarterial embolization. Twelve patients were included in the study. Five patients with six hemangiomas were treated. Pain was a presenting complaint in all five of these patients. The median change in tumor volume was −12.4% and ranged from −30.1% to +42.3%. One patient with two FNH lesions was treated, and both lesion volumes decreased by more than 50%. Six patients with 10 adenomas were treated. Pain was a presenting complaint in three patients, and five patients had a lesion >5 cm. The median change in tumor volume was −67.0% and ranged from −92.9% to +65.8%. Bland transarterial embolization of liver hemangiomas, FNH, and HA can be an effective and minimally invasive treatment modality to control the size and/or symptoms of these lesions. There is a variable response depending on tumor type and the embolization materials used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crawford
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Sailen Naidu
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (I.P.); (G.K.); (S.A.); (R.O.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Indravadan Patel
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (I.P.); (G.K.); (S.A.); (R.O.)
| | - Grace Knuttinen
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (I.P.); (G.K.); (S.A.); (R.O.)
| | - Sadeer Alzubaidi
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (I.P.); (G.K.); (S.A.); (R.O.)
| | - Rahmi Oklu
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA; (I.P.); (G.K.); (S.A.); (R.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vernuccio F, Gagliano DS, Cannella R, Ba-Ssalamah A, Tang A, Brancatelli G. Spectrum of liver lesions hyperintense on hepatobiliary phase: an approach by clinical setting. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:8. [PMID: 33432491 PMCID: PMC7801550 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-020-00928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatobiliary MRI contrast agents are increasingly being used for liver imaging. In clinical practice, most focal liver lesions do not uptake hepatobiliary contrast agents. Less commonly, hepatic lesions may show variable signal characteristics on hepatobiliary phase. This pictorial essay reviews a broad spectrum of benign and malignant focal hepatic observations that may show hyperintensity on hepatobiliary phase in various clinical settings. In non-cirrhotic patients, focal hepatic observations that show hyperintensity in the hepatobiliary phase are usually benign and typically include focal nodular hyperplasia. In patients with primary or secondary vascular disorders, focal nodular hyperplasia-like lesions arise as a local hyperplastic response to vascular alterations and tend to be iso- or hyperintense in the hepatobiliary phase. In oncologic patients, metastases and cholangiocarcinoma are hypointense lesions in the hepatobiliary phase; however, occasionally they may show a diffuse, central and inhomogeneous hepatobiliary paradoxical uptake with peripheral rim hypointensity. Post-chemotherapy focal nodular hyperplasia-like lesions may be tricky, and their typical hyperintense rim in the hepatobiliary phase is very helpful for the differential diagnosis with metastases. In cirrhotic patients, hepatocellular carcinoma may occasionally appear hyperintense on hepatobiliary phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Vernuccio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy. .,University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France. .,I.R.C.C.S. Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Contrada Casazza, SS113, 98124, Messina, Italy. .,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Domenico Salvatore Gagliano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, General Hospital of Vienna (AKH), Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - An Tang
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Brancatelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mogahed MM, Zytoon AA, Essa B, Abdellatif W, Ghanem N, ElWakeel B. Natural history of hepatic hemangiomas as a guide for surgical indication. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-020-00065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Generally, hemangiomas are asymptomatic and most lesions are incidentally diagnosed on abdominal ultrasonography. The indications for surgery are still debated mainly due to limited data about the natural history of hepatic hemangiomas. The aim of this study is to investigate the natural history of hepatic hemangiomas, the effects of age and sex on their growth, and their tendency to increase in size or causing symptoms or complications as a guide for surgical indication. In this current study, combined retrospective and prospective analysis was conducted on 186 Egyptian adult patients having 244 hepatic hemangiomas who attended to the outpatient clinics. Follow-up was performed to observe the accurate site, size, number, rate of growth of the lesions, and their tendency to cause symptoms or complications.
Results
Ninety-one percent of patients were asymptomatic and 9% were symptomatic. During follow-up, 48% of patients showed an increase in tumor diameter, 22% decreased, and 30% were stable. The growth rate at 18–45-year group showed an increasing trend that was higher in females; it was 3.3 ± 2 mm/year for males and 3.9 ± 1.8 mm/year for females. At ˃ 45 year group, the female patients showed a decreasing trend (− 2.1 ± 1.1 mm/year) while in males showed an increasing trend that was slower than in 18–45-year group (2.6 ± 1.7 mm/year).
Conclusion
Growth pattern of liver hemangiomas is affected by age and sex. The majority of hemangiomas are asymptomatic and complications are rare. Hemangioma size alone is not an indication for surgery in asymptomatic patients. Surgical indications are limited to patients with severe symptoms, complications, or suspicious lesions. Most hemangiomas can be managed conservatively even giant hemangiomas.
Collapse
|
5
|
Grazzini G, Cozzi D, Flammia F, Grassi R, Agostini A, Belfiore MP, Borgheresi A, Mazzei MA, Floridi C, Carrafiello G, Giovagnoni A, Pradella S, Miele V. Hepatic tumors: pitfall in diagnostic imaging. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:9-17. [PMID: 32945274 PMCID: PMC7944669 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i8-s.9969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
On computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hepatocellular tumors are characterized based on typical imaging findings. However, hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatocellular carcinoma can show uncommon appearances at CT and MRI, which may lead to diagnostic challenges. When assessing focal hepatic lesions, radiologists need to be aware of these atypical imaging findings to avoid misdiagnoses that can alter the management plan. The purpose of this review is to illustrate a variety of pitfalls and atypical features of hepatocellular tumors that can lead to misinterpretations providing specific clues to the correct diagnoses. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Grazzini
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Diletta Cozzi
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Federica Flammia
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Roberta Grassi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Andrea Agostini
- Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica delle Marche and Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "Umberto I - Lancisi - Salesi", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Belfiore
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Borgheresi
- Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "Umberto I - Lancisi - Salesi", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Mazzei
- Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences and of Radiological Sciences, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - Chiara Floridi
- Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica delle Marche and Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "Umberto I - Lancisi - Salesi", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Gianpaolo Carrafiello
- Radiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy..
| | - Andrea Giovagnoni
- Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica delle Marche and Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital "Umberto I - Lancisi - Salesi", Ancona, Italy.
| | - Silvia Pradella
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Miele
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mamone G, Di Piazza A, Carollo V, Cannataci C, Cortis K, Bartolotta TV, Miraglia R. Imaging of hepatic hemangioma: from A to Z. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:672-691. [PMID: 31686179 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hemangioma is the most common solid lesion of the liver. Therefore, radiologists must know the typical and atypical imaging findings of this lesion in order to reach a correct diagnosis and avoid diagnostic errors. However, only few papers have comprehensively described the entire spectrum of atypical and uncommon imaging features. In this updated review, we provide the imaging features of hepatic hemangioma, in both typical and atypical forms, as well as its association with abnormalities in the adjacent hepatic parenchyma and other hepatic lesions, and its complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mamone
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), via Tricomi 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Ambra Di Piazza
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), via Tricomi 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carollo
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), via Tricomi 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Kelvin Cortis
- Department of Radiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Tommaso Vincenzo Bartolotta
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, neuroscienze e diagnostica avanzata (Bi.ND) - Università degli studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Miraglia
- Radiology Unit, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, IRCCS ISMETT (Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies), via Tricomi 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang A, Deng J, Qian B, Chen H, Li M, Yang D, Li Q, Lei Z, Fu W. Natural history of hepatic hemangioma: a follow-up analysis of 534 patients. FRONTIERS IN LIFE SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21553769.2019.1684389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Deng
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baolin Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dayin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengming Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenguang Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vernuccio F, Cannella R, Porrello G, Calandra A, Midiri M, Furlan A, Brancatelli G. Uncommon imaging evolutions of focal liver lesions in cirrhosis. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2019; 44:3069-3077. [PMID: 31222462 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-019-02101-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate uncommon imaging evolutions of benign (i.e., cyst, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules, and hepatic angiomyolipoma) and malignant (i.e., HCC and non HCC malignancies) lesions in a cirrhotic liver. The content highlights relevant pathogenesis and imaging clues for proper differential diagnosis. Revision of prior imaging and knowledge of these scenarios may help the abdominal radiologist to reach a noninvasive diagnosis and direct the patient to the most appropriate clinical management. CONCLUSION Uncommon imaging evolutions of focal liver lesions in cirrhosis may represent a challenge for the abdominal radiologist, with atypical changes in size, and internal vascularization changes that may lead to misdiagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Vernuccio
- Dipartimento Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G.D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- I.R.C.C.S. Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Contrada Casazza, SS113, 98124, Messina, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata (BIND), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Porrello
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata (BIND), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Calandra
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata (BIND), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata (BIND), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Brancatelli
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata (BIND), University Hospital of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Negative Biopsy of Focal Hepatic Lesions: Decision Tree Model for Patient Management. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 212:677-685. [PMID: 30673333 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.18.20268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate patient- and procedure-related variables affecting the false-negative rate of ultrasound (US)-guided liver biopsy and to develop a standardized patient-tailored predictive model for the management of negative biopsy results. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively included 389 patients (mean age ± SD, 62 ± 12 years old) who had undergone US-guided liver biopsy of 405 liver lesions between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2015. We collected multiple patient- and procedure-related variables. By comparing pathology reports of biopsy and the reference standard (further histology or imaging follow-up), we were able to categorize the biopsy results as true-positive, true-negative, and false-negative. Diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic yield were measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables predicting false-negative results. A standardized patient-tailored predictive model of false-negative results based on a decision tree was fitted. RESULTS Diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic yield were 93.8% (380/405) and 89.4% (362/405), respectively. The false-negative rate was 6.5% (25/387). Predictive variables of false-negative results at univariate analysis included body mass index, lesion size, sample acquisition techniques, and immediate specimen adequacy. The only independent predictors at multivariate analysis were patient age and Charlson comorbidity index. By combining lesion size and location with patient age and history of malignancy, we developed a decision tree model that predicts false-negative results with high confidence (up to 100%). CONCLUSION False-negative results are not negligible at US-guided liver biopsy. The combination of selected lesion- and patient-specific variables may help predict when aggressive management is warranted in patients with likely false-negative results.
Collapse
|