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Brandi N, Renzulli M. Liver Lesions at Risk of Transformation into Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients: Hepatobiliary Phase Hypointense Nodules without Arterial Phase Hyperenhancement. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:100-112. [PMID: 38250460 PMCID: PMC10794268 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent technical advances in liver imaging and surveillance for patients at high risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have led to an increase in the detection of borderline hepatic nodules in the gray area of multistep carcinogenesis, particularly in those that are hypointense at the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) and do not show arterial phase hyperenhancement. Given their potential to transform and advance into hypervascular HCC, these nodules have progressively attracted the interest of the scientific community. To date, however, no shared guidelines have been established for the decision management of these borderline hepatic nodules. It is therefore extremely important to identify features that indicate the malignant potential of these nodules and the likelihood of vascularization. In fact, a more complete knowledge of their history and evolution would allow outlining shared guidelines for their clinical-surgical management, to implement early treatment programs and decide between a preventive curative treatment or a watchful follow-up. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on hepatic borderline nodules, particularly focusing on those imaging features which are hypothetically correlated with their malignant evolution, and to discuss current guidelines and ongoing management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Brandi
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kwok HM, Chau CM, Lee HCH, Wong T, Chan HF, Luk WH, Yung WTA, Cheng LF, Ma KFJ. Gadoxetic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases: pearls and pitfalls. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:715-723. [PMID: 37453807 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Gadoxetic disodium (Primovist) is a hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with increasing popularity with its unique dual dynamic and excretory properties in focal liver lesion detection and characterisation. In-depth knowledge of its diagnostic utility and pitfalls in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases is crucial in facilitating clinical management. The current article reviews the pearls and pitfalls in these aspects with highlights from the latest research evidence. Pearls for common usage of Primovist in HCC includes detection of precursor cancer lesions in cirrhotic patients. Hepatobiliary phase hypointensity precedes arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatobiliary phase hypointense nodules without APHE can represent early or progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and high-grade dysplastic nodules. In addition, Primovist is useful to differentiate HCC from pseudolesions. Pitfalls in diagnosing HCC include transient tachypnoea in the arterial phase, rare hepatobiliary phase hyperintense HCC, and decompensated liver cirrhosis compromising image quality. Primovist is currently the most sensitive technique in diagnosing liver metastases before curative hepatic resection. Other patterns of enhancement of liver metastases, "disappearing" liver metastases are important pitfalls. Radiologists should be aware of the diagnostic utility, limitations, and potential pitfalls for the common usage of hepatobiliary specific contrast agent in liver MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Kwok
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong.
| | - C M Chau
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - H C H Lee
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - T Wong
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - H F Chan
- Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - W H Luk
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - W T A Yung
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - L F Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - K F J Ma
- Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
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Shimizu R, Ida Y, Kitano M. Predicting Outcome after Percutaneous Ablation for Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Various Imaging Modalities. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3058. [PMID: 37835800 PMCID: PMC10572637 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193058] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Percutaneous ablation is a low-invasive, repeatable, and curative local treatment that is now recommended for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is not suitable for surgical resection. Poorly differentiated HCC has high-grade malignancy potential. Microvascular invasion is frequently seen, even in tumors smaller than 3 cm in diameter, and prognosis is poor after percutaneous ablation. Biopsy has a high risk of complications such as bleeding and dissemination; therefore, it has limitations in determining HCC tumor malignancy prior to treatment. Advances in diagnostic imaging have enabled non-invasive diagnosis of tumor malignancy. We describe the usefulness of ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for predicting outcome after percutaneous ablation for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Shimizu
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Bae JS, Lee JY, Suh KS, Hong SK, Yoon JH, Kim YJ, Yu SJ, Lee JH, Cho EJ, Lee YB, Han JK. Characterization of hepatobiliary phase hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI via contrast-enhanced ultrasound using perfluorobutane. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:2321-2330. [PMID: 37097451 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03901-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatobiliary phase (HBP) hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (GA-MRI) may be nonmalignant cirrhosis-associated nodules or hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). We aimed to characterize HBP hypointense nodules without APHE on GA-MRI by performing contrast-enhanced ultrasound using perfluorobutane (PFB-CEUS). METHODS In this prospective, single-center study, participants at high-risk of HCC having HBP hypointense nodules without APHE at GA-MRI were enrolled. All participants underwent PFB-CEUS; if APHE and late, mild washout or washout in the Kupffer phase were present, the diagnosis of HCC was established according to the v2022 Korean guidelines. The reference standard consisted of histopathology or imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values of PFB-CEUS for detecting HCC were calculated. Associations between clinical/imaging features and the diagnosis of HCC were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. RESULTS In total, 67 participants (age, 67.0 years ± 8.4; 56 men) with 67 HBP hypointense nodules without APHE (median size, 1.5 cm [range, 1.0-3.0 cm]) were included. The prevalence of HCC was 11.9% (8/67). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PFB-CEUS for detecting HCC were 12.5%(1/8), 96.6%(57/59), 33.3%(1/3) and 89.1%(57/64), respectively. Mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity on GA-MRI (odds ratio, 5.756; P = 0.042) and washout in the Kupffer phase on PFB-CEUS (odds ratio, 5.828; P = 0.048) were independently associated with HCC. CONCLUSION Among HBP hypointense nodules without APHE, PFB-CEUS was specific for detecting HCC, which had a low prevalence. Mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity on GA-MRI and washout in the Kupffer phase on PFB-CEUS may be useful to detect HCC in those nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Seok Bae
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Bin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Koo Han
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
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Low HM, Lee JM, Tan CH. Prognosis Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features. Korean J Radiol 2023; 24:660-667. [PMID: 37404108 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hsien Min Low
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cher Heng Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Zhang Y, Wei H, Song B. Magnetic resonance imaging for treatment response evaluation and prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma after thermal ablation. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:87. [PMID: 37188987 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the vast majority of primary liver cancer and constitutes a major global health challenge. Tumor ablation with either radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) is recommended as a curative-intent treatment for early-stage HCC. Given the widespread use of thermal ablation in routine clinical practice, accurate evaluation of treatment response and patient outcomes has become crucial in optimizing individualized management strategies. Noninvasive imaging occupies the central role in the routine management of patients with HCC. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide full wealth of information with respect to tumor morphology, hemodynamics, function and metabolism. With accumulation of liver MR imaging data, radiomics analysis has been increasingly applied to capture tumor heterogeneity and provide prognostication by extracting high-throughput quantitative imaging features from digital medical images. Emerging evidence suggests the potential role of several qualitative, quantitative and radiomic MRI features in prediction of treatment response and patient prognosis after ablation of HCC. Understanding the advancements of MRI in the evaluation of ablated HCCs may facilitate optimal patient care and improved outcomes. This review provides an overview of the emerging role of MRI in treatment response evaluation and prognostication of HCC patients undergoing ablation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MRI-based parameters can help predict treatment response and patient prognosis after HCC ablation and thus guide treatment planning. KEY POINTS: 1. ECA-MRI provides morphological and hemodynamic assessment of ablated HCC. 2. EOB-MRI provides more information for tumor response prediction after ablation. 3. DWI improve the characterization of HCC and optimize treatment decision. 4. Radiomics analysis enables characterization of tumor heterogeneity guidance of clinical decision-making. 5. Further studies with multiple radiologists and sufficient follow-up period are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China.
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7
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Öcal O, Zech CJ, Fabritius MP, Loewe C, van Delden O, Vandecaveye V, Gebauer B, Berg T, Sengel C, Bargellini I, Iezzi R, Benito A, Pech M, Gasbarrini A, Sangro B, Malfertheiner P, Ricke J, Seidensticker M. Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions detected in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a post hoc analysis of SORAMIC trial to identify risk factors for progression. Eur Radiol 2022; 33:493-500. [PMID: 35881180 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09000-1] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify clinical and imaging parameters associated with progression of non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions during follow-up in patients who received treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A total of 67 patients with 106 lesions were identified after screening 538 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI within the SORAMIC trial. All patients were allocated to the trial treatment according to the trial scheme, and 61 of 67 patients received systemic treatment with sorafenib (either alone or combined with locoregional therapies) during the trial period. Follow-up images after treatment according to trial scheme were reviewed for subsequent hypervascularization or > 1 cm size increase. The correlation between progression and several imaging and clinical parameters was assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS On a median 178 (range, 48-1072) days follow-up period, progression was encountered in 18 (16.9%) lesions in 12 (17.9%) patients. In univariable analysis size > 12.6 mm (p = 0.070), ECOG-PS (p = 0.025), hypointensity at T1-weighted imaging (p = 0.028), hyperintensity at T2-weighted imaging (p < 0.001), hyperintensity at DWI images (p = 0.007), and cirrhosis (p = 0.065) were correlated with progression during follow-up. Hyperintensity at T2 images (p = 0.011) was an independent risk factor for progression in multivariable analysis, as well as cirrhosis (p = 0.033) and ECOG-PS (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions are associated with subsequent progression after treatment in patients with HCC. T2 hyperintensity, diffusion restriction, cirrhosis, and higher ECOG-PS could identify lesions with increased risk. These factors should be considered for further diagnostic evaluation or treatment of such lesions. KEY POINTS • Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions have considerable risk of progression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving treatment. • T2 hyperintensity, cirrhosis, ECOG-PS, and hyperintensity at DWI are associated with increased risk of progression. • Non-hypervascular hepatobiliary phase hypointense lesions should be considered in the decision-making process of locoregional therapies, especially in the presence of these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Öcal
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph J Zech
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Fabritius
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Loewe
- Section of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Bioimaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Otto van Delden
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Academic University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bernhard Gebauer
- Department of Radiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Gastroenterologie, Sektion Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Sengel
- Radiology Department, Grenoble University Hospital, La Tronche, France
| | - Irene Bargellini
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Iezzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC di Radiologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Benito
- Abdominal Radiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maciej Pech
- Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Seidensticker
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Gatti M, Maino C, Darvizeh F, Serafini A, Tricarico E, Guarneri A, Inchingolo R, Ippolito D, Ricardi U, Fonio P, Faletti R. Role of gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3116-3131. [PMID: 36051340 PMCID: PMC9331537 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i26.3116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Locoregional treatments, as alternatives to surgery, play a key role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables a multiparametric assessment, going beyond the traditional dynamic computed tomography approach. Moreover, the use of hepatobiliary agents can improve diagnostic accuracy and are becoming important in the diagnosis and follow-up of HCC. However, the main challenge is to quickly identify classical responses to loco-regional treatments in order to determine the most suitable management strategy for each patient. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most common and uncommon liver MRI findings in patients who underwent loco-regional treatments for HCC, with a special focus on ablative therapies (radiofrequency, microwaves and cryoablation), trans-arterial chemoembolization, trans-arterial radio-embolization and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy techniques, considering the usefulness of gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gatti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Cesare Maino
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Darvizeh
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20121, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Tricarico
- Department of Radiology, "F. Perinei" Hospital, Altamura (BA) 70022, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Inchingolo
- Interventional Radiology Unit, “F. Miulli” Regional General Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA) 70021, Italy
| | - Davide Ippolito
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza 20900, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Umberto Ricardi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Fonio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Riccardo Faletti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
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Tan CH, Chou SC, Inmutto N, Ma K, Sheng R, Shi Y, Zhou Z, Yamada A, Tateishi R. Gadoxetate-Enhanced MRI as a Diagnostic Tool in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Report from a 2020 Asia-Pacific Multidisciplinary Expert Meeting. Korean J Radiol 2022; 23:697-719. [PMID: 35555884 PMCID: PMC9240294 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2021.0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Gadoxetate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in clinical practice for liver imaging. For optimal use, we must understand both its advantages and limitations. This article is the outcome of an online advisory board meeting and subsequent discussions by a multidisciplinary group of experts on liver diseases across the Asia-Pacific region, first held on September 28, 2020. Here, we review the technical considerations for the use of gadoxetate, its current role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its relevance in consensus guidelines for HCC imaging diagnosis. In the latter part of this review, we examine recent evidence evaluating the impact of gadoxetate on clinical outcomes on a continuum from diagnosis to treatment decision-making and follow-up. In conclusion, we outline the potential future roles of gadoxetate MRI based on an evolving understanding of the clinical utility of this contrast agent in the management of patients at risk of, or with, HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cher Heng Tan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Shu-Cheng Chou
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City & Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nakarin Inmutto
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - RuoFan Sheng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - YingHong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongguo Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Akira Yamada
- Department of Radiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Kim TH, Woo S, Han S, Suh CH, Do RKG, Lee JM. Risk Factors for Hypervascularization in Hepatobiliary Phase Hypointense Nodules without Arterial Phase Hyperenhancement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:198-210. [PMID: 32962925 PMCID: PMC9115668 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine risk factors for hypervascularization in hepatobiliary phase (HBP) hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pubmed and EMBASE databases were searched up to May 7, 2020. Studies which evaluated radiologic and clinical risk factors for hypervascularization in HBP hypointense nodules without APHE were included. Hazard ratios were meta-analytically pooled using random-effects model. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS Sixteen studies with 934 patients were included. HBP hypointense nodules without APHE with baseline size greater than 10 mm, T2 hyperintensity, and restricted diffusion showed risk for hypervascularization with pooled HRs of 2.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94-4.20), 4.21 (95% CI, 1.15-15.40), 5.83 (95% CI, 1.42-23.95), respectively. Previous HCC history contributed to hypervascularization of the nodules with hazard ratio of 2.06 (95% CI, 1.23-3.44). T1 hyperintensity, intralesional fat, Child-Pugh Class B, sex, alfa-fetoprotein, hepatitis B or C infection were not significant risk factors for hypervascularization (p ≥0.05). Study quality was generally moderate. CONCLUSION HBP hypointense nodules without APHE on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with baseline size greater than 10 mm, T2 hyperintensity, restricted diffusion and previous hepatocellular carcinoma history pose higher risk for hypervascularization. Proper patient management in patients with HBP hypointense nodules without APHE on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI may need to be tailored according to these risk factors.
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11
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Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular and genetic background. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:3438-3447. [PMID: 32064560 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays important roles in diagnosis of hepatic lesions because of its superiority in the detectability of small lesions, its differentiation ability, and its utility for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In HCC, expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B3 correlates with the enhancement ratio in the hepatobiliary phase. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, an indirect molecular imaging method, reflects OATP1B3 expression in HCC. OATP1B3 expression gradually decreases from the dysplastic nodule stage to advanced HCC. Decreased expression is a sensitive marker of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in the early stages. Hypervascular HCCs commonly show hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase corresponding to a decrease in OATP1B3; however, approximately 10% of HCCs show hyperintensity due to OATP1B3 overexpression. This hyperintense HCC shows less aggressive biological features and has a better prognosis than hypointense HCC. Hyperintense HCC can be classified into a genetic subtype of HCC with a mature hepatocyte-like molecular expression. OATP1B3 expression and the less aggressive nature of hyperintense HCC are regulated by the molecular interaction of β-catenin signaling and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, a tumor suppressor factor. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging has the potential to be an imaging biomarker for HCC. KEY POINTS: • The hepatobiliary phase is a sensitive indirect indicator of organic anion transporting polypeptide1B3 (OATP1B3) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). • The OATP1B3 expression, namely, enhancement in the hepatobiliary phase, decreases from the very early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis, contributing to early diagnosis of HCC. • HCC showing hyperintensity on the hepatobiliary phase is a peculiar genetic subtype of HCC with OATP1B3 overexpression, a less aggressive nature, and mature hepatocyte-like molecular/genetic features.
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