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Taiji R, Cortes AC, Zaske AM, Williams M, Dupuis C, Tanaka T, Nishiofuku H, Chintalapani G, Peterson CB, Avritscher R. Liver Cancer Vascularity Driven by Extracellular Matrix Stiffness: Implications for Imaging Research. Invest Radiol 2023; 58:894-902. [PMID: 37403975 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix stiffness represents a barrier to effective local and systemic drug delivery. Increasing stiffness disrupts newly formed vessel architecture and integrity, leading to tumor-like vasculature. The resulting vascular phenotypes are manifested through different cross-sectional imaging features. Contrast-enhanced studies can help elucidate the interplay between liver tumor stiffness and different vascular phenotypes. PURPOSE This study aims to correlate extracellular matrix stiffness, dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and dynamic contrast-enhancement ultrasound imaging features of 2 rat hepatocellular carcinoma tumor models. METHODS AND MATERIALS Buffalo-McA-RH7777 and Sprague Dawley (SD)-N1S1 tumor models were used to evaluate tumor stiffness by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography, along with tumor perfusion by dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Atomic force microscopy was used to calculate tumor stiffness at a submicron scale. Computer-aided image analyses were performed to evaluate tumor necrosis, as well as the percentage, distribution, and thickness of CD34+ blood vessels. RESULTS Distinct tissue signatures between models were observed according to the distribution of the stiffness values by 2-dimensional shear wave elastography and atomic force microscopy ( P < 0.05). Higher stiffness values were attributed to SD-N1S1 tumors, also associated with a scant microvascular network ( P ≤ 0.001). Opposite results were observed in the Buffalo-McA-RH7777 model, exhibiting lower stiffness values and richer tumor vasculature with predominantly peripheral distribution ( P = 0.03). Consistent with these findings, tumor enhancement was significantly greater in the Buffalo-McA-RH7777 tumor model than in the SD-N1S1 on both dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography ( P < 0.005). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between tumor perfusion on dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in terms of the total area under the curve and % microvessel tumor coverage ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The stiffness signatures translated into different tumor vascular phenotypes. Two-dimensional shear wave elastography and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography adequately depicted different stromal patterns, which resulted in unique imaging perfusion parameters with significantly greater contrast enhancement observed in softer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Taiji
- From the Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (R.T., A.C.C., M.W., C.D., R.A.); Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan (R.T., T.T., H.N.); Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX (A.M.Z.); Siemens Healthineers AG, Erlangen, Germany (G.C.); and Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, (C.B.P.)
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Fu X, Zhang Y, Luo Q, Ju Y, Song G. Targeting the mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells: a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229. [PMID: 38009775 PMCID: PMC10690881 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the root cause of cancer occurrence, progression, chemoradioresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs is a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management and treatment. Liver cancer (LC) is a malignant disease that can endanger human health. Studies are increasingly suggesting that changes in the liver mechanical microenvironment are a primary driver triggering the occurrence and development of liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the roles of the liver mechano-microenvironment and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in liver cancer progression. We also discuss the relationship between the mechanical heterogeneity of liver cancer tissues and LCSC recruitment and metastasis. Finally, we highlight potential mechanosensitive molecules in LCSCs and mechanotherapy in liver cancer. Understanding the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the mechano-microenvironment and LCSCs may provide fundamental insights into liver cancer progression and aid in further development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Fu
- School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, China
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Ju
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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Dong S, Miao X, Zhang K, Zhu X, Gao Y, Chen H. Elastic modulus-reflected liver lesion stiffness relates to worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:262. [PMID: 37620975 PMCID: PMC10463669 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver stiffness relates to more advanced tumor status and poor outcomes in primary liver cancer, while its prognostic role in pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis is unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the correlation of elastic modulus (EM)-reflected liver lesion stiffness with clinical characteristics, tumor markers, and survival among pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis. METHODS Fifty-four pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis were enrolled, and the EM of liver metastasis and peripheral liver tissue was measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography. Relative EM was calculated as the ratio of EM in liver metastasis to that in peripheral liver tissue, which reflected the relative liver lesion stiffness. RESULTS The median relative EM of liver metastasis was 7.8 (interquartile range: 4.8-10.7) folds. Relative EM of liver metastasis was correlated with primary pancreatic cancer location (P = 0.048), the presence of extra lung metastasis (P = 0.040), liver metastasis ≥ 3 cm (P = 0.007), and the absence of extraskeletal metastasis (P = 0.036); but it was not correlated with tumor markers such as CA199, CA125, or CEA (all P > 0.05). Encouragingly, high relative EM of liver metastasis (cut off by median value) was correlated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.032) but not overall survival (OS) (P = 0.285). Multivariable Cox analysis showed that high relative EM of liver metastasis (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.768, P = 0.048) and multiple metastases (HR = 2.262, P = 0.036) independently predicted decreased PFS, but only abnormal CEA independently forecasted decreased OS (HR = 2.390, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION Elastic modulus reflected liver lesion stiffness may predict a worse prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients with liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Dong
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xian Miao
- Department of Oncology, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Liang J, Ampuero J, Castell J, Zhang Q, Zhang S, Chen Y, Romero-Gómez M. Clinical application of Magnetic resonance elastography in hepatocellular carcinoma: from diagnosis to prognosis. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:100889. [PMID: 36572210 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major public health problem worldwide. Liver fibrosis is closely correlated with liver functional reserve and the risk of HCC development. Meanwhile, malignant tumors generally have high cellularity compared to benign tumors, which results in increased stiffness. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has emerged as a new non-invasive technique for assessing tissue stiffness with excellent diagnostic accuracy, not only for assessing liver fibrosis but also for measuring tumor stiffness. Recent studies provide new evidence that MRE may play an important role in the management of patients with HCC and show several novel clinical applications, such as predicting the development of HCC, differentiating between benign/malignant liver lesions (FLL) and HCC pathological grades, assessing treatment response, and predicting recurrence after treatment, although some findings are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this review to summarize these novel applications of MRE in HCC patients and also discuss their limitations and future advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China; Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Castell
- Department of Radiology, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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Haas Y, Dosch MP, Vogl TJ. Response comparison of PLC and SLC with magnetic resonance elastography after TACE. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8317. [PMID: 35585124 PMCID: PMC9117290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect a response difference in primary (PLC) and secondary liver tumors (SLC) with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) after TACE therapy. Thirty-one patients (25/31 male; mean age 69.6 years [range: 39-85 years]) with repeated TACE therapy of HCC were compared with twenty-seven patients (27/27 female; mean age 61.2 years [range 39-81 years]) with repeated TACE therapy of metastatic liver disease due to breast cancer. Both groups underwent either one (n = 31) or two (n = 27) repetitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRE exams in 4- to 6-week intervals using a 1.5-T-scanner. MRE-based liver stiffness and size measurements were evaluated in tumorous lesions and in healthy liver lobe controls. PLC showed a significantly larger tumor size compared to SLC (26.4 cm2 vs. 11 cm2, p = 0.007) and a higher degree of stiffness (5.8 kPa vs. 5.1 kPa, p = 0.04). Both tumors decreased in size during the cycles (PLC: p = 0.8 and SLC: p < 0.0001) and lesions showed an increase in stiffness (PLC: p = 0.002 and SLC: p = 0.006). MRE demonstrates that PLC and SLC have similar responses to TACE therapy. PLC had a greater increase in stiffness and SLC got smaller. An increasing stiffness and decrease in size could show a good response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Haas
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - M P Dosch
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - T J Vogl
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Vogl TJ, Dosch MP, Haas Y. MR elastography is a good response parameter for microwave ablation liver tumors. Eur J Radiol 2022; 152:110360. [PMID: 35597071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the response of hepatic tissue to percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors via MR elastography in a clinical setting using MRI and MR elastography. METHODS 51 Patients (28 m, 23f) underwent MWA of liver tumors (HCC: 20, metastasis: 31) and received MRI and MR elastography immediately before and 24 h after MWA. Retrospective analysis included pre- and post-ablative tumor extent, T1/T2 mapping and stiffness values as well as the duration and energy dose of the MWA session. RESULTS Total liver stiffness increased by 4.3% from 3.31 kPa to 3.45 kPa (p = 0.036). Total liver stiffness post-MWA significantly correlated with the duration of the MWA session (r = 0.369, p = 0.008). The higher the baseline tumor stiffness was, the more energy had to be applied in MWA (r = 0.391, p < 0.001) and the longer the duration of the session (r = 0.391, p = 0.007). Healthy parenchyma stiffness increased by 3.5% from 3.55 kPa to 3.68 kPa (p = 0.142) and was strongly influenced by the cumulative energy (r = 0.436, p < 0.001), the duration (r = 0.458, p < 0.001) and the energy intensity (r = 0.458, p < 0.001) of MWA. 43 patients had a technically successful ablation result (margin ≥ 5 mm). Those with successful ablation had increased ablation margin stiffness (5.3 kPa vs. 4.6 kPa, p = 0.26) and had received higher ablation intensity than those with unsuccessful ablation (5.73 kJ/min vs. 5.03 kJ/min, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Additional MRE may be used before and after MWA to assess treatment response and collateral tissue damage after MWA. Baseline tumor stiffness helps finding the appropriate MWA parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Max P Dosch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Yannick Haas
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
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Yang JY, Qiu BS. The Advance of Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Tumor Diagnosis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722703. [PMID: 34532290 PMCID: PMC8438294 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The change in tissue stiffness caused by pathological changes in the tissue's structure could be detected earlier, prior to the manifestation of their clinical features. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses low-frequency vibrations to quantitatively measure the elasticity or stiffness of tissues. In tumor tissue, stiffness is directly related to tumor development, invasion, metastasis, and chemoradiotherapy resistance. It also dictates the choice of surgical method. At present, MRE is widely used in assessing different human organs, such as the liver, brain, breast, prostate, uterus, gallbladder, and colon stiffness. In the field of oncology, MRE's value lies in tumor diagnosis (especially early diagnosis), selection of treatment method, and prognosis evaluation. This article summarizes the principle of MRE and its research and application progress in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ying Yang
- Laboratory Center for Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ben-Sheng Qiu
- Hefei National Lab for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and the Centers for Biomedical Engneering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Kennedy P, Lewis S, Bane O, Hectors SJ, Kim E, Schwartz M, Taouli B. Early effect of 90Y radioembolisation on hepatocellular carcinoma and liver parenchyma stiffness measured with MR elastography: initial experience. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:5791-5801. [PMID: 33475773 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver parenchyma stiffness using MR elastography (MRE) and serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), before and 6 weeks (6w) after 90Y radioembolisation (RE), and to assess the value of baseline tumour and liver stiffness (TS/LS) and AFP in predicting response at 6w and 6 months (6 m). METHODS Twenty-three patients (M/F 18/5, mean age 68.3 ± 9.3 years) scheduled to undergo RE were recruited into this prospective single-centre study. Patients underwent an MRI exam at baseline and 6w following RE (range 39-47 days) which included MRE using a prototype 2D EPI sequence. TS, peritumoural LS/LS remote from the tumour, tumour size, and AFP were measured at baseline and at 6w. Treatment response was determined using mRECIST at 6w and 6 m. RESULTS MRE was technically successful in 17 tumours which were classified at 6w as complete response (CR, n = 7), partial response (PR, n = 4), and stable disease (SD, n = 6). TS and peritumoural LS were significantly increased following RE (p = 0.016, p = 0.039, respectively), while LS remote from tumour was unchanged (p = 0.245). Baseline TS was significantly lower in patients who achieved CR at 6w (p = 0.014). Baseline TS, peritumoural LS (both AUC = 0.857), and AFP (AUC = 0.798) showed fair/excellent diagnostic performance in predicting CR at 6w, but were not significant predictors of OR or CR at 6 m. CONCLUSION Our initial results suggest that HCC TS and peritumoural LS increase early after RE. Baseline TS, peritumoural LS, and AFP were all significant predictors of CR to RE at 6w. These results should be confirmed in a larger study. KEY POINTS • Magnetic resonance elastography-derived tumour stiffness and peritumoural liver stiffness increase significantly at 6 weeks post radioembolisation whereas liver stiffness remote from the tumour is unchanged. • Baseline tumour stiffness and peritumoural liver stiffness are lower in patients who achieve complete response at 6 weeks post radioembolisation. • Baseline tumour size is significantly correlated with baseline tumour stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kennedy
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara Lewis
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Octavia Bane
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefanie J Hectors
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward Kim
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bachir Taouli
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Zhang HP, Gu JY, Bai M, Li F, Zhou YQ, Du LF. Value of shear wave elastography with maximal elasticity in differentiating benign and malignant solid focal liver lesions. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7416-7424. [PMID: 33362393 PMCID: PMC7739165 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i46.7416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to differentiate benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) accurately. Despite the wide use and acceptance of shear wave elastography (SWE), its value for assessing the elasticity of FLLs and differentiating benign and malignant FLLs is still investigational. Previous studies of SWE for FLLs used mean elasticity as the parameter to reflect the stiffness of FLLs. Considering the inhomogeneity of tumor stiffness, maximal elasticity (Emax) might be the suitable parameter to reflect the stiffness of FLLs and to differentiate malignant FLLs from benign ones.
AIM To explore the value of SWE with Emax in differential diagnosis of solid FLLs.
METHODS We included 104 solid FLLs in 95 patients and 50 healthy volunteers. All the subjects were examined using conventional ultrasound (US) and virtual touch tissue quantification(VTQ) imaging. A diagnosis of benign or malignant FLL was made using conventional US. Ten VTQ values were acquired after 10 consecutive measurements for each FLL and each normal liver, and the largest value was recorded as Emax.
RESULTS There were 56 cases of malignant FLLs and 48 cases of benign FLLs in this study. Emax of malignant FLLs (3.29 ± 0.88 m/s) was significantly higher than that of benign FLLs (1.30 ± 0.46 m/s, P < 0.01) and that of livers in healthy volunteers (1.15 ± 0.17 m/s, P < 0.01). The cut-off point of Emax was 1.945, and the area under the curve was 0.978. The sensitivity and specificity of Emax were 92.9% and 91.7%, respectively, higher (but not significantly) than those of conventional US (80.4% for sensitivity and 81.3% for specificity). Combined diagnosis of conventional US and Emax using parallel testing improved the sensitivity to 100% with specificity of 75%.
CONCLUSION SWE is a convenient and easy method to obtain accurate stiffness information of solid FLLs. Emax is useful for differential diagnosis of FLLs, especially in combination with conventional US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Ji-Ying Gu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Min Bai
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Lian-Fang Du
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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