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Sparchez Z, Craciun R, Caraiani C, Horhat A, Nenu I, Procopet B, Sparchez M, Stefanescu H, Mocan T. Ultrasound or Sectional Imaging Techniques as Screening Tools for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Fall Forward or Move Forward? J Clin Med 2021; 10:903. [PMID: 33668839 PMCID: PMC7956684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10050903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is probably the epitome of a screening target, with a well-defined high-risk population, accessible screening methods, and multiple curative-intent treatments available for early disease. Per major societies guideline consensus, biannual ultrasound (US) surveillance of the at-risk patients is the current standard of care worldwide. Yet, despite its documented success in the past decades, this standard is far from perfect. While the whole community is working to further tighten the knots, a worrying number of cases still slip through this safety net. Consequently, these patients lose their chance to a curative solution which leads to a high disease burden with disproportionate mortality. While US will probably remain the fundamental staple in the screening strategy, key questions are seeking better answers. How can its caveats be addressed, and the technique be improved? When are further steps needed? How to increase accuracy without giving up on accessibility? This narrative review discusses the place of US surveillance in the bigger HCC picture, trying to navigate through its strengths and limits based on the most recent available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Sparchez
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Rares Craciun
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cosmin Caraiani
- Department of Medical Imaging, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adelina Horhat
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Procopet
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Sparchez
- Paediatric Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Horia Stefanescu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tudor Mocan
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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