Regenerative nodules in patients with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome: a longitudinal study using multiphase contrast-enhanced multidetector CT. Eur J Radiol. 2010;73:588-593. [PMID: 19200681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.01.012]

Congestive Hepatopathy: Pathophysiology, Workup, and Imaging Findings with Pathologic Correlation

Liver congestion is increasingly encountered in clinical practice and presents diagnostic pitfalls of which radiologists must be aware. The complex altered hemodynamics associated with liver congestion leads to diffuse parenchymal changes and the development of benign and malignant nodules. Distinguishing commonly encountered benign hypervascular lesions, such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)-like nodules, from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be challenging due to overlapping imaging features. FNH-like lesions enhance during the hepatic arterial phase and remain isoenhancing relative to the background liver parenchyma but infrequently appear to wash out at delayed phase imaging, similar to what might be seen with HCC. Heterogeneity, presence of an enhancing capsule, washout during the portal venous phase, intermediate signal intensity at T2-weighted imaging, restricted diffusion, and lack of uptake at hepatobiliary phase imaging point toward the diagnosis of HCC, although these features are not sensitive individually. It is important to emphasize that the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) algorithm cannot be applied in congested livers since major LI-RADS features lack specificity in distinguishing HCC from benign hypervascular lesions in this population. Also, the morphologic changes and increased liver stiffness caused by congestion make the imaging diagnosis of cirrhosis difficult. The authors discuss the complex liver macro- and microhemodynamics underlying liver congestion; propose a more inclusive approach to and conceptualization of liver congestion; describe the pathophysiology of liver congestion, hepatocellular injury, and the development of benign and malignant nodules; review the imaging findings and mimics of liver congestion and hypervascular lesions; and present a diagnostic algorithm for approaching hypervascular liver lesions. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Focal Liver Lesions in Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Spectrum of Imaging Findings

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare clinical entity characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, resulting in liver congestion and subsequent chronic parenchymal damage. This condition often leads to the development of focal liver lesions, including benign focal nodular hyperplasia-like regenerative nodules, hepatocellular carcinoma, and perfusion-related pseudo-lesions. Computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance are the commonly employed imaging modalities for the follow-up of BCS patients and for the detection and characterization of new-onset lesions. The accurate differentiation between benign and malignant nodules is crucial for optimal patient management and treatment planning. However, it can be challenging due to the variable and overlapping characteristics observed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the imaging features and differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions in BCS, emphasizing the key findings and discussing the challenges associated with their interpretation, with the purpose of facilitating the subsequent clinical decision-making.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome Imaging Diagnosis: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare hepatic vascular disorder defined by the presence of partial or complete impairment of hepatic venous drainage in the absence of right heart failure or constrictive pericarditis. Several conditions can lead to BCS, from hypercoagulable states to malignancies. Primary BCS is the most common subtype, and usually bartends hypercoagulability states, while secondary BCS involves tumor invasion or extrinsic compression. A combination of clinical and imaging features leads to the diagnosis of BCS, including (1) direct signs: occlusion or compression of the hepatic veins and/or inferior vena cava, and the presence of venous collaterals; (2) indirect signs: morphological hepatic changes with caudate lobe enlargement; inhomogeneous enhancement, and hypervascular nodules. From a clinicopathological point of view, two forms of BCS can be distinguished: acute and subacute/chronic BCS, although asymptomatic and fulminant forms are also possible. Acute presentations are rare, and symptoms include hepatomegaly, ascites, and hepatic insufficiency. Subacute/chronic forms are the most common presentation, with dysmorphic liver and variable degrees of fibrosis deposition. Patients with chronic BCS can develop benign regenerative nodules (large regenerative nodules or FNH [Focal Nodular Hyperplasia]-like lesions), but are also at a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The radiologist role is therefore fundamental in both diagnosis and surveillance of BCS. The aim of this review is to present all clinical and imaging signs that can help to reach the diagnosis of BCS, with their clinical significance, providing tips and tricks for the cross-sectional diagnosis of this condition.

MR imaging features and long-term evolution of benign focal liver lesions in Budd-Chiari syndrome and Fontan-associated liver disease

PURPOSE

To compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of benign liver lesions developed on Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with those on Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) and to describe their long-term progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with BCS or FALD who underwent MRI between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively included. MRI features of nodules (≥ 5 mm) at baseline and at final follow-up were reviewed. The final diagnosis of benign lesion was based on a combination of clinical and biological data and findings at follow-up MRI examination.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and thirty benign liver lesions in 39 patients with BCS (10 men, 29 women; mean age, 36 ± 11 [SD] years; age range: 15-66 years) and 84 benign lesions in 14 patients with FALD (2 men, 12 women; mean age, 31 ± 10 [SD] years; age range: 20-48 years) were evaluated. On baseline MRI, BCS nodules were more frequently hyperintense on T1-weighted (183/230, 80%) and hypointense on T2-weighted (142/230; 62%) images, while FALD nodules were usually isointense on both T1- (70/84; 83%) and T2-weighted (64/84; 76%) images (all P< 0.01). Most lesions showed arterial phase hyperenhancement (222/230 [97%] vs. 80/84 [95%] in BCS and FALD, respectively; P = 0.28) but wash-out was more common in BCS (64/230 [28%] vs. 9/84 [11%]; P < 0.01). At follow-up, changes were more frequent in BCS nodules with more frequent disappearance (P < 0.01), changes in size, signal intensity on T2-weighted, portal, and delayed phase, and in the depiction of washout and capsule (all P ≤ 0.03).

CONCLUSION

MRI features of benign lesions are different at diagnosis and during the course of the disease between BCS and FALD. Changes in size and MRI features are more frequent in benign lesions developed in BCS.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Chronic Liver Disease that Cannot Be Missed

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), or hepatic venous outflow obstruction, is a rare cause of liver disease that should not be missed. Variable clinical presentation among patients with BCS necessitates a high index of suspicion to avoid missing this life-threatening diagnosis. BCS is characterized as primary or secondary, depending on etiology of venous obstruction. Most patients with primary BCS have several contributing risk factors leading to a prothrombotic state. A multidisciplinary stepwise approach is integral in treating BCS. Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended. Long-term monitoring of patients for development of cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, and progression of underlying diseases is important.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Disorders of the Hepatic and Mesenteric Circulation

Disorders of the mesenteric, portal, and hepatic veins and mesenteric and hepatic arteries have important clinical consequences and may lead to acute liver failure, chronic liver disease, noncirrhotic portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although literature in the field of vascular liver disorders is scant, these disorders are common in clinical practice, and general practitioners, gastroenterologists, and hepatologists may benefit from expert guidance and recommendations for management of these conditions. These guidelines represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. Key concept statements based on author expert opinion and review of literature and specific recommendations based on PICO/GRADE analysis have been developed to aid in the management of vascular liver disorders. These recommendations and guidelines should be tailored to individual patients and circumstances in routine clinical practice.

Current knowledge in pathophysiology and management of Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral splanchnic vein thrombosis

Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis are 2 rare disorders, with several similarities that are categorized under the term splanchnic vein thrombosis. Both disorders are frequently associated with an underlying prothrombotic disorder. They can cause severe portal hypertension and usually affect young patients, negatively influencing life expectancy when the diagnosis and treatment are not performed at an early stage. Yet, they have specific features that require individual consideration. The current review will focus on the available knowledge on pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of both entities.

LI-RADS: a conceptual and historical review from its beginning to its recent integration into AASLD clinical practice guidance

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS®) is a comprehensive system for standardizing the terminology, technique, interpretation, reporting, and data collection of liver observations in individuals at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LI-RADS is supported and endorsed by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Upon its initial release in 2011, LI-RADS applied only to liver observations identified at CT or MRI. It has since been refined and expanded over multiple updates to now also address ultrasound-based surveillance, contrast-enhanced ultrasound for HCC diagnosis, and CT/MRI for assessing treatment response after locoregional therapy. The LI-RADS 2018 version was integrated into the HCC diagnosis, staging, and management practice guidance of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). This article reviews the major LI-RADS updates since its 2011 inception and provides an overview of the currently published LI-RADS algorithms.

Benign and malignant hepatocellular lesions in patients with vascular liver diseases

A variety of vascular liver disorders can induce hepatocellular tumors. They may be related to portal venous deprivation, venous outflow obstruction, or arterial diseases. Their common feature is an imbalance between hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flow leading to an increased hepatic arterial inflow. Consequently, hepatocellular tumors may arise, most commonly focal nodular hyperplasia-like lesions but hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma may be seen as well. This article will review the most common vascular liver diseases associated with hepatocellular nodules (Budd-Chiari syndrome, congenital portosystemic shunt, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and portal cavernoma). For each condition, imaging findings will be described as well as the differential diagnosis and the diagnostic clues.

2017 Version of LI-RADS for CT and MR Imaging: An Update

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is a reporting system created for the standardized interpretation of liver imaging findings in patients who are at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This system was developed with the cooperative and ongoing efforts of an American College of Radiology-supported committee of diagnostic radiologists with expertise in liver imaging and valuable input from hepatobiliary surgeons, hepatologists, hepatopathologists, and interventional radiologists. In this article, the 2017 version of LI-RADS for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is reviewed. Specific topics include the appropriate population for application of LI-RADS; technical recommendations for image optimization, including definitions of dynamic enhancement phases; diagnostic and treatment response categories; definitions of major and ancillary imaging features; criteria for distinguishing definite HCC from a malignancy that might be non-HCC; management options following LI-RADS categorization; and reporting. ^©RSNA, 2017.

Role of radiological imaging and interventions in management of Budd-Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a clinical condition resulting from impaired hepatic venous drainage, in which there is obstruction to the hepatic venous outflow at any level from the small hepatic veins to the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium leading to hepatic congestion. The diagnosis of BCS is based on imaging, which can be gathered from non-invasive investigations such as ultrasonography coupled with venous Doppler, triphasic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Apart from diagnosis, various interventional radiology procedures aid in the successful management of this syndrome. In this article, we present various imaging features of BCS along with various interventional procedures that are used to treat this diverse condition.

Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: target population for surveillance and diagnosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Incidence rates of liver cancer vary widely between geographic regions and are highest in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, the incidence of HCC has increased since the 1980s. HCC detection at an early stage through surveillance and curative therapy has considerably improved the 5-year survival. Therefore, medical societies advocate systematic screening and surveillance of target populations at particularly high risk for developing HCC to facilitate early-stage detection. Risk factors for HCC include cirrhosis, chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), excess alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, family history of HCC, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Medical societies utilize risk estimates to define target patient populations in which imaging surveillance is recommended (risk above threshold) or in which the benefits of surveillance are uncertain (risk unknown or below threshold). All medical societies currently recommend screening and surveillance in patients with cirrhosis and subsets of patients with chronic HBV; some societies also include patients with stage 3 fibrosis due to HCV as well as additional groups. Thus, target population definitions vary between regions, reflecting cultural, demographic, economic, healthcare priority, and biological differences. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) defines different patient populations for surveillance and for diagnosis and staging. We also discuss general trends pertaining to geographic region, age, gender, ethnicity, impact of surveillance on survival, mortality, and future trends.

Comparative study of MRI manifestations of acute and chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to diagnose Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) by distinguishing differential imaging features of acute and chronic forms of the disease. However, the characteristic imaging differences are still not clear as previous data were mostly obtained from scattered small samples instead of large comparative study.

AIM

To investigate MRI manifestations of acute and chronic (BCS), and to evaluate the value of MRI for diagnosis of acute and chronic BCS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively compared MRI results of 24 patients with acute and 82 patients with chronic BCS using Mann-Whitney U test for ascites volume, and Fisher's exact test for intrahepatic venous collaterals and extra-hepatic venous collaterals. In the acute group, MRI findings suggested thrombosis in hepatic vein (HV) in all acute patients and additional inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis in 5 patients. In the chronic BCS group, 6 and 15 patients showed solitary obstruction either in the IVC or HV, respectively, while 61 patients showed combined IVC and HV obstruction. More patients with acute BCS presented with ascites accompanied with high signals on T2WI from intravenous obstructive lesions. Further, the average maximal spleen diameter in patients with acute BCS, and the ratio of patients with acute BCS developing intrahepatic venous collaterals and extra-hepatic venous collaterals were also lower compared with chronic BCS. All these differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

MRI indicates direct and indirect features of BCS, and therefore enables accurate diagnosis of acute and chronic BCS.

Dynamic MRI findings and clinical features of benign hypervascular hepatic nodules in childhood-cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic MRI findings and clinical features of benign hypervascular hepatic nodules in childhood-cancer survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed dynamic MRI findings and clinical features in 15 patients who had been treated for childhood malignant solid tumors and in whom hypervascular hepatic nodules were later found on surveillance imaging by either CT or ultrasound (or both). The benign nature of the lesion was based on histologic examination or clinical and radiologic follow-up (or both).

RESULTS

Time between initial diagnosis of malignancy and detection of the hepatic nodule ranged from 4.5 to 13.5 years with the majority of the malignancies being neuroblastoma treated by high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 43 nodules were detected, often multiple and small. Most of the lesions were isointense or slightly hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging and isointense or slightly hypointense on T1-weighted imaging. All nodules had intense enhancement on the arterial phase and were isointense or slightly hyperintense on the delayed phase. A central scar was seen in four. Additionally, hepatic hemosiderosis was noted in four patients, in whom all the lesions were hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging.

CONCLUSION

Benign hypervascular hepatic nodules in survivors of childhood malignancy occur years after high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Dynamic MRI findings including intense arterial enhancement and absence of washout in the delayed phase are of great value in the differential diagnosis of these hepatic nodules.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Enlightening the gray zones

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been continuously evolving during recent years. HCC is a worldwide clinical and social issue and typically a complicates cirrhosis. The incidence of HCC is increasing, not only in the general population of patients with cirrhosis, but particularly in some subgroups of patients, like those with human immunodeficiency virus infection or thalassemia. Since a 3% annual HCC incidence has been estimated in cirrhosis, a bi-annual screening is generally suggested. The diagnostic criteria of HCC has recently had a dramatic evolution during recent years. HCC diagnosis is now made only on radiological criteria in the majority of the cases. In the context of cirrhosis, the universally accepted criteria for HCC diagnosis is contrast enhancement in arterial phase and washout in venous/late phase at imaging, the so called “typical pattern”. However, recently updated guidelines slightly differ in diagnostic criteria. Apart from liver transplantation, the only cure of both HCC and underlying liver cirrhosis, all the other treatments have to match with higher rate of HCC recurrence. The latter can be classified into curative (resection and percutaneous ablation) and palliative treatments. The aim of this paper was to review the current knowledge on management of HCC and to enlighten the areas of uncertainty.

Pathological Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Cellular Adenoma according to the Clinical Context

In Europe and North America, hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) occur, classically, in middle-aged woman taking oral contraceptives. Twenty percent of women, however, are not exposed to oral contraceptives; HCA can more rarely occur in men, children, and women over 65 years. HCA have been observed in many pathological conditions such as glycogenosis, familial adenomatous polyposis, MODY3, after male hormone administration, and in vascular diseases. Obesity is frequent particularly in inflammatory HCA. The background liver is often normal, but steatosis is a frequent finding particularly in inflammatory HCA. The diagnosis of HCA is more difficult when the background liver is fibrotic, notably in vascular diseases. HCA can be solitary, or multiple or in great number (adenomatosis). When nodules are multiple, they are usually of the same subtype. HNF1 α -inactivated HCA occur almost exclusively in woman. The most important point of the classification is the identification of β -catenin mutated HCA, a strong argument to identify patients at risk of malignant transformation. Some HCA already present criteria indicating malignant transformation. When the whole nodule is a hepatocellular carcinoma, it is extremely difficult to prove that it is the consequence of a former HCA. It is occasionally difficult to identify HCA remodeled by necrosis or hemorrhage.

Budd-Chiari syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon condition characterized by obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract. Presentation may vary from a completely asymptomatic condition to fulminant liver failure. BCS is an example of postsinusoidal portal hypertension. The management can be divided into three main categories: medical, surgical, and endovascular. The purpose of this article is to present an overall perspective of the problem, diagnosis, and management.

CONCLUSION

BCS requires accurate, prompt diagnosis and aggressive therapy. Treatment will vary depending on the clinical presentation, cause, and anatomic location of the problem. Patients with BCS are probably best treated in tertiary care centers where liver transplantation is available.

Hypervascular hepatic nodules in childhood cancer survivors: clinical and imaging features

AIM

The aim was to review the clinical and imaging features of hypervascular hepatic nodule (HHN) in childhood cancer survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 11 pediatric patients (female:male, 7:4; age range, 4.0-12.3 years) who had HHNs detected by surveillance computed tomography (CT) after treatment of a malignant solid tumor and subsequently followed by serial imaging without evidence of recurrent malignancy. The lesions were analyzed in terms of number, size, location, CT and ultrasonographic (US) features, and changes in background liver. In addition, clinical features were investigated along with follow-up changes of HHNs by imaging monitoring.

RESULTS

Time between initial diagnosis of malignancy and HHN occurrence ranged from 3.2 to 8.5 years (median, 5.8 years). Ten patients had received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for advanced neuroblastoma. A total of 22 nodules were detected, being multiple in six patients and measuring 0.5-3.0 cm in size. At sequential postcontrast CT, nodules demonstrated moderate to strong enhancement during the earlier phase and were isoattenuated during the later phase. On US, they appeared as hypo- or isoechoic lesions. During follow-up, 11 nodules (50%) regressed, 6 (27%) progressed, and 5 (23%) remained stable. Additional HHNs were noted in four patients during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk of developing HHNs, which are often multiple and small, years after completing chemotherapy. They are nonaggressive and tend to have a benign course, making conservative management reasonable.