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Matos AP, Velloni F, Ramalho M, AlObaidy M, Rajapaksha A, Semelka RC. Focal liver lesions: Practical magnetic resonance imaging approach. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1987-2008. [PMID: 26261689 PMCID: PMC4528273 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i16.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the widespread of cross-sectional imaging, a growth of incidentally detected focal liver lesions (FLL) has been observed. A reliable detection and characterization of FLL is critical for optimal patient management. Maximizing accuracy of imaging in the context of FLL is paramount in avoiding unnecessary biopsies, which may result in post-procedural complications. A tremendous development of new imaging techniques has taken place during these last years. Nowadays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in management of liver lesions, using a radiation-free technique and a safe contrast agent profile. MRI plays a key role in the non-invasive correct characterization of FLL. MRI is capable of providing comprehensive and highly accurate diagnostic information, with the additional advantage of lack of harmful ionizing radiation. These properties make MRI the mainstay for the noninvasive evaluation of focal liver lesions. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art MRI liver protocol, briefly discussing different sequence types, the unique characteristics of imaging non-cooperative patients and discuss the role of hepatocyte-specific contrast agents. A review of the imaging features of the most common benign and malignant FLL is presented, supplemented by a schematic representation of a simplistic practical approach on MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- António P Matos
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Fernanda Velloni
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Miguel Ramalho
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Mamdoh AlObaidy
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Aruna Rajapaksha
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
| | - Richard C Semelka
- António P Matos, Fernanda Velloni, Miguel Ramalho, Mamdoh AlObaidy, Aruna Rajapaksha, Richard C Semelka, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, United States
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Ojili V, Tirumani SH, Chintapalli KN, Gunabushanam G. Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Abdomino-Pelvic Masses: Role of Multimodality Imaging. J Clin Imaging Sci 2013; 3:6. [PMID: 23607075 PMCID: PMC3625888 DOI: 10.4103/2156-7514.106621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in radiology have greatly increased the ability to make highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsy of many commonly seen lesions is no longer performed as the radiological findings are pathognomonic. This gives rise to the concept of ‘virtual biopsy’, a term coined on the lines of other imaging techniques such as virtual colonoscopy. Virtual biopsy is not a new imaging technique but a new concept which refers to the use of existing imaging modalities to evaluate the morphological features of tumors and arriving at a non-invasive diagnosis with a high degree of confidence obviating the need for true biopsy. Elements of virtual biopsy have already been incorporated into some evidence-based guidelines, and it is expected that with further technological advancements, an increasing number of tumors may be diagnosed and managed accordingly. A wider acceptance of virtual biopsy could further reduce the need for invasive biopsies and its attendant costs and risks. In this review article, we use index cases to further emphasize this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayanadh Ojili
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Sciences Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sree Harsha Tirumani
- Department of Imaging, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kedar N. Chintapalli
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Sciences Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Gowthaman Gunabushanam
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520-8042, USA
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van Tilborg AA, Nielsen K, Scheffer HJ, van den Tol P, van Waesberghe JHTM, Sietses C, Meijerink MR. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic giant (>10 cm) hepatic cavernous haemangiomas: initial clinical experience. Clin Radiol 2012; 68:e9-e14. [PMID: 23146554 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2012.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe initial clinical experience with bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for symptomatic giant hepatic haemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four consecutive patients with a large-volume, symptomatic hepatic cavernous haemangioma of >10 cm were treated with bipolar RFA during laparotomy with ultrasound guidance. Complications were carefully noted. Clinical and radiological effectiveness were evaluated comparing baseline with 3 and 6 months follow-up of symptom assessments and upper abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). RESULTS RFA was successfully performed for all four giant haemangiomas. No major complications were observed. Peri-procedural shrinking was remarkable and intermediate-term volume reduction ranged from 58-92% after 6 months. Symptom relief after 6 months was complete in two patients and considerable in the other two. CONCLUSION Preliminary results suggest intra-operative bipolar RFA to be a safe, feasible, and effective technique for treatment of giant symptomatic hepatic cavernous haemangiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A van Tilborg
- Department of Radiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Aalten SM, Witjes CDM, de Man RA, Ijzermans JNM, Terkivatan T. Can a decision-making model be justified in the management of hepatocellular adenoma? Liver Int 2012; 32:28-37. [PMID: 22098685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02667.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During recent years, there was a great development in the area of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), especially regarding the pathological subtype classification, radiological imaging and management during pregnancy. This review discusses the current knowledge about diagnosis and treatment modalities of HCA and proposes a decision-making model for HCA. A Medline search of studies relevant to epidemiology, histopathology, complications, imaging and management of HCA lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were hand-searched for further relevant articles.
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van Aalten SM, Thomeer MGJ, Terkivatan T, Dwarkasing RS, Verheij J, de Man RA, Ijzermans JNM. Hepatocellular adenomas: correlation of MR imaging findings with pathologic subtype classification. Radiology 2011; 261:172-81. [PMID: 21875850 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.11110023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and pathologic subtype classification of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. MR imaging studies of 61 lesions (48 patients; median age, 36 years) were available and were independently reviewed by two radiologists. Consensus readings on all morphologic and signal-intensity imaging features were obtained. Previously, these lesions had been classified on the basis of pathologic findings and immunohistochemical analysis. Fisher exact and χ² tests were performed to compare the results between the different subtypes. A Bonferroni correction was applied to correct for multiple testing (α < .0033). RESULTS MR imaging signs of diffuse intratumoral fat deposition were present in seven (78%) of nine liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP)-negative HCAs compared with five (17%) of 29 inflammatory HCAs (P = .001). Steatosis within the nontumoral liver was present in 11 (38%) of 29 inflammatory HCAs compared with none of the L-FABP-negative HCAs (P = .038). A characteristic atoll sign was only seen in the inflammatory group (P = .027). Presence of a typical vaguely defined type of scar was seen in five (71%) of seven β-catenin-positive HCAs (P = .003). No specific MR imaging features were identified for the unclassified cases. CONCLUSION L-FABP-negative, inflammatory, and β-catenin-positive HCAs were related to MR imaging signs of diffuse intratumoral fat deposition, an atoll sign, and a typical vaguely defined scar, respectively. Since β-catenin-positive HCAs are considered premalignant, closer follow-up with MR imaging or resection may be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna M van Aalten
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Griffin N, Addley H, Sala E, Shaw AS, Grant LA, Eldaly H, Davies SE, Prevost T, Alexander GJ, Lomas DJ. Vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: is there a correlation with MRI? Br J Radiol 2011; 85:736-44. [PMID: 21385912 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/94924398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest malignancies worldwide. Prognosis is predicted by size at diagnosis, vascular invasion and tumour proliferation markers. This study investigates if MRI features of histologically proven HCCs correlate with vascular invasion. METHODS Between 2006 and 2008, 18 consecutive patients, with a total of 27 HCCs, had comprehensive MRI studies performed at our institution within a median of 36 days of histology sampling. Each lesion was evaluated independently on MRI by 3 radiologists (blinded to both the radiology and histopathology reports) using a 5-point confidence scale for 23 specific imaging features. The mean of the rating scores across readers was calculated to determine interobserver consistency. The most consistent features were then used to examine the value of features in predicting vascular invasion, using a χ(2 )test for trend, having eliminated those features without sufficient variability. RESULTS 22 of the 23 imaging features showed sufficient variability across lesions. None of these significantly correlated with the presence of vascular invasion, although a trend was identified with the presence of washout in the portal venous phase on MRI and the median size of lesions, which was greater with vascular invasion. CONCLUSION This study suggests that no single MRI feature accurately predicts the presence of vascular invasion in HCCs, although a trend was seen with the presence of washout in the portal venous phase post gadolinium. Larger prospective studies are required to investigate this further.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Griffin
- Department of Radiology, Guys and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Wang L. Morphological and functional MDCT: problem-solving tool and surrogate biomarker for hepatic disease clinical care and drug discovery in the era of personalized medicine. Hepat Med 2010; 2:111-24. [PMID: 24367211 PMCID: PMC3846718 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s9052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This article explains the significant role of morphological and functional multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) in combination with imaging postprocessing algorithms served as a problem-solving tool and noninvasive surrogate biomarker to effectively improve hepatic diseases characterization, detection, tumor staging and prognosis, therapy response assessment, and novel drug discovery programs, partial liver resection and transplantation, and MDCT-guided interventions in the era of personalized medicine. State-of-the-art MDCT depicts and quantifies hepatic disease over conventional CT for not only depicting lesion location, size, and extent but also detecting changes in tumor biologic behavior caused by therapy or tumor progression before morphologic changes. Color-encoded parameter display provides important functional information on blood flow, permeability, leakage space, and blood volume. Together with other relevant biomarkers and genomics, the imaging modality is being developed and validated as a biomarker to early response to novel, targeted anti-VEGF(R)/PDGFR or antivascular/angiogenesis agents as its parameters correlate with immunohistochemical surrogates of tumor angiogenesis and molecular features of malignancies. MDCT holds incremental value to World Health Organization response criteria and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors in liver disease management. MDCT volumetric measurement of future remnant liver is the most important factor influencing the outcome of patients who underwent partial liver resection and transplantation. MDCT-guided interventional methods deliver personalized therapies locally in the human body. MDCT will hold more scientific impact when it is fused with other imaging probes to yield comprehensive information regarding changes in liver disease at different levels (anatomic, metabolic, molecular, histologic, and other levels).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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Assy N, Assy N, Samuel N, Lerman A, Nseir W. Approach to Solid Liver Masses in the Cirrhotic Patient. Gastroenterology Res 2009; 2:259-267. [PMID: 27956969 PMCID: PMC5139772 DOI: 10.4021/gr2009.10.1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver masses in cirrhosis are increasingly being recognized with the use of new imaging modalities. The majority of these lesions are detected by ultrasound, enhanced CT and MRI. The most likely diagnosis of a solid liver lesion in a cirrhotic liver is hepatocellular carcinoma, followed by high grade or low grade dysplastic nodule, and cholangiocarcinoma. Lymphoma and liver metastasis are extremely rare. Diagnosis is made by contrast enhanced ultrasound, multi detector (MDCT) and MRI. Fine needle core biopsy (FNCB) or aspiration (FNAB) or both may be required in doubtful cases. If uncertainty persists on the nature of the lesion, surgical liver resection is recommended. This review discusses the main characteristics of the most common solid liver masses in cirrhotic patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimer Assy
- Liver Unit, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel; Technion Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | - Najib Assy
- Liver Unit, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel
| | - Nir Samuel
- Liver Unit, Ziv Medical Center, Safed, Israel
| | - Aracdi Lerman
- Department of Radiology, Ziv Medical Centre, Safed, Israel
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