[Characteristics of baseline viral load before antiretroviral therapy in newly reported HIV-infected patients in Tianjin, 2019-2022]

Objective: To understand the baseline viral load (VL) of newly reported HIV- infected patients before antiretroviral therapy and related factors in Tianjin. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System, and the study subjects were HIV-infected patients before the first antiretroviral therapy in Tianjin from 2019 to 2022, and the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, baseline CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts before antiretroviral therapy and baseline VL test results were collected, the baseline high VL was defined as ≥100 000 copies/ml. The effect of different factors on viral load were analyzed. Software SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1 296 newly reported HIV-infected patients were included in the study, in whom 15.89% (206/1 296) had high baseline VL, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that those with history of STD (aOR=1.45, 95%CI:1.00-2.08) were more likely to have high baseline VL. Compared with those with baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, those with baseline CD4 counts 200-350 cells/μl (aOR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.27-0.57), 351-500 cells/μl (aOR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.20-0.49), and >500 cells/μl (aOR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.18-0.49) were less likely to have high baseline VL. Conclusions: The proportion of HIV-infected patients with high baseline VL before antiretroviral therapy was low in Tianjin during 2019-2022. History of STD and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl were associated with high baseline VL in HIV-infected patients, to which close attention needs to be paid in AIDS prevention and control.

Pancreas CT assessment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resectability: effect of tube voltage and slice thickness on image quality and diagnostic performance

OBJECTIVES

To assess the resectability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the evaluation of tumor vascular contact holds paramount significance. This study aimed to compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of high-resolution (HR) pancreas computed tomography (CT) using an 80 kVp tube voltage and a thin slice (1 mm) for assessing PDAC resectability, in comparison with the standard protocol CT using 120 kVp.

METHODS

This research constitutes a secondary analysis originating from a multicenter prospective study. All participants underwent both the standard protocol pancreas CT using 120 kVp with 3 mm slice thickness (ST) and HR-CT utilizing an 80 kVp tube voltage and 1 mm ST. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between parenchyma and tumor, along with the degree of enhancement of the abdominal aorta and main portal vein (MPV), were measured and subsequently compared. Additionally, the likelihood of margin-negative resection (R0) was evaluated using a five-point scale. The diagnostic performance of both CT protocols in predicting R0 resection was assessed through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients (37 males and 32 females; median age, 66.5 years) were included in the study. The median CNR of PDAC was 10.4 in HR-CT, which was significantly higher than the 7.1 in the standard CT (P=0.006). Furthermore, HR-CT demonstrated notably higher median attenuation values for both the abdominal aorta (579.5 HU vs. 327.2 HU; P=0.002) and the MPV (263.0 HU vs. 175.6 HU; P=0.004) in comparison with standard CT. Following surgery, R0 resection was achieved in 51 patients. The pooled AUC for HR-CT in predicting R0 resection was 0.727, slightly exceeding the 0.699 of standard CT, albeit lacking a significant statistical distinction (P=0.128).

CONCLUSION

While HR pancreas CT using 80 kVp offered a notably greater degree of contrast enhancement in vessels and a higher CNR for PDAC compared to standard CT, its diagnostic performance in predicting R0 resection remained statistically comparable.

[Sexually active status and its correlates among community-based older adults in Tianjin]

Objective: To understand the sexually active status among community-based older adults aged ≥50 years in Tianjin, China, and to explore the potential correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among community-based older adults aged ≥50 was conducted between June 2020 and December 2022. The estimated sample size was 735. The survey collected questionnaire information through face-to-face interviews with investigators, including sociodemographic, health, and sexual lifestyle characteristics. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess correlates of sexually active status. Results: A total of 776 study participants (510 males and 266 females) were included, whose major age distribution was 50-59 years (45.9%). The overall sexual activity prevalence of the participants was 45.6%. Older age (60-69: aOR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.45-0.99; ≥70: aOR=0.12, 95%CI: 0.07-0.21), being male (aOR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.32-2.82), living in urban area (aOR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.12-0.28), living with spouse/married (aOR=2.80, 95%CI: 1.41-5.58), living alone (aOR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.27-0.96), having difficulty climbing stairs or walking (aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.31-0.97), having chronic diseases (one chronic disease: aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.36-0.85; two or more chronic diseases: aOR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.33-0.84) were associated with sexually active status among older adults. Conclusions: Many community-based older adults remained sexually active. There was an association between physical health and sexually active status among community-based older adults. Incorporating sexual health services into healthcare services for community-based older adults could be advocated, with a concurrent emphasis on enhancing the awareness and competence of providing sexual health services among community-based healthcare workers.

[Estimate the population size of transgender women based on the capture-recapture method in Tianjin]

Objective: To investigate the population size of transgender women (TGW) in Tianjin and analyze the characteristics of their sexual behaviors to provide a basis for AIDS prevention and control. Methods: To estimate the population size of TGW in Tianjin using the capture-recapture method. At the same time, an anonymous questionnaire was collected to conduct a multi-factor logistic analysis of the TGW population's sexual behavior. Results: A total of 213 TGW were investigated. Tianjin's estimated TGW population size was 599 (95%CI: 407-792). Multivariate logistic analysis of the use of condoms consistently showed that compared with TGW without regular sex partners, those with regular sex partners had a lower proportion of consistent condom use (aOR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.23-0.82) and had received HIV tests in the last year were more likely to adhere to condom use than those who had not been tested (aOR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.06-6.99). Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen HIV mobilization testing among the TGW population and their regular sexual partners to improve condom use.

Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Sonazoid Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography: 2023 Guidelines From the Korean Society of Radiology and the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

Sonazoid, a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent, was introduced for the diagnosis of hepatic nodules. To clarify the issues with Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the Korean Society of Radiology and Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology collaborated on the guidelines. The guidelines are de novo, evidence-based, and selected using an electronic voting system for consensus. These include imaging protocols, diagnostic criteria for HCC, diagnostic value for lesions that are inconclusive on other imaging results, differentiation from non-HCC malignancies, surveillance of HCC, and treatment response after locoregional and systemic treatment for HCC.

Post-neoadjuvant treatment pancreatic cancer resectability and outcome prediction using CT, 18F-FDG PET/MRI and CA 19-9

BACKGROUND

CT prediction of resectability and prognosis following neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains challenging. This study aims to determine whether addition of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) postiron emission tomography (PET)/MRI and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) can improve accuracy of predicting resectability compared to CECT alone and predict prognosis in PDAC patients after NAT.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 120 PDAC patients (65 women; mean age, 66.7 years [standard deviation, 8.4]) underwent CECT, PET/MRI, and CA 19-9 examinations after NAT between January 2013 and June 2021. Three board-certified radiologists independently rated the overall resectability on a 5-point scale (score 5, definitely resectable) in three sessions (session 1, CECT; 2, CECT plus PET/MRI─no FDG avidity and no diffusion restriction at tumor-vessel contact indicated modification of CECT scores to ≥ 3; 3, CECT plus PET plus CA 19-9─no FDG avidity at tumor-vessel contact and normalized CA 19-9 indicated modification of CECT scores to ≥ 3). Jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic method and generalized estimating equations were used to compare pooled area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of three sessions. Predictors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed using Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Each session showed different pooled AUC (session 1 vs. 2 vs. 3, 0.853 vs. 0.873 vs. 0.874, p = 0.026), sensitivity (66.2% [137/207] vs. 86.0% [178/207] vs. 84.5% [175/207], p < 0.001) and specificity (67.3% [103/153] vs. 58.8% [90/153] vs. 60.1% [92/153], p = 0.048). According to pairwise comparison, specificity of CECT plus PET/MRI was lower than that of CECT alone (adjusted p = 0.042), while there was no significant difference in specificity between CECT alone and CECT plus PET plus CA 19-9 (adjusted p = 0.081). Twenty-eight of 69 patients (40.6%) with R0 resection experienced tumor recurrence (mean follow-up, 18.0 months). FDG avidity at tumor-vessel contact on post-NAT PET (HR = 4.37, p = 0.033) and pathologically confirmed vascular invasion (HR = 5.36, p = 0.004) predicted RFS.

CONCLUSION

Combination of CECT, PET and CA 19-9 increased area under the curve and sensitivity for determining resectability, compared to CECT alone, without compromising the specificity. Furthermore, ¹⁸F-FDG avidity at tumor-vessel contact on post-NAT PET predicted RFS.

Motion-Corrected versus Conventional Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Liver Using Non-Rigid Registration

It is challenging to overcome motion artifacts in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the abdomen. This study aimed to evaluate the image quality of motion-corrected DWI of the liver using non-rigid registration in comparison with conventional DWI (c-DWI) in patients with liver diseases. Eighty-nine patients who underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver were retrospectively included. DWI was performed using c-DWI and non-rigid motion-corrected (moco) DWI was performed in addition to c-DWI. The image quality and conspicuity of hepatic focal lesions were scored using a five-point scale by two radiologists and compared between the two DWI image sets. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured in three regions of the liver parenchyma and in hepatic focal lesions, and compared between the two DWI image sets. Moco-DWI achieved higher scores in image quality compared to c-DWI in terms of liver edge sharpness and hepatic vessel margin delineation. The conspicuity scores of hepatic focal lesions were higher in moco-DWI. The standard deviation values of ADC of the liver parenchyma were lower in the moco-DWI than in the c-DWI. Moco-DWI using non-rigid registration showed improved overall image quality and provided more reliable ADC measurement, with an equivalent scan time, compared with c-DWI.

Computed Tomography Indicators for Differentiating Stage 1 Borderline Ovarian Tumors from Stage I Malignant Epithelial Ovarian Tumors

Preoperative diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) is of increasing concern. This study aimed to determine computed tomography (CT) features in differentiating stage 1 BOTs from stage I malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (MEOTs). A total of 170 ovarian masses (97 BOTs and 73 MEOTs) from 141 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative CT imaging were retrospectively analyzed. Two readers independently and retrospectively reviewed quantitative and qualitative CT features. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that a larger tumor size (p = 0.0284 for reader 1, p = 0.0391 for reader 2) and a smaller solid component (p = 0.0007 for reader 1, p = 0.0003 for reader 2) were significantly associated with BOTs compared with MEOTs. In the subanalysis of cases with a solid component, smaller (p = 0.0092 for reader 1, p = 0.0014 for reader 2) and ill-defined (p = 0.0016 for reader 1, p = 0.0414 for reader 2) solid component was significantly associated with BOTs compared with MEOTs. Tumor size and the size and margin of the solid component were useful for differentiating stage 1 BOTs from stage 1 MEOTs on CT images.

[Analysis on psychoactive substances use in men who have sex with men in Tianjin]

Objective: To understand the use of psychoactive substances and its related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in MSM recruited in Tianjin by snowball sampling from September 2017 to December 2020, the information about their social demographic information, use of psychoactive substances and behavioral characteristics were collected, meanwhile the blood samples were taken from them for HIV/syphilis detections. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore related factors about psychoactive substances use. Results: A total of 9 218 MSM were included in the study, in whom 43.5% (4 013/9 218) had ever used psychoactive substances, including 92.6% (3 718/4 013)who used Rush and 17.2% (692/4 013) who used multi substances. Multivariate analysis showed that, the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who were in Han ethnic group was 0.68 (95%CI:0.51-0.91) compared with those who were in minor ethnic group; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who were married or cohabited, divorced or widowed were 0.65 (95%CI: 0.57-0.71), 0.80 (95%CI: 0.65-0.97) respectively compared with those who were unmarried; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who had the first homosexual sex at age of ≥30 years was 0.57 (95%CI: 0.44-0.74) compared with those who had the first homosexual sex at age of <30 years; the OR of psychoactive substances use in local MSM in Tianjin was 1.12 (95%CI: 1.03-1.23) compared with those who were not local residents in Tianjin; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM with education level of college or above was 1.29 (95%CI: 1.12-1.49) compared with those with education level of junior middle school or below; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who had anal sex in the past six months was 1.93 (95%CI: 1.34-2.77) compared with those who had no anal sex; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who had >2 homosexual partners in the last week was 1.62 (95%CI: 1.41-1.87) compared with those who had ≤2 homosexual partners; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who had homosexual commercial sex in the past six months was 1.99 (95%CI: 1.62-2.45) compared with those who had no homosexual commercial sex; the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who had sexually transmitted diseases in the last year was 2.39 (95%CI: 1.82-3.12) compared with those who had no sexually transmitted diseases and the OR of psychoactive substances use in MSM who received peer education services in the last year was 1.63 (95%CI: 1.50-1.78) compared with those who received no peer education services. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychoactive substances use is high in MSM in Tianjin, and there are many influencing factors. It is necessary to conduct targeted interventions according to the influencing factors.

Subtype Classification of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Using Liver MR Imaging Features and Its Prognostic Value

INTRODUCTION

Small-duct (SD) and large-duct (LD) subtypes of cholangiocarcinoma have been investigated for their prognostic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating SD and LD types of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and its prognostic value in predicting survival outcomes.

METHODS

One hundred forty patients with surgically confirmed iCCAs (93 SD type and 47 LD type) who had available preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MR images were retrospectively included. MRI features suggestive of the LD type over the SD type were analyzed using multivariate logistic analyses. Postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for 107 patients with available survival data were compared according to MRI features.

RESULTS

MRI features suggestive of the LD type included infiltrative contour (odds ratio [OR] 14.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-81.7, p = 0.003), diffuse biliary dilatation (OR 9.7, 95% CI: 1.2-76.9, p = 0.032), no arterial phase hyperenhancement (OR 17.8, 95% CI: 2.7-118.6, p = 0.003), and vascular invasion (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-15.4, p = 0.018). When two or more features were combined, sensitivity was 59.6% (28/47), and specificity was 95.7% (89/93) in discriminating the LD type. RFS/OS was significantly shorter in patients with two or more MRI features, compared to those with none or one (310 days vs. 529 days, p = 0.011/964 days vs. 2,023 days, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative liver MRI may help predict the pathological subtype of iCCAs as either the SD type or LD type, allowing preoperative identification of patients with poorer survival outcomes.

[HIV infection status in male outpatients in sexually transmitted disease clinics in Tianjin, 2016-2020]

Objective: To understand the HIV infection status in male outpatients in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Tianjin from 2016 to 2020. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted between April and June during 2016-2020 to collect the information about the awareness of AIDS related knowledge, related sex behaviors, HIV infection, syphilis prevalence and HCV infection of male STD outpatients in Tianjin with a sample seize of 400 in each sentinel clinic. Results: From 2016 to 2020, a total of 4 000 male STD outpatients were surveyed. The HIV positive rate increased from 1.13% (9/800) to 2.25% (18/800) (trend χ²=14.22, P<0.001), the positive rate of syphilis increased from 9.38% (75/800) to 13.00% (104/800) (trend χ²=7.30, P=0.007) in this population during this period. The overall HCV positive rate was 0.45% (18/4 000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those who were unmarried, had registered residence in Tianjin, had no temporary sexual behavior in the past 3 months, had no anal sex and had negative syphilis test result, the risk factors of HIV infection in the male STD outpatients included cohabitation (aOR=7.53, 95%CI:2.13-26.62), being from other provinces (aOR=3.64,95%CI:1.58-8.38), having temporary sexual behavior in the past 3 months (aOR=2.24,95%CI:1.03-4.89), having homosexual anal sex (aOR=85.99,95%CI:38.76-190.74) and suffering from syphilis (aOR=6.06,95%CI:3.18-11.56). Conclusion: The detection rates of HIV infection and syphilis in male STD outpatients in Tianjin showed upward trends from 2016 to 2020. Having temporary sexual behavior and anal sex, and suffering from syphilis were the main risk factors of HIV infection in male STD outpatients.

[A cohort study on the incidence of HIV infection in drug abusers among men who have sex with men in Shanghai and Tianjin]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of HIV infection and identify associated risk factors in drug abusers among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin and Shanghai through a cohort study and provide a basis for HIV prevention in this population. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among MSM who had a history of drug abuse in the past six months from June 2016 to June 2018 in the two cities. MSM were investigated to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related sexual behaviors, and drug abuse. Follow-up investigation and HIV testing were carried out based on the baseline survey and testing. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for HIV infection. Results: There were 455 eligible subjects, and 16 new HIV infection cases were identified in the 2-year follow-up survey. The cumulative follow-up time was 586.08 person-years, and the incidence of HIV infection was 2.73/100 person-years. The multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that compared with those aged ≥25 years, consistent condom use during anal sex with men in the past six months, without mixed-use of drugs, these aged <25 years (HR=5.01, 95%CI: 1.09-23.11), inconsistent condom use during anal sex with men in the past six months (HR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.04-2.41) and mixed-use of drugs (HR=1.92, 95%CI: 1.08-3.40) were significantly associated with HIV infection in this cohort. Conclusions: The younger age, inconsistent condom use during anal sex with men, and mixed drug use appeared as risk factors of new HIV infection in drug abusers among MSM. HIV prevention and intervention in this population should be further strengthened.

[Clinical and prognosis analysis of children with kidney retransplantation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and prognosis of children with kidney retransplantation. Methods: Clinical data of 11 children who underwent kidney retransplantation from January 2011 to December 2020 in Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectilely analyzed. The clinical data including demographic parameters, primary diagnosis, characteristics in the follow-up of renal allograft were analyzed. Results: Totally 11 cases received secondary renal transplantation (male 6, female 5). They were initially diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at the age of 11.9 (7.4, 13.3) years. The median duration of dialysis was 22.1 (3.5, 36.5) months. In the first transplantation, recipient age was 13.9 (11.1, 15.2) years. Ten cases received donation from cardiac death donor (DCD) (9 cases received donors aged less than one year, 5 of them received whole kidney transplantation and one case received donor aged one to three years) and 1 case with living-related donor. Ten graft failures occurred within 1 month after renal transplantation and the other one occurred at the fifth month after transplantation. The causes included vascular factors (9 cases), rejection (1 case) and primary non-function (1 case). In the second transplantation, recipient age was 14.7 (11.7, 16.2) years. All the 11 children received dialysis (7 with PD and 4 with HD) and successfully completed the second transplantation. The median time between the two transplants was 210 (16, 1 041) days. Donors were all DCD donors from 3 years of age or older. The mean follow-up duration was (42±15) months. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was (85±34)ml/(min·1.73 m²) when the last investigation after kidney retransplantation with the kidney and patient all survived. Conclusions: Kidney retransplantation may have better prognosis in children. Dialysis transition during waiting period and DCD donor from 3 years of age or older can effectively ensure the success of kidney retransplantation.

[Adenocarcinomas with mesonephric features in gynecologic tract: a clinicopathological analysis of seven cases]

Objective: To investigate and compare the histologic characteristics of adenocarcinomas with mesonephric features located in different parts of the gynecologic tract. Methods: Two cases of mesonephric adenocarcinomas (MA) of the cervix and 5 cases of mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas (MLA) of the uterus and ovary were collected in Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2018 to October 2020. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and KRAS mutation testing were performed together with review of literature. Results: MA of the cervix as well as MLA of the uterus and ovary had similar morphologic features, showing an admixture of glandular, tubular, papillary and solid growth patterns. However, both MA cases were located in cervical stroma, which demonstrated residual mesonephric ducts present at the periphery. All four uterine MLA cases extensively involved the endometrium and myometrium. The ovarian MLA case was associated with endometriosis. No residual mesonephric ducts were present in the MLA cases. Immunohistochemically, GATA3 was positive in all seven MA/MLA cases. TTF1 was expressed only in 4/5 MLA cases. ER and PR were negative and p53 was wild-type in all cases. KRAS mutation was detected in all five cases. During the 6-32 months of follow-up, one patient developed recurrence and the others were tumor-free. Conclusions: In the gynecologic tract, both MA in cervix and MLA in uterus and ovary have similar morphologic features, immunohistochemical expression and KRAS mutation. However, distinct from MA that originates from mesonephric remnant, MLA is closely related to Mullerian epithelium.

How to approach pancreatic cancer after neoadjuvant treatment: assessment of resectability using multidetector CT and tumor markers

OBJECTIVES

To investigate clinical and CT factors associated with local resectability in patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic cancers after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ± radiation therapy (CRT).

METHODS

This retrospective study included consecutive patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic cancers who underwent neoadjuvant CRT between June 2009 and June 2019. Tumor size, tumor-vascular contact with artery/vein, and local resectability categories (resectable, borderline resectable, or locally advanced) were assessed at baseline and post-CRT CT. Baseline and post-CRT carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels were also assessed. Clinical or imaging features related to R0 resection were determined using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 179 patients (mean age, 62.4 ± 9.3 years; 92 men) were included. After neoadjuvant CRT, 105 (58.7%) patients received R0 resection, while 74 (41.3%) did not. R0 resection rates were significantly different according to post-CRT CT resectability categories (p < 0.001): 82.8% (48/58), 70.1% (47/67), and 18.5% (10/54) for resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced disease, respectively. For post-CRT borderline resectable disease, ≥ 50% decrease in CA 19-9 was significantly associated with R0 resection (odds ratio (OR), 3.160; p = 0.02). For post-CRT locally advanced disease, small post-CRT tumor size ≤ 2 cm (OR, 9.668; p = 0.026) and decreased tumor-arterial contact (OR, 24.213; p = 0.022) were significantly associated with R0 resection.

CONCLUSION

Post-CRT CT resectability categorization may be useful for the assessment of R0 resectability in patients with pancreatic cancer following neoadjuvant CRT. Additionally, ≥ 50% decrease in CA 19-9 was associated with R0 resection in post-CRT borderline resectable disease, while small post-CRT tumor size and decreased tumor-arterial contact were with locally advanced disease.

KEY POINTS

• R0 resection rates following neoadjuvant chemotherapy ± radiation therapy (CRT) were 82.8%, 70.1%, and 18.5% in resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced disease, respectively, at post-CRT CT (p < 0.001). • For post-CRT borderline resectable disease, ≥ 50% decrease in carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 was significantly associated with R0 resection. • For post-CRT locally advanced disease, small post-CRT tumor size ≤ 2 cm and decreased tumor-arterial contact were significantly associated with R0 resection.

Simultaneous evaluation of perfusion and morphology using GRASP MRI in hepatic fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

To determine if golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI allows simultaneous evaluation of perfusion and morphology in liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Participants who were scheduled for liver biopsy or resection were enrolled (NCT02480972). Images were reconstructed at 12-s temporal resolution for morphologic assessment and at 3.3-s temporal resolution for quantitative evaluation. The image quality of the morphologic images was assessed on a four-point scale, and the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System score was recorded for hepatic observations. Comparisons were made between quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI for the different fibrosis stages, and for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs) with different LR features.

RESULTS

DCE-MRI of 64 participants (male = 48) were analyzed. The overall image quality consistently stood at 3.5 ± 0.4 to 3.7 ± 0.4 throughout the exam. Portal blood flow significantly decreased in participants with F2-F3 (n = 18, 175 ± 110 mL/100 mL/min) and F4 (n = 12, 98 ± 47 mL/100 mL/min) compared with those in participants with F0-F1 (n = 34, 283 ± 178 mL/100 mL/min, p < 0.05 for all). In participants with F4, the arterial fraction and extracellular volume were significantly higher than those in participants with F0-F1 and F2-F3 (p < 0.05). Compared with HCCs showing non-LR-M features (n = 16), HCCs with LR-M (n = 5) had a significantly prolonged mean transit time and lower arterial blood flow (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver MRI using GRASP obtains both sufficient spatial resolution for confident diagnosis and high temporal resolution for pharmacokinetic modeling. Significant differences were found between the MRI-derived portal blood flow at different hepatic fibrosis stages.

KEY POINTS

A single MRI examination is able to provide both images with sufficient spatial resolution for anatomic evaluation and those with high temporal resolution for pharmacokinetic modeling. Portal blood flow was significantly lower in clinically significant hepatic fibrosis and mean transit time and extracellular volume increased in cirrhosis, compared with those in no or mild hepatic fibrosis. HCCs with different LR features showed different quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI: longer mean transit time and lower arterial flow were observed in HCCs with LR-M features.

Risk Factors for Liver Function Deterioration after Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Child-Pugh Class A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Background/Aims

A switch to systemic therapy, such as sorafenib, should be considered for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). On the other hand, treatment changes are difficult if the liver function worsens to Child-Pugh B or C. Therefore, predicting the risk factors for non-responsiveness to TACE and deteriorating liver function may be helpful.

Methods

Newly diagnosed Child-Pugh A HCC patients who underwent TACE from January 2012 to June 2018 were included. After 1 year, this study evaluated whether there was a treatment response to TACE and whether the Child-Pugh class had worsened.

Results

Among 121 patients, 65 were refractory and 56 responded to TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the tumor size, tumor number, and albumin at the time of the diagnosis of HCC were significant prognostic factors for the treatment response to TACE. Among 65 patients who presented TACE-refractoriness, 27 showed liver function deterioration from Child-Pugh class A to class B or C after TACE. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC was a significant prognostic factor for liver function deterioration. A predictive algorithm based on the regression equations revealed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 74.1%, 74.5%, 45.5%, and 90.9%, respectively, for TACE-refractoriness and liver function deterioration.

Conclusions

The prognostic model incorporating the tumor size, tumor number, albumin, and bilirubin at the diagnosis of HCC may help identify patients who show a poor response to TACE and aggravation of liver function after TACE, who may benefit from early switching into systemic therapy before liver function aggravation.

[Advances in researches on neoadjuvant therapy for resectable colorectal liver metastasis]

Surgery is recognized as the core treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), while its recurrence rate remains relatively high, even for resectable CRLM. This hints that the efficacy of treatment involves not only technological factors of surgery, but also biological behavior of tumor. For resectable CRLM, neoadjuvant therapy is beneficial to eliminate the micro-metastasis, reduce postoperative recurrence rate, screen tumor biological behavior and improve prognosis. However, questions about which kind of CRLM patients fits for neoadjuvant therapy and what regimen should be used are still debatable. This paper reviews stratified management of resectable CRLM, choice of neoadjuvant regimen, especially the application value of targeted therapy, based on the latest guidelines and studies.

Detection of distant metastases in rectal cancer: contrast-enhanced CT vs whole body MRI

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) including contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and WB-DWI in rectal cancer initial staging.

METHODS

This retrospective study was approved by the IRB and the requirement of informed consent was waived. From September 2013 to Feb 2015, patients who underwent rectal MRI including WB-MRI, as well as chest and abdominopelvic CT for initial staging, were included. WB-MRI consisted of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging and DWI covering neck to the pelvis. Three radiologists reviewed WB-MRI and CECT independently for the M-classification. The diagnostic performance of CECT and WB-MRI was compared using a reference standard incorporating histology, FDG-PET results, and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients (male:female = 89:50, mean age 63.2 ± 12.4 years) were included and metastasis was observed in 15.2% (21/139). WB-MRI showed significantly higher specificity (96.7% [114/118] vs. 85.6% [101/118], p = 0.001) and positive predictive value (PPV) (80% [16/20] vs. 48.5% [16/33], p < 0.001) than CECT. However, there were no significant differences in sensitivity (76.2% [16/21] for both, p > 0.99) and negative predictive value (95.3% [101/106] at CECT vs. 95.8% [114/119] at WB-MRI, p = 0.77) between CECT and WB-MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

WB-MRI showed higher specificity and PPV than CECT in newly diagnosed rectal cancer. Adding WB-MRI to standard rectal MRI is a feasible option for initial staging workup of rectal cancer.

KEY POINTS

• WB-MRI showed a higher specificity and PPV than those of CECT for identifying metastasis at initial staging workup of rectal cancer. • WB-MRI and CECT did not show a significant difference in sensitivity and NPV for the M-classification. • WB-MRI can be used as an alternative to CECT for the initial M-classification modality in newly diagnosed rectal cancer.

[Laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer with preservation of the left colic artery: anatomical basis and surgical experience]

In order to increase the blood supply of anastomosis, surgeons choose to preserve the left colon artery (LCA) during the laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer. However, surgeons are always ailed by hemorrhage and incompletely dissection of No. 253 lymph nodes. One reason is the shortage of understanding the relationship between inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), LCA, and inferior mesenteric vein before surgery. Another reason is that surgeon always remove the lymph nodes around LCA, while don't normatively resect No. 253 lymph nodes, which affect the overall survival rate. Therefore, the "medial-to-lateral approach" for laparoscopic preservation with LCA radical resection in rectal cancer was suggested in this article. The CT technique could be used to analyze the IMA classification, which contribuated to the standard conservation of LCA. Laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer could be completed of high quality, through accurate definition and exactly dissection of the No. 235 lymph nodes.

Benign gallbladder diseases: Imaging techniques and tips for differentiating with malignant gallbladder diseases

Benign gallbladder diseases usually present with intraluminal lesions and localized or diffuse wall thickening. Intraluminal lesions of the gallbladder include gallstones, cholesterol polyps, adenomas, or sludge and polypoid type of gallbladder cancer must subsequently be excluded. Polyp size, stalk width, and enhancement intensity on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and degree of diffusion restriction may help differentiate cholesterol polyps and adenomas from gallbladder cancer. Localized gallbladder wall thickening is largely due to segmental or focal gallbladder adenomyomatosis, although infiltrative cancer may present similarly. Identification of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses is pivotal in diagnosing adenomyomatosis. The layered pattern, degree of enhancement, and integrity of the wall are imaging clues that help discriminate innocuous thickening from gallbladder cancer. High-resolution ultrasound is especially useful for analyzing the layering of gallbladder wall. A diffusely thickened wall is frequently seen in inflammatory processes of the gallbladder. Nevertheless, it is important to check for coexistent cancer in instances of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound used alone is limited in evaluating complicated cholecystitis and often requires complementary computed tomography. In chronic cholecystitis, preservation of a two-layered wall and weak wall enhancement are diagnostic clues for excluding malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with diffusion-weighted imaging helps to differentiate xathogranulomatous cholecystitis from gallbladder cancer by identifying the presence of fat and degree of diffusion restriction. Such distinctions require a familiarity with typical imaging features of various gallbladder diseases and an understanding of the roles that assorted imaging modalities play in gallbladder evaluations.

Whirlpool sign of adnexal torsion on CT: where can we find it?

Background

Whirlpool sign on computed tomography (CT) is pathognomic of adnexal torsion.

Purpose

To evaluate the visibility and common location of the whirlpool sign in adnexal torsion on CT.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 143 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative CT imaging and subsequent surgically confirmed as adnexal torsion. Two readers independently recorded the presence and location of whirlpool sign in adnexal torsion on CT. Patients with and without whirlpool sign were compared with regard to the size of the adnexal mass and the degree of torsion.

Results

Whirlpool sign was detected in 60 (42.0%) patients on the transverse CT plane and 79 (55.2%) patients on the coronal CT plane of 143 patients. The sign was significantly better detected on the coronal CT plane than on the transverse CT plane ( P = 0.03). The most common location of the sign included the posterolateral aspect of the adnexal mass on the transverse CT plane (25/60, 41.7%, P = 0.04) and the upper-lateral aspect of the adnexal mass on the coronal CT plane (45/79, 60.0%, P < 0.001). The size of the adnexal mass with whirlpool sign was significantly larger than the mass without whirlpool sign on the transverse CT plane (median 9.6 vs. 8.6 cm, P = 0.03). No significant difference in the degree of torsion was found between patients with and without whirlpool sign on CT ( P = 0.56–0.62).

Conclusion

Whirlpool sign of adnexal torsion is well detected at the upper-lateral aspect of adnexal mass on the coronal CT plane.

Korean ureter length: A computed tomography-based study

Purpose

We measured ureter length in healthy Koreans using reformatted computed tomography (UL_CT) and found ways to indirectly estimate ureter length by measuring LL_CT, the length between the ureteropelvic junction and the ureterovesical junction, and standing and sitting height.

Materials and Methods

A total of 508 ureters of 254 healthy patients (median age, 55.0 years; 148 males and 106 females) were included in this retrospective study. UL_CT, LL_CT, and sitting and standing body height were measured.

Results

The mean left and right UL_CT were 25.2±2.2 and 25.0±2.2 cm, respectively. The mean left and right LL_CT were 21.1±1.8 and 20.3±1.9 cm, respectively. Standing and sitting body height were 164.1±8.9 and 88.3±4.3 cm, respectively. Height was significantly correlated with UL_CT, but this relation was not linear (r²=0.064 standing height, 0.062 sitting height). However, LL_CT showed a significant linear correlation with UL_CT (r²=0.485). UL_CT can be estimated indirectly by the following equation: UL_CT=0.823×LL_CT+8.093.

Conclusions

We could measure the ureteral length of healthy Koreans by UL_CT. UL_CT could be estimated indirectly by LL_CT and standing and sitting height. Of these variables, LL_CT provided the most accurate estimate of ureteral length.

[Vertical supraumbilical incision versus left lower oblique incision for specimen retrieval during laparoscopic rectal surgery]

Objective: To compared the short-term surgical outcomes of the vertical supraumbilical incision with the left lower oblique incision for specimen retrieval in laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Inclusion criteria: (1) rectal cancer confirmed by colonoscopy and pathological examination; (2) undergoing the operation for the first time; (3) laparoscopic rectal surgery performed by the same surgeon team; (4) age of > 18 years and < 76 years old. According to above criteria, clinical data of 178 consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Renji Hospital between March 2015 and December 2017 were collected. Based on incision site of the mini-laparotomy, patients were classified to the vertical supraumbilical incision group (n=75) and the left lower oblique incision group (n=103). There were no significant differences in baseline data, such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor diameter, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, score of American Society of Anesthesiologists, TNM stage, between the two groups (all P>0.05). Perioperative variables and follow-up data were compared between two groups. Results: Between the vertical supraumbilical incision group and the left lower oblique incision group, the operation time [(131.7±3.7) minutes vs. (138.5±3.5) minutes], operative bleeding volume [(138.9±11.5) ml vs. (154.3±10.3) ml], length of auxiliary incision [(4.0±0.1) cm vs. (4.0±0.1) cm], and distance from anastomosis to dentate line [(3.8±0.1) cm vs. (4.2±0.1) cm] were not significantly different (all P>0.05). As compared to the left lower oblique incision group, patients in vertical supraumbilical incision group had earlier flatus [(62.7±2.3) hours vs. (69.2±1.7) hours, t=2.282, P=0.023], earlier ambulation [(41.9±1.8) hours vs. (46.78±1.42) hours, t=2.131, P=0.032], lower pain VAS scores at postoperative 24 hours (2.0±0.1 vs. 2.4±0.1, t=2.172, P=0.032) and 48 hours (2.7±0.1 vs. 3.0±0.1, P<0.05), and lower incidence of postoperative incisional hernia [6.7% (5/75) vs. 9.7% (10/103), χ(2)=3.942, P=0.042]. However, the postoperative fluids intake time, hospitalization days, pain VAS scores at postoperative 12 hours and postoperative complications (wound infection, anastomotic leakage, urinary retention, intestinal obstruction) were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The vertical supraumbilical incision in laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer can reduce the degree of postoperative pain, facilitate early recovery of intestinal function and decrease the incidence of incisional hernia.

Diagnosis and Surveillance of Incidental Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: 2017 Consensus Recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

The occurrence of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is continuously increasing. Radiologic examinations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography have been widely used as the main diagnostic and surveillance methods for patients with incidental PCLs. Although most incidentally detected PCLs are considered benign, they have the potential to become malignant. Currently, we have several guidelines for the management of incidental PCLs. However, there is still debate over proper management, in terms of accurate diagnosis, optimal follow-up interval, and imaging tools. Because imaging studies play a crucial role in the management of incidental PCLs, the 2017 consensus recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology for the diagnosis and surveillance of incidental PCLs approved 11 out of 16 recommendations. Although several challenges remain in terms of optimization and standardization, these consensus recommendations might serve as useful tools to provide a more standardized approach and to optimize care of patients with incidental PCLs.

Prediction of Necrotizing Pancreatitis on Early CT Based on the Revised Atlanta Classification

Purpose

To investigate the clinical and CT features at admission to predict the progression to necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) in patients initially diagnosed with interstitial edematous pancreatitis (IEP).

Materials and Methods

Patients with IEP who underwent contrast-enhanced CT at admission and follow-up CT (< 14 days) were included (n = 178). Two radiologists performed a consensus review of follow-up CT scans and diagnosed the type of acute pancreatitis as IEP or NP. Laboratory findings at admission were recorded. Clinical, CT, and laboratory findings were compared between the IEP-IEP group and IEP-NP group using the chi-square test and the t-test. Multivariate analysis was also performed.

Results

There were 112 and 66 patients in the IEP-IEP and the IEP-NP groups, respectively. The proportion of patients with alcohol etiology was significantly larger in the IEP-NP group. Among the CT findings, the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous parenchymal enhancement were more frequently observed in the IEP-NP group. Among the laboratory variables, serum C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in the IEP-NP group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous parenchymal enhancement were significant findings distinguishing the two groups.

Conclusion

CT findings, such as the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous pancreatic parenchymal enhancement, may be helpful in predicting the progression to NP in patients initially diagnosed with IEP.

[HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men in sentinel surveillance in Tianjin, 2016-2018]

Objective: To understand the HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin during 2016-2018. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted to collect the information about the awareness of AIDS, related behaviors, HIV infection, syphilis prevalence and HCV infection in the MSM in Tianjin with the annual sample seize of 400 between April and June during 2016-2018. Results: From 2016 to 2018, a total of 1 200 MSM were surveyed. The condom use rate in anal sex was 45.4% (544/1 198) in the past 6 months. The HIV test rate in MSM recruited through network declined with year (trend χ(2)=42.742, P<0.001). The overall HIV infection rate was 3.3% (40/1 200). The HIV-1 infection rate was 2.6% (95%CI: 1.7%-3.5%). The overall prevalence rate of syphilis was 6.7% (80/1 200). The overall HCV infection rate was 0.8% (9/1 200). Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with HIV infection in the MSM included divorced or widowed (compared with unmarried, aOR=7.137, 95%CI: 1.621-31.419) and syphilis positive group (compared with syphilis negative group, aOR=3.684, 95%CI: 1.520-8.932). The protective factors for HIV infection in the MSM included consistent use of condom in the past 6 months (compared with occasional use of condom, aOR=0.343, 95%CI: 0.126-0.932) and HIV test (compared with receiving no HIV test, aOR=0.314, 95%CI: 0.123-0.801). Conclusions: The HIV infection rate in the MSM in Tianjin was high from 2016 to 2018. Syphilis prevalence status in MSM should not be neglected. The rate of consistent condom use in anal sex was low in the MSM. It is necessary to take effective measures to promote condom use and strengthen HIV test in MSM.

[Surveillance of potential transmission factors of schistosomiasis in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements.

METHODS

Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected.

RESULTS

A total of 540.14 hm² of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm² of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals.

CONCLUSIONS

There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Assessing significant fibrosis using imaging-based elastography in chronic hepatitis B patients: Pilot study

BACKGROUND

Accurate detection of significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage 2 or higher on the METAVIR scale) is important especially for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high viral loads but with normal or mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels because the presence of significant fibrosis is accepted as the indication for antiviral treatment. Liver biopsy is the reference standard for diagnosing significant fibrosis, but it is an invasive procedure. Consequently, noninvasive imaging-based measurements, such as magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) or two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE), have been proposed for the quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis.

AIM

To explore MRE and 2D-SWE to identify fibrosis stage, and to compare their performance with that of serum-based indices.

METHODS

The study enrolled 63 treatment-naïve CHB patients with high viral loads but with normal or mildly elevated ALT levels who underwent liver biopsy before a decision was made to initiate antiviral therapy. MRE and 2D-SWE were performed, and serum-based indices, such as FIB-4 and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), were calculated. The diagnostic performances of MRE, 2D-SWE, FIB-4, and APRI for assessing significant fibrosis (≥ F2) and cirrhosis (F4) were evaluated with liver histology as the reference standard, using receiver operating characteristic analyses.

RESULTS

The liver fibrosis stage was F0/F1 in 19, F2 in 14, F3 in 14, and F4 in 16 patients, respectively. MRE significantly discriminated F2 from F0/1 (P = 0.022), whereas 2D-SWE showed a broad overlap in distinguishing those stages. MRE showed a higher correlation coefficient value with fibrosis stage than 2D-SWE with fibrosis stage (0.869 vs 0.649, Spearman test; P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that fibrosis stage was the only factor affecting the values of MRE (P < 0.001), whereas body mass index (P = 0.042) and fibrosis stage (P < 0.001) were independent factors affecting 2D-SWE values. MRE performance for diagnosing significant fibrosis was better [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.906, positive predictive value (PPV) 97.3%, negative predictive value (NPV) 69.2%] than that of FIB-4 (AUC = 0.697, P = 0.002) and APRI (AUC = 0.717, P = 0.010), whereas the performance of 2D-SWE (AUC = 0.843, PPV 86%, NPV 65%) was not significantly different from that of FIB-4 or APRI.

CONCLUSION

Compared to SWE, MRE might be more precise non-invasive assessment for depicting significant fibrosis and for making-decision to initiate antiviral-therapy in treatment-naïve CHB patients with normal or mildly-elevated ALT levels.

[Evaluation on follow-up intervention program in men who have sex with men in Tianjin]

Objective: To evaluate the behavior intervention program on men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin. Methods: From April 2013 to September 2017, MSM were enrolled from MSM gathering places and through mobile internet to establish an open prospective cohort. Interventions were conducted in every follow-up meeting, while the changes of behaviors and HIV infection and syphilis incidences in the MSM before and after intervention were compared. Results: A total of 1 822 MSM were interviewed at baseline survey, with 1 007 eligible MSM were enrolled in the cohort. A total of 39 new cases of HIV infection were reported, and the cumulative observation time on cohort follow-up was 2 216.96 person-year, with the HIV incidence rate as 1.76 per 100 person-years. Among them, 934 MSM were sero-negative for syphilis in baseline survey. A total of 100 new cases of syphilis were reported, and the cumulative observation time of cohort follow-up was 1 959.94 person-year, the syphilis incidence rate was 5.10 per 100 person-years. With health education and intervention conducted, the awareness rate of AIDS related knowledge for MSM increased. Though the rate of anal sex increased after intervention, the rate of condom use in anal sex increased, too. The rate of condom use decreased after receiving more than 3 interventions. Data from the multivariate GEE analysis indicated that protective factors might be as follows: education level of college and above (aOR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.68-0.98), awareness of AIDS related knowledge (aOR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.36-0.75), ever receiving condom promotion and distribution in the past six months (aOR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.49-0.74), being recruited from mobile internet (aOR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.73-1.00) and times of cumulative intervention: one time (aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.45-0.66), two times (aOR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.30-0.49), three times (aOR=0.26, 95%CI: 0.20-0.35), four times and above (aOR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.17-0.33). Diagnoses of STDs in the past six months (aOR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.06-1.96), using rush-poppers (aOR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.02-1.47) might be risk factors. Conclusions: After continuous behavior intervention, the incidence of HIV infection and syphilis were at a low level in the MSM cohort in Tianjin. Their awareness rate of AIDS related knowledge and the rate of condom use increased. But there are still many risk factors influencing the unprotected anal sex in MSM. We should continuously carry out behavioral intervention programs to prevent unprotected anal sex among MSM.

Shrinkage of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Analysis of contributing factors

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate tumor shrinkage and influencing factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from radiofrequency (RF) ablation following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

A total of 222 patients underwent combined sequential treatment of TACE and RF ablation for HCC at our institution between 2008 and 2014. Of those, 86 patients (men, 68; women, 18) who achieved compact iodized oil tagging and complete ablation were included for this retrospective study. We measured three-dimensional tumor diameters and calculated tumor volumes on pre-treatment CT/MRI and follow-up CT scans performed post-TACE, post-ablation, and 1 month post-treatment, respectively. To compare periodically generated tumor diameters and volumes, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors impacting tumor shrinkage after RF ablation.

Results

Diameters and volumes of HCCs declined significantly in the immediate aftermath of RF ablation (i.e., between post-TACE and post-ablation CT scans) (p < 0.001, for both). Mean reduction rates in tumor diameter and volume immediately after RF ablation were 18.2 ± 9.1% and 44.4 ± 14.6%, respectively. Of note, tumors of left hepatic lobe and in subphrenic or perivascular locations showed lower rates of post-ablative volume reduction than those in counterpart locations (p = 0.002, 0.046, 0.024, respectively). Tumor size and liver function did not influence tumor shrinkage after RF ablation.

Conclusion

In patients with HCC, significant tumor shrinkage occurs immediately after RF ablation. The degree of shrinkage in response to ablative treatment seems to vary by tumor location.

Towards high-energy, high-resolution computed tomography via a laser driven micro-spot gamma-ray source

Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful method for non-destructive testing (NDT) and metrology awakes with expanding application fields. To improve the spatial resolution of high energy CT, a micro-spot gamma-ray source based on bremsstrahlung from a laser wakefield accelerator was developed. A high energy CT using the source was performed, which shows that the resolution of reconstruction can reach 100 μm at 10% contrast. Our proof-of-principle demonstration indicates that laser driven micro-spot gamma-ray sources provide a prospective way to increase the spatial resolution and toward to high energy micro CT. Due to the advantage in spatial resolution, laser based high energy CT represents a large potential for many NDT applications.

Prediction of Local Tumor Progression after Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Assessment of Ablative Margin Using Pre-RFA MRI and Post-RFA CT Registration

Objective

To evaluate the clinical impact of using registration software for ablative margin assessment on pre-radiofrequency ablation (RFA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and post-RFA computed tomography (CT) compared with the conventional side-by-side MR-CT visual comparison.

Materials and Methods

In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective study, 68 patients with 88 hepatocellulcar carcinomas (HCCs) who had undergone pre-RFA MRI were enrolled. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Pre-RFA MRI and post-RFA CT images were analyzed to evaluate the presence of a sufficient safety margin (≥ 3 mm) in two separate sessions using either side-by-side visual comparison or non-rigid registration software. Patients with an insufficient ablative margin on either one or both methods underwent additional treatment depending on the technical feasibility and patient's condition. Then, ablative margins were re-assessed using both methods. Local tumor progression (LTP) rates were compared between the sufficient and insufficient margin groups in each method.

Results

The two methods showed 14.8% (13/88) discordance in estimating sufficient ablative margins. On registration software-assisted inspection, patients with insufficient ablative margins showed a significantly higher 5-year LTP rate than those with sufficient ablative margins (66.7% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.004). However, classification by visual inspection alone did not reveal a significant difference in 5-year LTP between the two groups (28.6% vs. 30.5%, p = 0.79).

Conclusion

Registration software provided better ablative margin assessment than did visual inspection in patients with HCCs who had undergone pre-RFA MRI and post-RFA CT for prediction of LTP after RFA and may provide more precise risk stratification of those who are treated with RFA.

Correction to: CT diagnosis of gallbladder adenomyomatosis: importance of enhancing mucosal epithelium, the "cotton ball sign"

The original version of this article, published on 09 April 2018, unfortunately contained a mistake. The following correction has therefore been made in the original: The presentation of Fig. 2 was incorrect, "Cotton ball sign" was mistakenly named "Polka-dot sign".

[Risk factors related to HIV new infections among men who have sex with men in a cohort study]

Objectives: To analyze and understand the risk factors related to HIV new infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A longitudinal observational study among MSM was conducted to collect information on HIV related behaviors and sero-conversion. Univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to discuss the risk factors for HIV new infection. Results: A total number of 4 305 MSM were followed during 2013-2015. Among those self-reported MSM who are seeking partners on the Interner tended to have higher proportion on receptive anal intercourse and consistent condom use during anal intercourse than the subgroups seeking their partners in gay bars or bathrooms. HIV incidence among followed MSM during the study period appeared as 4.3/100 person years, with adjusted RR (aRR) of HIV infection for receptive anal intercourse as group 2.20 (95% CI: 1.49-3.24) times than that of insertion anal intercourse group. Those who used rush-poppers (aRR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.10-2.17), unprotected anal intercourse (aRR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.62-3.08), and those with syphilis infection (aRR=2.95, 95%CI: 2.00-4.35) were also risk factors for HIV new infections. After controlling other factors, the relationship between the ways of seeking partners and HIV new infection was not statistical significant. Conclusion: Risk factors for HIV new infection among MSM appeared complex and interactive, suggesting that further studies are needed to generate tailored strategies for the prevention of HIV epidemic among MSM population.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: prediction of the tumor grade using CT findings and computerized texture analysis

Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) include heterogeneous tumors with a variable degree of inherent biologic aggressiveness represented by the histopathologic grade. Although several studies investigated the computed tomography (CT) characteristics which can predict the histopathologic grade of PNET, accurate prediction of the PNET grade by CT examination alone is still limited. Purpose To investigate the important CT findings and CT texture variables for prediction of grade of PNET. Material and Methods Sixty-six patients with pathologically confirmed PNETs (grade 1 = 45, grades 2/3 = 21) underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT. Two reviewers determined the presence of predefined CT findings. CT texture was also analyzed on arterial and portal phase using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify significant predictors for tumor grade. Results Among CT findings and CT texture variables, the significant predictors for grade 2/3 tumors were an ill-defined margin (odds ratio [OR] = 7.273), lower sphericity (OR = 0.409) on arterial 2D analysis, higher skewness (OR = 1.972) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.408) on arterial 3D analysis, lower kurtosis (OR = 0.436) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.420) on portal 2D analysis, and a larger surface area (OR = 2.007) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.503) on portal 3D analysis ( P < 0.05). Diagnostic performance of texture analysis was superior to CT findings (AUC = 0.774 vs. 0.683). Conclusion CT is useful for predicting grade 2/3 PNET using not only the imaging findings including an ill-defined margin, but also the CT texture variables such as lower sphericity, higher skewness, and lower kurtosis.

Multiparametric MR imaging of peripheral zone prostate cancer: effect of postbiopsy hemorrhage on cancer detection according to Gleason score and tumour volume

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effect of postbiopsy hemorrhage on detection of peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancer by multiparametric MR imaging according to Gleason score and tumor volume.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 54 biopsy-proven prostate cancer patients (median age, 67.0 years) who underwent multiparametric MR imaging. Two independent readers evaluated each sextant of the PZ using the PI-RADS v2. One reader recorded the presence or absence of hemorrhage per sextant on T₁ weighted MR images. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to evaluate cancer detection accuracy.

RESULTS

Postbiopsy hemorrhage was noted in 122 (37.7%) of 324 sextants of all patients. There was no significant difference in the AUC for detection of cancer with Gleason score ≥3 + 4 or volume ≥0.5 ml between sextants with and without hemorrhage (with hemorrhage, reader 1, 0.83 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.84 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; reader 2, 0.74 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.77 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; without hemorrhage, reader 1, 0.86 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.88 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; reader 2, 0.79 for Gleason score ≥3 + 4, 0.83 for tumor volume ≥0.5 ml; p > 0.2 for all).

CONCLUSION

Postbiopsy hemorrhage did not negatively affect the detection of clinically significant PZ prostate cancer on multiparametric MR imaging. Advances in knowledge: Under influence of postbiopsy hemorrhage, multiparametric MR can be useful for the detection of clinically significant PZ prostate cancer.

Visibility of focal liver lesions: Comparison between kupffer phase of CEUS with sonazoid and hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI

BACKGROUND

To investigate the agreement between Kupffer phase of Sonazoid contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) and hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of focal liver lesions (FLLs).

METHODS

One hundred fifty-four FLLs in 154 patients who underwent both Sonazoid CEUS and gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI were included in this retrospective study. FLL visibility on the Kupffer-phase images was graded as one (invisible or isoenhancing), two (vaguely visible or vaguely hypoenhancing), or three (clearly visible or clearly hypoenhancing), and that on the hepatobiliary-phase images of MRI was graded as one (invisible or hyper/isointense), two (vaguely visible or weakly hypointense), or three (clearly visible or strongly hypointense). Pairwise comparison of lesion visibility between the two modalities was performed, and intermodality agreement was assessed.

RESULTS

On Kupffer-phase CEUS, 31 (20.1%) lesions were invisible, 17 (11.1%) were vaguely visible, and 106 (68.9%) were clearly visible. On the hepatobiliary-phase MRI, 9 (5.9%) lesions were invisible, 45 (29.2%) were vaguely visible, and 100 (64.9%) were clearly visible. Overall, lesion visibility scores were not significantly different between the two modalities (p = 0.121), but the visibility was significantly better on MRI in smaller lesions. Twenty-eight lesions (18.2%) showed discrepancy in the visibility on CEUS and MRI, and most of the cases (89.7%) were lesions that were invisible on CEUS but visible on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall visibility of FLLs was comparable between the Kupffer phase of Sonazoid-CEUS and the hepatobiliary-phase images of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, with a discrepancy between the two modalities in 18% of the cases. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:542-550, 2017.

[Factors associated with lost of follow-up of men who have sex with men in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the rate of follow-up lost in men who have sex with men (MSM) in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin and the associated factors. Methods: The open cohort study in gay bathhouse was launched in 2012 in Tianjin, and the MSM for baseline survey were recruited from January to June 2012, while the follow up was carried out every six months. A questionnaire survey and HIV test were conducted in the study. The MSM who were HIV negative in the baseline survey in 2012 were used for follow up lost analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the factors associated with the lost of follow-up. Results: A total of 658 gay bathhouse patrons were recruited in the baseline survey, at the end of 42-month follow-up period, 173 of them dropped out (26.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that the MSM who were local residents (OR=0.552, 95%CI: 0.377-0.808), in Han ethnic group (OR=0.197, 95% CI: 0.066-0.593), having received HIV test in the last year (OR=0.481, 95% CI: 0.326-0.710), were male sex workers (OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.028-0.585), and believed to be at high risk for HIV infection (OR=0.285, 95% CI: 0.125-0.647). They were more likely to receive follow-up but the MSM who were aged ≥35 years (OR=1.891, 95%CI: 1.022-3.500) were more likely to be lost in the follow-up. Conclusion: The lost rate of follow-up in MSM in the gay bathhouse cohort was high in Tianjin. Age, household registration, history of HIV test, the awareness of the risk to be infected with HIV and commercial homosex were factors associated with the follow-up rate in the MSM. It is necessary to conduct similar cohort study in targeted population on the basis of findings of this study.

Diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR for small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma and the concordance rate of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS)

Background & aims

To assess diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR for small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detected by C-arm CT and concordance rate of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we recruited 4,544 patients suspected of having HCC underwent C-arm CT from November 2008 to May 2013. Among these patients, gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR was performed in 167 patients with HCC (n = 379; 257 > 1 cm, 122 ≤ 1 cm). HCC was confirmed by MR, CT, or follow-up images. Two radiologists graded likelihood of HCC and assessed MR features. Jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic (JAFROC) analysis was performed. All HCCs were evaluated concordance rate of LI-RADS.

Results

Mean JAFROC figure of merit for large (>1-cm) HCC was 0.948, while that for small HCC was 0.787 with fair agreement (κ = 0.409). Mean sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 91% and 90% for large HCC versus 63.0% and 79% for small HCC, respectively. Seventeen of 122 small HCCs (13.9%) were not visible on MR. Among 379 HCCs, 99 met LR-5, and 259 met LR-4. Common features for small HCC included arterial enhancement (81.9%), hepatobiliary phase hypointensity (80.3%), and delayed washout (72.9%).

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR imaging for small, hypervascular HCCs (Mean figure of merit = 0.787) was still low compared with large HCC (Mean figure of merit = 0.948). LR-5 and LR-4 covered 94% (358/379) of the HCCs.

Diagnostic performance and imaging features for predicting the malignant potential of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: a comparison of EUS, contrast-enhanced CT and MRI

PURPOSE

To compare diagnostic performance for prediction of malignant potential in IPMNs between EUS, contrast-enhanced CT and MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

76 patients with IPMN (benign = 37, malignant = 39) underwent EUS, contrast-enhanced CT, and MRI. EUS was analyzed based on formal reports and contrast-enhanced CT and MRI were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists according to the consensus guidelines 2012. Diagnostic performance and imaging features of malignant IPMNs were analyzed using ROC analysis and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced CT (AUC = 0.792 in R1, 0.830 in R2), MRI (AUC = 0.742 in R1, 0.776 in R2), and EUS (AUC = 0.733) for predicting malignant IPMNs were comparable without significant difference (p > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, enhancing solid component in contrast-enhanced CT and MRI and mural nodule in EUS (OR 1.8 in CT, 1.36 in MRI, 1.47 in EUS), MPD diameter ≥ 10 mm (OR 1.3 in CT, 1.4 in MRI, 1.66 in EUS), MPD diameter of 5-9 mm (OR 1.23 in CT, 1.31 in MRI), and thickened septa or wall (OR 1.3 in CT and MRI) were significant variables (p < 0.05). Interobserver agreement of thickened cyst septa or wall (k = 0.579-0.617) and abrupt caliber change of MPD (k = 0.689-0.788) was lower than other variables (k > 0.80).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, and EUS for predicting malignant IPMNs was comparable with each modalities without significant difference.

Imaging Patterns of Intratumoral Calcification in the Abdominopelvic Cavity

Intratumoral calcification is one of the most noticeable of radiologic findings. It facilitates detection and provides information important for correctly diagnosing tumors. In the abdominopelvic cavity, a wide variety of tumors have calcifications with various imaging features, though the majority of such calcifications are dystrophic in nature. In this article, we classify the imaging patterns of intratumoral calcification according to number, location, and morphology. Then, we describe commonly-encountered abdominopelvic tumors containing typical calcification patterns, focusing on their differentiable characteristics using the imaging patterns of intratumoral calcification.

[Meta-analysis on the positive rate of HIV among MSM with bathhouse as the major venue of sexual practice]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the positive rates on HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) who took bathhouse as the major place for sexual practice in China, between 2010 and 2015.

METHODS

Articles published between 2010 and 2015 from CNKI, Wanfang Data, CJFD and PubMed were collected and Stata 12.0 software was used for Meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were selected. Random effects model was employed to calculate the pooled positive rate according to statistical tests for homogeneity with the result I(2)=88.1%. The pooled positive rate appeared as 10.3%, with 95%CI as 7.7%-13.0%. Publication bias was assessed by Egger' s test and funnel plot. After stratified analysis on factors as: sample size, year, region and methods on recruitment, the pooled positive rate of HIV appeared higher in people living in the coastal provinces than those in the inland provinces.

CONCLUSION

The pooled positive rate of HIV identified from the bathhouses appeared higher than that from other places through, the national HIV sentinel surveillance data, with coastal higher than that in the inland provinces. Bathhouse was recognized as the key place to be carried on intervention programs for the MSM population.

Therapeutic Effects of Microbubbles Added to Combined High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Chemotherapy in a Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Model

Objective

To investigate whether high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with microbubbles enhances the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

A pancreatic cancer xenograft model was established using BALB/c nude mice and luciferase-expressing human pancreatic cancer cells. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups according to treatment: control (n = 10), gemcitabine alone (GEM; n = 12), HIFU with microbubbles (HIFU + MB, n = 11), combined HIFU and gemcitabine (HIGEM; n = 12), and HIGEM + MB (n = 13). After three weekly treatments, apoptosis rates were evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay in two mice per group. Tumor volume and bioluminescence were monitored using high-resolution 3D ultrasound imaging and in vivo bioluminescence imaging for eight weeks in the remaining mice.

Results

The HIGEM + MB group showed significantly higher apoptosis rates than the other groups (p < 0.05) and exhibited the slowest tumor growth. From week 5, the tumor-volume-ratio relative to the baseline tumor volume was significantly lower in the HIGEM + MB group than in the control, GEM, and HIFU + MB groups (p < 0.05). Despite visible distinction, the HIGEM and HIGEM + MB groups showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles enhances the therapeutic effects of gemcitabine chemotherapy in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model.

Comparison of Multidetector CT and Gadobutrol-Enhanced MR Imaging for Evaluation of Small, Solid Pancreatic Lesions

OBJECTIVE

To compare multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and MRI for lesion conspicuity, as well as the detection and characterization of small solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

193 patients with small SPLs (< 3 cm) and 52 patients with normal pancreas who underwent both multiphasic MDCT and gadobutrol-enhanced MRI were included in our study. Two radiologists blinded to the pathologic diagnoses independently reviewed those images, and determined the detection of "SPL per se" and "SPL in consideration of secondary features", the lesion conspicuity, the probability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the most likely specific diagnosis.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of MRI for "detection of SPL per se" was significantly higher than that of CT in both reviewers: 92.7% (179/193) and 97.9% (189/193), respectively, for reviewer 1 (p = 0.031) and 90.7% (175/193) and 99.5% (192/193), respectively, for reviewer 2 (p < 0.001). In addition, MRI provided better lesion conspicuity than MDCT for both reviewers (p < 0.001). However, CT and MRI did not show significant difference in sensitivity for "detection of SPL in consideration of secondary features", specificity for SPL detection, and differentiation of PDAC vs. non-PDAC (p > 0.05). The accuracies of CT and MRI for making a specific diagnosis were as follows: 85.7% (210/245) vs. 86.9% (213/245), respectively, for reviewer 1 (p = 0.736), and 91.8% (225/245) vs. 93.5% (229/245), respectively, for reviewer 2 (p = 0.454).

CONCLUSION

MRI showed better lesion conspicuity than MDCT, but did not show significantly different diagnostic performance compared with MDCT for detecting and characterizing small SPLs.

Triple Arterial Phase MR Imaging with Gadoxetic Acid Using a Combination of Contrast Enhanced Time Robust Angiography, Keyhole, and Viewsharing Techniques and Two-Dimensional Parallel Imaging in Comparison with Conventional Single Arterial Phase

Objective

To determine whether triple arterial phase acquisition via a combination of Contrast Enhanced Time Robust Angiography, keyhole, temporal viewsharing and parallel imaging can improve arterial phase acquisition with higher spatial resolution than single arterial phase gadoxetic-acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Informed consent was waived for this retrospective study by our Institutional Review Board. In 752 consecutive patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI, either single (n = 587) or triple (n = 165) arterial phases was obtained in a single breath-hold under MR fluoroscopy guidance. Arterial phase timing was assessed, and the degree of motion was rated on a four-point scale. The percentage of patients achieving the late arterial phase without significant motion was compared between the two methods using the χ² test.

Results

The late arterial phase was captured at least once in 96.4% (159/165) of the triple arterial phase group and in 84.2% (494/587) of the single arterial phase group (p < 0.001). Significant motion artifacts (score ≤ 2) were observed in 13.3% (22/165), 1.2% (2/165), 4.8% (8/165) on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd scans of triple arterial phase acquisitions and 6.0% (35/587) of single phase acquisitions. Thus, the late arterial phase without significant motion artifacts was captured in 96.4% (159/165) of the triple arterial phase group and in 79.9% (469/587) of the single arterial phase group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Triple arterial phase imaging may reliably provide adequate arterial phase imaging for gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI.