gadoxetic-acid-disodium and Chronic-Disease

To date, despite many scientific evidences, the guidelines of the principal hepatological societies, such as the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, do not recognize the diagnostic superiority of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, for the most part, do not contemplate the use of hepatospecific contrast media, such as gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (EOB). The aim of this paper was to analyze the recent results of EOB-MRI in the study of chronic liver disease and the differences between the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines, of which the latter represents the most consolidated experience on EOB-MRI use for HCC diagnosis. Finally, a new diagnostic algorithm for HCC in patients under surveillance for chronic liver disease was formulated, which contemplates the use of EOB. This new diagnostic algorithm is based on the Japan Society of Hepatology algorithm but goes beyond it by adapting it to the Western world, taking into account both the difference between the two and the latest results concerning the diagnosis of HCC. This new diagnostic algorithm for HCC is proposed in order to provide useful diagnostic tools to all those Western countries where the use of EOB (more expensive than extracellular contrast media) is widespread but in which common strategies to manage the nodules that this new contrast agent allows identifying have not been available to date.

Topics: Aged; Algorithms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Gastroenterology; Humans; Japan; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical; Western World

To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined unenhanced and gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging compared with unenhanced MR imaging and triphasic contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT) for the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions.. The study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board at each of the 15 centers involved in the study, and informed written consent was given by all patients. In total, 178 patients with suspected focal hepatic lesions (based, in most patients, on CT, tumor marker and ultrasound examinations) underwent combined MR imaging with a single, rapid injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA 0.025 mmol/kg, including T1-weighted dynamic and delayed MR images 20 to 40 minutes postinjection. Triphasic contrast-enhanced CT, the comparator examination, was performed within 4 weeks of MR imaging. Standard of references (SOR) were resection histopathology and intraoperative ultrasonography, or combined CT during arterial portography and CT hepatic arteriography; in cases where, although the major lesions were treated, some lesion(s) were not treated, follow-up superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging was additionally performed. All images were assessed for differences in lesion detection and characterization (specific lesion type) by on-site readers and 3, blinded (off-site) reviewers. All adverse events (AEs) occurring within 72 hours after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration were reported.. Overall, 9.6% of patients who received Gd-EOB-DTPA reported 21 drug-related AEs. A total of 151 patients were included in the efficacy analysis. Combined MR imaging showed statistically higher sensitivity in lesion detection (67.5%-79.5%) than unenhanced MR imaging (46.5%-59.1%; P < 0.05 for all). Combined MR imaging also showed higher sensitivity in lesion detection than CT (61.1%-73.0%), with the results being statistically significant (P < 0.05) for on-site readers and 2 of 3 blinded readers. Higher sensitivity in lesion detection with combined MR imaging compared with CT was also clearly demonstrated in the following subgroups: lesions with a diameter

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Dextrans; Female; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Japan; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Tomography, Spiral Computed

Background Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI enables estimation of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The functional liver imaging score (FLIS), derived from gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, has been shown to predict transplant-free survival in liver transplant patients. Purpose To investigate the accuracy of the FLIS for predicting hepatic decompensation and transplant-free survival in patients with CLD. Materials and Methods Patients with CLD who had undergone gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI, including T1-weighted volume-interpolated breath-hold examination sequences with fat suppression, performed between 2011 and 2015 were included. FLIS was assigned on the basis of the sum of three hepatobiliary phase features, each scored on an ordinal 0-2 scale: hepatic enhancement, biliary excretion, and the signal intensity in the portal vein. Patients were stratified into the following three groups according to fibrosis stage and a presence or history of hepatic decompensation: nonadvanced CLD, compensated advanced CLD (CACLD), and decompensated advanced CLD (DACLD). The predictive value of FLIS for first and/or further hepatic decompensation and for transplant-free survival was investigated by using Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analysis. Results This study evaluated 265 patients (53 years ± 14 [standard deviation]; 164 men). Intraobserver (κ = 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 0.99) and interobserver (κ = 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.90, 0.95) agreement for FLIS were excellent. In patients with CACLD, the FLIS was independently predictive of a first hepatic decompensation (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 12.6;

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Liver; Liver Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies

The primary objective was to compare the performance of 3 different abbreviated MRI (AMRI) sets extracted from a complete gadoxetate-enhanced MRI obtained for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. Secondary objective was to perform a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis, comparing each AMRI set to published ultrasound performance for HCC screening in the USA.. This retrospective study included 237 consecutive patients (M/F, 146/91; mean age, 58 years) with chronic liver disease who underwent a complete gadoxetate-enhanced MRI for HCC screening in 2017 in a single institution. Two radiologists independently reviewed 3 AMRI sets extracted from the complete exam: non-contrast (NC-AMRI: T2-weighted imaging (T2wi)+diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)), dynamic-AMRI (Dyn-AMRI: T2wi+DWI+dynamic T1wi), and hepatobiliary phase AMRI (HBP-AMRI: T2wi+DWI+T1wi during the HBP). Each patient was classified as HCC-positive/HCC-negative based on the reference standard, which consisted in all available patient data. Diagnostic performance for HCC detection was compared between sets. Estimated set characteristics, including historical ultrasound data, were incorporated into a microsimulation model for cost-effectiveness analysis.. The reference standard identified 13/237 patients with HCC (prevalence, 5.5%; mean size, 33.7 ± 30 mm). Pooled sensitivities were 61.5% for NC-AMRI (95% confidence intervals, 34.4-83%), 84.6% for Dyn-AMRI (60.8-95.1%), and 80.8% for HBP-AMRI (53.6-93.9%), without difference between sets (p range, 0.06-0.16). Pooled specificities were 95.5% (92.4-97.4%), 99.8% (98.4-100%), and 94.9% (91.6-96.9%), respectively, with a significant difference between Dyn-AMRI and the other sets (p < 0.01). All AMRI methods were effective compared with ultrasound, with life-year gain of 3-12 months against incremental costs of US$ < 12,000.. NC-AMRI has limited sensitivity for HCC detection, while HBP-AMRI and Dyn-AMRI showed excellent sensitivity and specificity, the latter being slightly higher for Dyn-AMRI. Cost-effectiveness estimates showed that AMRI is effective compared with ultrasound.. • Comparison of different abbreviated MRI (AMRI) sets reconstructed from a complete gadoxetate MRI demonstrated that non-contrast AMRI has low sensitivity (61.5%) compared with contrast-enhanced AMRI (80.8% for hepatobiliary phase AMRI and 84.6% for dynamic AMRI), with all sets having high specificity. • Non-contrast and hepatobiliary phase AMRI can be performed in less than 14 min (including set-up time), while dynamic AMRI can be performed in less than 17 min. • All AMRI sets were cost-effective for HCC screening in at-risk population in comparison with ultrasound.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Young Adult

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase (HBP) is useful in liver MRI, but sometimes shows insufficient liver enhancement. There is no established method to predict insufficient liver enhancement before the contrast injection.. To reveal the utility of the Bayesian method for predicting patients with insufficient liver enhancement in the gadoxetic acid-enhanced HBP.. Retrospective.. In all, 576 patients with chronic liver disease.. 3T/3D gradient-echo T. The patients were divided into two groups: insufficient and sufficient liver enhancement in HBP according to the liver-to-portal vein signal intensity ratio. Various parameters, including liver function tests and liver stiffness by MRE, were evaluated as predictors of insufficient liver enhancement.. We used Chi-square/Student's t-test/logistic regression analysis to determine independent associates, and Bayes' theorem to estimate the probability of insufficient (or sufficient) liver enhancement. The feasibility of Bayesian prediction of insufficient liver enhancement was tested by leave-one-out cross-validation to calculate sensitivity and specificity for single variables and combinations of some variables in all patients and in a subpopulation showing a confidence level of >80%.. Independent associates of insufficient liver enhancement in HBP included: serum albumin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.82, P < 0.001), total bilirubin (OR = 0.30, P < 0.00), platelet count (OR = 1.54, P < 0.00), and liver stiffness by MRE (OR = 0.59, P < 0.00). The accuracy of Bayesian prediction of insufficient liver enhancement was 80.9% (466/576) for the single parameter of albumin and 79.0% (455/576) for total bilirubin, and was increased to 85.2% (487/576) for a combination of albumin, total bilirubin, and liver stiffness. In patients who showed a confidence level of >80%, the accuracy was 89.0% (439/493) for the above combination.. Bayesian prediction was useful to predict patients with insufficient enhancement by combining serum liver function tests and liver stiffness by MRE.. 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:62-69.

Topics: Aged; Bayes Theorem; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Liver; Liver Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

To examine inter- and intra-observer agreement for four simple hepatobiliary phase (HBP)-based scores on gadoxetic acid (GA)-enhanced MRI and their correlation with liver function in patients with mixed chronic liver disease (CLD).. This single-center, retrospective study included 287 patients (62% male, 38% female, mean age 53.5 ± 13.7 years) with mixed CLD (20.9% hepatitis C, 19.2% alcoholic liver disease, 8% hepatitis B) who underwent GA-enhanced MRI of the liver for clinical care between 2010 and 2015. Relative liver enhancement (RLE), contrast uptake index (CUI), hepatic uptake index (HUI), and liver-to-spleen contrast index (LSI) were calculated by two radiologists independently using unenhanced and GA-enhanced HPB (obtained 20 min after GA administration) images; 50 patients selected at random were reviewed twice by one reader to assess intra-observer reliability. Agreement was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD), and the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score were calculated as standards of reference for hepatic function.. Intra-observer ICCs ranged from 0.814 (0.668-0.896) for CUI to 0.969 (0.945-0.983) for RLE. Inter-observer ICCs ranged from 0.777 (0.605-0.874) for HUI to 0.979 (0.963-0.988) for RLE. All HBP-based scores correlated significantly (all p < 0.001) with the ALBI, MELD, and CTP scores and were able to discriminate patients with a MELD score ≥ 15 versus ≤ 14, with area under the curve values ranging from 0.760 for RLE to 0.782 for HUI.. GA-enhanced, MRI-derived, HBP-based parameters showed excellent inter- and intra-observer agreement. All HBP-based parameters correlated with clinical and laboratory scores of hepatic dysfunction, with no significant differences between each other.. • Radiological parameters that quantify the hepatic uptake of gadoxetic acid are highly reproducible. • These parameters can be used interchangeably because they correlate with each other and with scores of hepatic dysfunction. • Assessment of these parameters may be helpful in monitoring disease progression.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Young Adult

In cirrhotic patients, the characterization of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance images (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI), is essential to look for the proper approach strategy. Our objective was to evaluate the imaging features and risk assessment of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, focusing on the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).. This prospective study includes 35 patients with 50 hypovascular hypointense nodules. Signal intensity on T2-weighted images and DWI, vascular pattern on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and on hepatobiliary phase, and volume doubling time were analyzed for each nodule as well as patient's clinical features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were made to determine the variables associated with the development of hypervascular pattern.. On 24 months follow-up period, 40% of the hypointense nodules (mean size 14 mm ± 6.1) became hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with 6 and 12 months cumulative risk of 45 and 55%. Nine/12 (75%, mean size 15.50 mm ± 7.2) that appeared hyperintense in DWI at first exam show malignant transformation (p value = 0.007). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified hyperintensity at initial DWI (OR 6.49; 95% CI 1.28-32.80; p value = 0.009) and size ≥10 mm (OR 6.22; 95% CI 1.57-24.63; p value = 0.024) as independent factors with the development of HCC.. In conclusion, hypovascular lesions ≥10 mm and those hyperintense in DWI were associated with progression to hypervascular HCC. A close follow-up or histological characterization is recommended to improve patients outcome and to develop effective treatment.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Disease Progression; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment

To evaluate value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI for distinguishing malignant from benign hyperintense nodules on unenhanced T1-weighted images (T1WIs) in patients with chronic liver disease.. Forty-two patients with 37 malignant and 41 benign hyperintense nodules on unenhanced T1WIs who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced and DW MRI, followed by histopathological examination, were included. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. Significant findings on univariate and multivariate analyses were identified and their diagnostic performances were analyzed for predicting hyperintense hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced and DW MRI may be helpful for differentiating malignant from benign hyperintense nodules on unenhanced T1WI.

Topics: Aged; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

To compare agreement between region-of-interest (ROI)- and parametric map-based methods of hepatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) estimation in adults with known or suspected hepatic steatosis secondary to chronic liver disease over a range of imaging and analysis conditions.. In this IRB approved HIPAA compliant prospective single-site study, 31 adults with chronic liver disease undergoing clinical gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T were recruited. Multi-echo gradient-echo imaging at flip angles of 10° and 50° was performed before and after administration of gadoxetic acid. Six echoes were acquired at successive nominally out-of-phase and in-phase echo times. PDFF was estimated with a nonlinear fitting algorithm using the first two, three, four, five, and (all) six echoes. Hence, 20 different imaging and analysis conditions were used (pre/post contrast x low/high flip angle x 2/3/4/5/6 echoes). For each condition, PDFF estimation was done in corresponding liver locations using two methods: a region-of-interest (ROI)-based method in which mean signal intensity values within ROIs were run through the fitting algorithm, and a parametric map-based method in which individual signal intensities were run through the fitting algorithm pixel by pixel. Agreement between ROI- and map-based PDFF estimation was assessed by Bland-Altman and intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis.. Depending on the condition and method, PDFF ranged from -2.52% to 45.57%. Over all conditions, mean differences between ROI- and map-based PDFF estimates ranged from 0.04% to 0.24%, with all ICCs ≥0.999.. Agreement between ROI- and parametric map-based PDFF estimation is excellent over a wide range of imaging and analysis conditions.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Algorithms; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatty Liver; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies

The aim of this study was to validate the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2014 category 4 (LR-4) and 5 (LR-5) criteria on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic liver disease.. Between January and December 2012, 300 patients with chronic liver disease who had hepatic nodules 3.0 cm or smaller at surveillance ultrasonography and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI were included. LI-RADS category was retrospectively assigned to each nodule on MRI. Final diagnosis was assessed using pathologic diagnosis only (operation or core-needle biopsy) or pathologic and clinical diagnosis (marginal recurrence after treatment or a change in lesion size on follow-up imaging). To validate the LR-4 and LR-5 criteria, the sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and false referral rate for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma were examined.. Based on major imaging features only, 137 nodules were initially assigned as LR-3, but 133 (97.1%) were upgraded into LR-4 by the presence of ancillary features. Excluding the remaining 4 LR-3 and 3 LR-M nodules, we analyzed 379 nodules in 294 patients, consisting of 211 LR-4 and 168 LR-5 nodules. Using pathologic diagnosis only, the sensitivity and PPV with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LR-5 were higher than those for LR-4 (57.3% [50.6-63.7] vs 42.7% [36.3-49.4]; 94.6% [89.0-97.5] vs 82.0% [73.7-88.1]), with a lower false referral rate (5.4% [2.5-11.0] vs 18.0% [11.9-26.3]). Using pathologic and clinical diagnosis, PPV and 95% CI for LR-5 were higher than that for LR-4 (95.2% [90.7-97.7] vs 79.1% [73.1-84.1]), whereas sensitivity and 95% CI for LR-5 was similar to that for LR-4 (48.9% [43.6-54.3] vs 51.1% [45.7-56.4]).. In patients with chronic liver disease, LR-5 criteria on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI had excellent PPV for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas LR-4 criteria showed good PPV, but are only of limited use.

Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Radiology Information Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity

To clarify whether the heterogeneity of non-cancerous liver parenchyma (NLP) in the hepatobiliary phase on gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and the requirements for informed consent were waived for this retrospective study. The imaging characteristics of 84 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T MRI between January 2013 and October 2014 were examined retrospectively. For the evaluation of the heterogeneity of the intensity in the hepatobiliary phase, the largest possible region of interest was placed on the NLP, and the skewness and kurtosis were calculated using ImageJ software. Skewness is the degree of asymmetry of a histogram, and kurtosis is a measure of the peak. Based on the median values of kurtosis and skewness, the patients were classified into four categories and the categories were compared between the 49 patients with HCC (HCC group) and the 35 patients without HCC (non-HCC group).. Kurtosis was significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the non-HCC group (1.19±1.15 versus 0.43±0.83; p=0.0006). Skewness was significantly lower in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group (1.19±1.15 versus 0.43±0.83; p=0.0152). In a multivariate logistic analysis, the category showing lower-than-the-median (-0.1185) skewness and higher-than-the-median (0.547) kurtosis was significantly and independently associated with HCC development (p=0.0031).. The heterogeneity of NLP in the hepatobiliary phase on gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI may reflect the development of HCC.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Logistic Models; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult

To investigate the utility of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2014 for intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinomas (IMCC) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).. This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board with waiver of informed consent. Pathologically confirmed IMCCs (n = 35) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (n = 71) in patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis who had undergone gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0T or 1.5T MRI were included. Three radiologists independently assigned LI-RADS categories for each IMCC or HCC. Diagnostic performances of LR-M (probable malignancy, not specific for HCC) and LR-5/5v (definitely HCC) were investigated, and imaging features were compared between IMCCs of LR-M and non-LR-M.. In all, 88.6% (31/35), 80.0% (28/35), and 74.3% (26/35) of IMCCs and 12.7% (9/71), 22.5% (16/71), and 16.9% (12/71) of HCCs were assigned as LR-M by the three reviewers with substantial interobserver agreements (kappa = 0.664-0.741). Among IMCCs, 2.9% (1/35), 5.7% (2/35), and 11.4% (4/35) were categorized as LR-5/5v. IMCCs of non-LR-M (n = 8, using the consensus method) were significantly smaller (24.1 ± 17.4 vs. 62.8 ± 30.6 mm, P = 0.002) and showed higher frequencies of arterial hyperenhancement (75.0% (6/8) vs. 7.4% (2/27), P < 0.001) and lower frequencies of non-HCC malignancy-favoring features such as peripheral enhancement (12.5% (1/8) vs. 77.8% (21/27), P = 0.002) or the target appearance on the hepatobiliary phase (0% (0/8) vs. 81.5% (22/27), P < 0.001) than IMCCs of LR-M (n = 27).. Using LI-RADS, the majority of IMCCs can be accurately categorized as LR-M on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI; however, caution is warranted, as some atypical IMCCs may be assigned as LR-5/5v resulting in a false-positive diagnosis of HCC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1330-1338.

Topics: Algorithms; Cholangiocarcinoma; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Information Storage and Retrieval; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Radiology Information Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Software

To compare four imaging approaches in cirrhotic estimation; pre-enhancement T1 relaxation time (T1RT), reduction rate (RR) of T1RT, signal-based liver-to-muscle ratio (L/M ratio) on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of US elastography.. Consecutive 58 patients with chronic liver diseases who underwent both Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and FibroScan were analyzed. Four imaging approaches were evaluated by fibrosis score from liver biopsy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.. RR was found to be inversely correlated with LSM (r = -0.65). RR decreased with degree of fibrosis (F0-F1, 58.5 ± 6.2%, versus F2-F3-F4, 48.8 ± 11.7%, P = 0.010, F0-F1-F2, 58.2 ± 6.2% versus F3-F4, 45.5 ± 12.3%, P = 0.010 and F0-F1, 58.5 ± 6.2%, versus F2-F3, 52.1 ± 12.0%, P = 0.0038). LSM increased with degree of fibrosis (F0-F1, 5.4 ± 2.2 kPa versus F2-F3-F3, 19.3 ± 15.5 kPa, P = 0.0011 and F0-F1-F2, 6.8 ± 3.6 kPa versus F3-F4, 23.8 ± 17.1 kPa, P = 0.0029 and F0-F1, 5.4 ± 2.2 kPa, versus F2-F3, 11.4 ± 7.2 kPa, P = 0.0098). Area under ROC curves were 0.83 (F3-F4), 0.72 (F2-F3-F4), 0.68 (F2-F3) for RR and 0.83 (F3-F4), 0.88 (F2-F3-F4), 0.81 (F2-F3) for LSM in discriminating between patients with fibrosis.. The capability by LSM was better than those by RR of T1RT, pre-enhancement T1RT, and L/M ratio to differentiate F ≥ 2, but LSM and RR of T1RT showed the same value to differentiate F ≥ 3.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged

With the advent of 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), many subcentimeter hepatic nodules have been frequently detected in patients with chronic liver disease, and the prediction of subcentimeter nodules that progress to hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important.. To reveal the imaging features of subcentimeter hypointense nodules on gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MR images in patients with chronic liver disease that may be related with progression to hypervascular HCC.. This study included 109 patients with 135 subcentimeter hypointense nodules (103 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs] and 32 benign nodules) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase. For each subcentimeter nodule, the following imaging features were analyzed: (i) hyperintensity on T2-weighted (T2W) image or DWI; (ii) arterial hypervascularization; and (iii) hypointensity on a portal or late phase. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of those imaging features for predicting subcentimeter nodules that progressed to hypervascular HCC were evaluated. Volume doubling time (VDT) of subcentimeter nodules that progressed to hypervascular HCC was compared to that of growing benign nodules.. Arterial hypervascularization with washout yielded the highest specificity (90.6%) and PPV (95.4%) for prediction of subcentimeter nodules that progressed to hypervascular HCC. Combining hyperintensity on T2W image or DWI and arterial hypervascularization with washout did not raise the specificity (90.6%) for prediction of subcentimeter nodules that progressed to hypervascular HCC. Mean VDT (112.2 ± 106.3 days) of subcentimeter nodules that progressed to hypervascular HCC during follow-up was significantly shorter than those of benign subcentimeter nodules (1258 ± 766.5 days, P < 0.001).. Arterial hypervascularization with washout in subcentimeter hypointense nodules on gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase in patients with chronic liver disease is strongly related with progression to hypervascular HCC.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Disease Progression; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity

To compare the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, including those on diffusion-weighted (DW) and T2-weighted images, in differentiating between hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodules seen as hypointense nodules at hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging.. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the need to obtain informed patient consent. There were 53 patients (39 men and 14 women; age range, 32-75 years) with histologically proven hypovascular HCCs (n = 25) and/or dysplastic nodules (n = 31) who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0-T between March 2011 and January 2014. Images of 25 HCCs and 31 dysplastic nodules were analyzed for nodule size; signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted, portal venous phase, and DW (b value = 800 sec/mm(2)) images; and intralesional fat. Correlations between the hyperintensity grade of lesions and the liver-to-lesion signal intensity ratio at T2-weighted and DW imaging were determined by means of analysis with generalized estimating equations.. Hyperintensity at T2-weighted and DW imaging and hypointensity in the portal venous phase were significant features for differentiating hypovascular HCCs from dysplastic nodules (P < .05). The sensitivity of DW imaging tended to be higher than that of T2-weighted imaging (72.0% [18 of 25] vs 40.0% [10 of 25]; P = .008 for grade 2 and 3 hyperintensity). Use of the parameter of hyperintensity similar to or slightly lower than the signal intensity of the spleen on DW images (b value = 800 sec/mm(2)) yielded a specificity of 100% (31 of 31) for the diagnosis of hypovascular HCC by differentiating it from a dysplastic nodule.. Hyperintensity at DW imaging could be a useful MR imaging feature for differentiating hypovascular HCCs from dysplastic nodules seen as hypointense nodules at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies

To determine which dynamic phase(s) of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI is most appropriate to assess "washout" in the noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on hemodynamic pattern.. In this retrospective cohort study, 288 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease presented with 387 arterially enhancing nodules (292 HCCs, 95 non-HCCs) (≥1 cm) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. All HCCs were confirmed by histopathology or by their typical enhancement pattern on dynamic liver CT. MR imaging diagnosis of HCC was made using criteria of arterial enhancement and hypointensity relative to the surrounding parenchyma (1) on the portal-venous phase (PVP), (2) on the PVP and/or transitional phase (TP), or (3) on the PVP and/or TP, and/or hepatobiliary phase (HBP).. For the noninvasive diagnosis of HCC, criterion 1 provided significantly higher specificity (97.9%; 95% confidence interval, 92.6 - 99.7%) than criteria 2 (86.3%; 77.7 - 92.5%), or 3 (48.4%; 38.0 - 58.9%). Conversely, higher sensitivity was obtained with criterion 3 (93.8%; 90.4 - 96.3%) than with criterion 2 (86.6%; 82.2 - 90.3%) or 1 (70.9%; 65.3 - 76.0%).. To make a sufficiently specific diagnosis of HCC using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI based on typical enhancement features, washout should be determined on the PVP alone rather than combined with hypointensity on the TP or HBP.. • Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI enhancement features can be used to diagnose HCC. • Washout should be determined on the PVP alone for high specificity. • Hypointensity on the TP or HBP increases sensitivity but lowers specificity.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Portal Vein; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Young Adult

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI in diagnosing viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors treated with radiotherapy in patients with chronic liver disease.. Twenty-nine patients with viable tumor and 35 patients without viable tumor were enrolled. We assessed the signal intensity of viable tumor compared with irradiated liver on MRI and DWI. Signal intensity ratios and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios of viable tumor to nonirradiated liver were also assessed on DWI with ADC maps. Two observers reviewed conventional MRI and combined MRI and DWI and rated them using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.. Viable tumors showed hyperintensity on T2-weighted and arterial phase images (16/29 [55.2%]) and hypointensity on portal (22/29 [75.9%]), 3-minute late (19/29 [65.5%]), and hepatobiliary phase (23/29 [79.3%]) images. Twenty-seven (93.1%) viable tumors showed hyperintensity on DWI and hypointensity on ADC maps. Mean signal intensity ratios and ADC ratios of viable tumor on DWI with ADC maps were significantly higher and lower than those of irradiated liver. Diagnostic performance (area under the ROC curve) improved significantly after adding DWI, and interobserver agreement was moderate for conventional MRI (κ = 0.450) and good after adding DWI (κ = 0.748).. Adding DWI to conventional MRI can improve the detection of viable HCC tumors treated with radiotherapy compared to conventional MRI alone.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for the progression of hyperintense nodules, observed in the hepatobiliary phase of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI), to hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).. Hypovascular nodules (n = 157) showing hyperintensity in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were examined in 41 patients. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) during hepatic arteriography and CT during arterial portography within one month of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. The incidence of progression to hypervascular or classical HCC was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.. Tumor size was determined by univariate and multivariate analysis to be an important risk factor of hypervascularization (p = 0.041, odds ratio 1.135). The cumulative incidences of hypervascularization in hypovascular nodules showing hyperintensity on the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were 2.4, 4.5, and 6.2 % at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The incidence of hypervascularization was significantly increased in nodules >10 mm in diameter (p = 0.00035).. In patients with chronic liver disease, hypovascular nodules presenting as hyperintense in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and >10 mm in diameter have malignant potential for progression to hypervascular HCC and require careful management.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Contrast Media; Disease Progression; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Incidence; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

To investigate the feasibility of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography in chronic obstructive cholestatic biliary disease in the clinical setting.. Twenty-three patients with dilated bile duct trees and ten volunteers underwent gadoxetate disodium-enhanced liver MR cholangiography and were enrolled in the present retrospective study. Gadoxetate disodium was given in a standardized manner as a bolus injection at a dose of 0.25 mmol/kg of body weight (0.1 ml/kg). Region of interest-based measurement of mean enhancement of the dilated bile ducts was performed in series before gadoxetate disodium administration and during hepatobiliary phases.. Direct comparison of mean bile duct enhancement during hepatobiliary phases in the clinical imaging window between healthy volunteers [4.7 ± 2.2 arbitrary units (au)] and patients with dilated bile ducts (0.1 ± 0.3 au) revealed significantly lower or absent enhancement in dilated bile ducts (p = 0.001).. Standard clinical gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR cholangiography is not a reliable technique for the evaluation of the biliary trees, because of altered biliary gadoxetate disodium elimination in patients with chronic obstructive biliary diseases.

Topics: Adult; Bile Duct Diseases; Bile Ducts; Cholangiography; Cholestasis; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Feasibility Studies; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Retrospective Studies

To examine if liver stiffness measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease.. By reviewing the records of magnetic resonance (MR) examinations performed at our institution, we selected 301 patients with chronic liver disease who did not have a previous medical history of HCC. All patients underwent MRE and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging. HCC was identified on MR images in 66 of the 301 patients, who were matched to controls from the remaining patients without HCC according to age. MRE images were obtained by visualising elastic waves generated in the liver by pneumatic vibration transferred via a cylindrical passive driver. Risk factors of HCC development were determined by the odds ratio with logistic regression analysis; gender and liver stiffness by MRE and serum levels of aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alpha-fetoprotein, and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II.. Multivariate analysis revealed that only liver stiffness by MRE was a significant risk factor for HCC with an odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) of 1.38 (1.05-1.84).. Liver stiffness measured by MRE is an independent risk factor for HCC in patients with chronic liver disease.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Case-Control Studies; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Logistic Models; Male; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Statistics, Nonparametric

Gadoxetic acid and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is increasingly used for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is relevant to refine the diagnostic parameters for HCC, using state-of-the-art imaging techniques.. To validate usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI for diagnosis of small HCC by differentiation from dysplastic nodule (DN) or regenerative nodule (RN) in cirrhotic patients with strongly suspected small HCC.. One hundred and eight patients with 102 HCCs and 29 benign nodules including 21 DNs and two large RNs (≤ 2.0 cm), and 40 patients with no HCC underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI. All patients also underwent MDCT. Index MR criteria for HCC were: (i) arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) with hyperintensity on DWI; (ii) hypovascular nodule with hyperintensity on DWI; (iii) arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on HBP without hyperintensity on DWI; (iv) arterial hyperenhancement and either iso- or hyperintensity on HBP, with hyperintensity on DWI; and (v) hyperintensity only on DWI. According to these criteria, MRI findings for HCCs and benign nodules were independently classified by two reviewers.. On multidetector-row computed tomography, 64 HCCs (62.7%) showed typical features for HCC while 13 (12.8%) were not identified. On MRI, 84 HCCs (82.4%) showed arterial hyperenhancement and hypointensity on HBP, and hyperintensity on DWI. Eight HCCs were regarded as hypovascular HCCs with hyperintensity DWI (category 2). One HCC (0.6 cm in diameter) was demonstrated only by DWI. For each observer, 101 (99.0%) and 100 HCCs (98.0%) were discernible when applying all MRI criteria for HCC, respectively. Three DNs also fit the HCC criteria, thus the specificity was 90.9% for both observers.. With the HCC criteria based on combined gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI, it is possible to reliably diagnose small HCC including hypovascular HCCs.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Observer Variation; Sensitivity and Specificity

To investigate the chronological relationship between scan delay and liver enhancement for the hepatobiliary phase on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and evaluate the effects of liver function on liver enhancement.. Hepatobiliary-phase images were retrospectively evaluated in 125 patients with chronic liver disease. Hepatobiliary phase images were obtained at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after injection. We calculated relative liver enhancement (RLE) at t min after injection by dividing the signal intensity (SI) of the liver at t min by precontrast SI. We compared RLE values at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min and evaluated the detectability of focal hepatic lesions. We analyzed the effect of liver function on RLE with the generalized linear model.. There was not significant difference in RLE and lesion detectability at 15 and 20 min. RLE in the Child-Pugh C group was significantly lower than in the Child-Pugh A and B groups. The serum albumin level and prothrombin time were significantly correlated with the liver enhancement.. A delay time of 15 min for the hepatobiliary phase was thought to be adequate in patients with mild liver dysfunction. The serum albumin level and prothrombin time would be predictive of liver enhancement in the hepatobiliary phase.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Enhancement; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Function Tests; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors

To compare the diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI using 3.0 T with that of multiphasic 64-multirow detector CT (MDCT) for the detection of small (≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease.. A total of 54 patients (44 men, 10 women; age range, 33-81 years) with 59 HCCs (≤2 cm in diameter) who underwent both multiphasic (arterial, portal venous, equilibrium) 64-MDCT and gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0 T MRI were enrolled in this study. Two observers independently and randomly reviewed the MR and CT images on a lesion-by-lesion basis. The diagnostic performance of these techniques for the detection of HCC was assessed by alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, in addition to evaluating the sensitivity and positive predictive value.. For each observer, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.874 and 0.863 for MRI, respectively, as opposed to 0.660 and 0.687 for CT, respectively. The differences between the two techniques were statistically significant for each observer (p<0.001). The sensitivities (89.8% and 86.4%) of MRI for both observers were significantly higher than those (57.6% and 61.0% for each observer, respectively) of MDCT. No significant difference was seen between the positive predictive values for the two techniques (p>0.05).. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3.0 T MRI shows a better diagnostic performance than that of 64-MDCT for the detection of small (≤2 cm) HCCs in patients with chronic liver disease.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Incidence; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Neoplasm Staging; Observer Variation; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for the progression of hypointense nodules observed in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI) of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).. Hypovascular nodules (112) showing hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were examined in 54 patients. All patients underwent computed tomography during hepatic arteriography and computed tomography during arterial portography (CTAP) within a month after Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. According to the tumor size, 112 nodules were divided into two groups: those >10 mm in diameter (group A, n = 39) and those ≤10 mm in diameter (group B, n = 73). The incidence of progression to hypervascular HCC was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.. The incidence of hypervascularization was significantly higher in group A nodules than in group B nodules (p < 0.0001). Tumor size (p < 0.0001) and hypoattenuation in CTAP (p = 0.0004) showed significant correlation with hypervascularization.. Hypointense nodules observed in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI with diameters of >10 mm had a high probability of hypervascularization.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Disease Progression; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors

determine the effect of double-dose gadoxetic-acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) on lesion-liver contrast ratio in arterial- and hepatocyte-phase images and arterial-phase image quality in patients with chronic liver disease.. the ethics committee at our institute approved this study. This study included 28 patients (13 with Child-Pugh class A and 15 with class B) with 54 hepatocellular carcinomas. All patients received the standard Gd-EOB-DTPA dose (0.025 mmol/kg bodyweight) and double dose (0.050 mmol/kg bodyweight). The lesion-liver contrast ratio was evaluated in arterial- and hepatocyte-phase images. The artifacts in arterial-phase images were evaluated with a 4-point scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for comparisons.. the hepatocyte-phase lesion-liver contrast ratio after the double dose was significantly higher than that after the standard dose in patients with Child-Pugh class B disease(standard dose vs. double dose; 0.20 ± 0.16 vs. 0.25 ± 0.17; P < 0.0001); however, the ratio after both the standard and double doses was equivalent in patients with Child-Pugh class A disease (0.35 ± 0.18 vs. 0.35 ± 0.14; P = 0.3038). The double dose significantly increased the arterial-phase lesion-liver contrast ratio (0.34 ± 0.19 vs. 0.58 ± 0.33; P < 0.0001). The artifacts in the arterial-phase images were more prominent after the standard dose (2.7 vs. 2.4 for reader 1, 2.8 vs. 2.4 for reader 2; P = 0.0195 and 0.0010).. administration of double dose of Gd-EOB-DTPA provided better arterial enhancement of hepatocellular carcinomas in patients with chronic liver disease, and also improved the lesion-liver contrast in hepatocyte-phase images in patients with Child-Pugh class B disease.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Statistics as Topic; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The purpose of this study was to determine the finding most predictive for characterizing hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring 1 cm or less at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI that includes diffusion-weighted images.. In this retrospective study, between May 2008 and June 2009, 66 patients with 108 hypervascular HCCs 1 cm or smaller underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3-T MRI that included diffusion-weighted images. The diagnosis of HCC was determined by surgical resection in 32 cases, percutaneous biopsy in three cases, or interval growth to larger than 1 cm on follow-up images in accordance with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines in 73 cases. MRI findings of HCC and 33 benign hypervascular lesions in a control group were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus. They based their assessments on the presence or absence of the following five findings: hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted images with low b values, washout pattern, capsular enhancement, and hypointensity on gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase images. The findings were compared by use of univariate and multivariate analyses.. No HCC with capsular enhancement was found. Fifty-seven HCCs (52.8%) had four findings, 36 (33.3%) had three, nine (8.3%) had two findings, and six (5.6%) had one finding. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the HCC and control groups with respect to four findings (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that hyperintensity on T2-weighted (p < 0.0001) and diffusion-weighted (p = 0.0081) images were statistically significant MRI findings for predicting HCC.. Hyperintensity on both T2- and diffusion-weighted images is helpful in the diagnosis of hypervascular HCC smaller than 1 cm in diameter.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Contrast Media; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gadolinium DTPA; Humans; Liver Diseases; Liver Neoplasms; Logistic Models; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies