Current role of ultrasound for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has a decisive influence on the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.Although α-fetoprotein(AFP)is a known and specific tumor maker for HCC,it is not suitable for the screening and surveillance of HCC because of its poor predictive value and low sensitivity.The use of imaging modalities is essential for the screening,diagnosis and treatment of HCC.Ultrasound(US)plays a major role among them,because it provides realtime and non-invasive observation by a simple and easy technique.In addition, US-guided needle puncture methods are frequently required for the diagnosis and/or treatment process of HCC.The development of digital technology has led to the detection of blood flow by color Doppler US, and the sensitivity for detecting tumor vascularity has shown remarkable improvement with the introduction of microbubble contrast agents.Moreover,near real- time 3-dimensional US images are now available.As for the treatment of HCC,high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)was developed as a novel technology that provides a transcutaneous ablation effect without needle puncture.These advancements in the US field have led to rapid progress in HCC management,and continuing advances are expected.This article reviews the current application of US for HCC in clinical practice.

Doppler study of hepatic vein in cirrhotic patients:Correlation with liver dysfunction and hepatic hemodynamics

AIM: To elucidate the significance of Doppler measurements of hepatic vein in cirrhotic patients and to correlate with liver dysfunction and hepatic hemodynamics. METHODS: One hundred patients with liver cirrhosis and 60 non-cirrhotic controls were studied. Doppler waveforms were obtained from right hepatic vein and flow velocity measured during quiet respiration. Doppler measurements were also obtained from portal trunk, right portal vein and proper hepatic artery. RESULTS: Hepatic vein waveforms were classified into three classical patterns. Flat waveform was uncommon. Mean hepatic vein velocity was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (12.7 ± 6.4 vs 5.1 ± 2.1 and 6.2 ± 3.2 cm/s; P < 0.0001). The poorer the grade of cirrhosis, the higher was the mean velocity. Maximum forward velocity was never greater than 40 cm/s in controls. Degree of ascites was found to be highly correlated with mean velocity. “Very high” group (≥ 20 cm/s) presented clinically with moderate to massive ascites. Correlations between right portal flow and mean velocity was significant (P < 0.0001, r = 0.687). CONCLUSION: Doppler waveforms of hepatic vein, which is independent of liver dysfunction, should be obtained during normal respiration. Mean hepatic vein velocity reflects the change in hepatic circulation associated with progression of liver cirrhosis. It can be used as a new parameter in the assessment of liver cirrhosis.

Reversed portal flow: Clinical influence on the long-term outcomes in cirrhosis

AIM: To elucidate the natural history and the longitudinal outcomes in cirrhotic patients with non-forward portal flow(NFPF).METHODS: The present retrospective study consisted of 222 cirrhotic patients(120 males and 102 females; age, 61.7 ± 11.1 years). The portal hemodynamics were evaluated at baseline and during the observation period using both pulsed and color Doppler ultrasonography. The diameter(mm), flow direction, mean flow velocity(cm/s), and mean flow volume(m L/min) were assessed at the portal trunk, the splenic vein, the superior mesenteric vein, and the collateral vessels. The average values from 2 to 4 measurements were used for the data analysis. The portal flow direction was defined as follows: forward portal flow(FPF) for continuous hepatopetal flow; bidirectional flow for to-and-fro flow; and reversed flow for continuous hepatofugal flow. The bidirectional flow and the reversed flow were classified as NFPF in this study. The clinical findings and prognosis were compared between the patients with FPF and those with NFPF. The median follow-up period was 40.9 mo(range, 0.3-156.5 mo).RESULTS: Twenty-four patients(10.8%) demonstrated NFPF, accompanied by lower albumin level, worse ChildPugh scores, and model for end-stage liver disease scores. The portal hemodynamic features in the patients with NFPF were smaller diameter of the portal trunk;presence of short gastric vein, splenorenal shunt, or inferior mesenteric vein; and advanced collateral vessels(diameter > 8.7 mm, flow velocity > 10.2 cm/s, and flow volume > 310 m L/min). The cumulative incidence rates of NFPF were 6.5% at 1 year, 14.5% at 3 years, and 23.1% at 5 years. The collateral vessels characterized by flow velocity > 9.5 cm/s and those located at the splenic hilum were significant predictive factors for developing NFPF. The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in the patients with NFPF(72.2% at 1 year, 38.5% at 3 years, 38.5% at 5 years) than in those with forward portal flow(84.0% at 1 year, 67.8% at 3 years, 54.3% at 5 years, P = 0.0123) using the Child-Pugh B and C classifications.CONCLUSION: NFPF has a significant negative effect on the prognosis of patients with worse liver function reserve, suggesting the need for careful management.

Ablation for Benign Liver Tumors:Current Concepts and Limitations

Percutaneous ablation under imaging guidance is a curative treatment that can induce complete tumor necrosis with advantages of minimal invasiveness and a low risk of complications.Thermal ablation,which includes radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation,is a representative technique that has sufficient antitumor effects in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with≤3 lesions measuring≤3 cm and preserved liver function.The short-and long-term outcomes of patients are comparable with those achieved with surgical resection.Despite their nonmalignant nature,some benign liver tumors require treatment for symptoms caused by the presence of the tumor and/or continuous enlargement.Ablation may be the treatment of choice because it has lower burden on patients than surgical treatment.This review describes the recent concepts,progress,and limitations of ablation-based treatment for benign liver tumors.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG)measurement:Tips and pitfalls of hepatic venous catheterization

1|INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension is the main pathophysiology of chronic liver disease.The severity of portal hypertension depends on portal venous pressure,which is associated with various manifestations such as gastroesophageal varices,portal hypertensive gastropathy,ascites,and hepatic encephalopathy.As portal pressure is also a significant prognostic factor for patients,it is recognized as a key parameter in medical care.