Hepatocellular carcinoma Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems treatment response assessment: Lessons learned and future directions

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,with rising clinical and economic burden as incidence increases.There are a multitude of evolving treatment options,including locoregional therapies which can be used alone,in combination with each other,or in combination with systemic therapy.These treatment options have shown to be effective in achieving remission,controlling tumor progression,improving disease free and overall survival in patients who cannot undergo resection and providing a bridge to transplant by debulking tumor burden to downstage patients.Following locoregional therapy(LRT),it is crucial to provide treatment response assessment to guide management and liver transplant candidacy.Therefore,Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems(LI-RADS)Treatment Response Algorithm(TRA)was created to provide a standardized assessment of HCC following LRT.LIRADS TRA provides a step by step approach to evaluate each lesion independently for accurate tumor assessment.In this review,we provide an overview of different locoregional therapies for HCC,describe the expected post treatment imaging appearance following treatment,and review the LI-RADS TRA with guidance for its application in clinical practice.Unique to other publications,we will also review emerging literature supporting the use of LI-RADS for assessment of HCC treatment response after LRT.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System:Lights and shadows in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocellular carcinoma diagnosis

BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)is considered a secondary examination compared to computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),due to the risk of misdiagnosing intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).The introduction of CEUS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(CEUS LI-RADS)might overcome this limitation.Even though data from the literature seems promising,its reliability in real-life context has not been well-established yet.AIM To test the accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS for correctly diagnosing HCC and ICC in cirrhosis.METHODS CEUS LI-RADS class was retrospectively assigned to 511 nodules identified in 269 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis.The diagnostic standard for all nodules was either biopsy(102 nodules)or CT/MRI(409 nodules).Common diagnostic accuracy indexes such as sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)were assessed for the following associations:CEUS LR-5 and HCC;CEUS LR-4 and 5 merged class and HCC;CEUS LR-M and ICC;and CEUS LR-3 and malignancy.The frequency of malignant lesions in CEUS LR-3 subgroups with different CEUS patterns was also determined.Inter-rater agreement for CEUS LI-RADS class assignment and for major CEUS pattern identification was evaluated.RESULTS CEUS LR-5 predicted HCC with a 67.6%sensitivity,97.7%specificity,and 99.3%PPV(P<0.001).The merging of LR-4 and 5 offered an improved 93.9%sensitivity in HCC diagnosis with a 94.3%specificity and 98.8%PPV(P<0.001).CEUS LR-M predicted ICC with a 91.3%sensitivity,96.7%specificity,and 99.6%NPV(P<0.001).CEUS LR-3 predominantly included benign lesions(only 28.8%of malignancies).In this class,the hypo-hypo pattern showed a much higher rate of malignant lesions(73.3%)than the iso-iso pattern(2.6%).Inter-rater agreement between internal raters for CEUS-LR class assignment was almost perfect(n=511,k=0.94,P<0.001),while the agreement among raters from separate centres was substantial(n=50,k=0.67,P<0.001).Agreement was stronger for arterial phase hyperenhancement(internal k=0.86,P<2.7×10-214;external k=0.8,P<0.001)than washout(internal k=0.79,P<1.6×10-202;external k=0.71,P<0.001).CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS is effective but can be improved by merging LR-4 and 5 to diagnose HCC and by splitting LR-3 into two subgroups to differentiate iso-iso nodules from other patterns.

Interobserver agreement for contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver imaging reporting and data system:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver malignancy.From the results of previous studies,Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LIRADS)on contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)has shown satisfactory diagnostic value.However,a unified conclusion on the interobserver stability of this innovative ultrasound imaging has not been determined.The present metaanalysis examined the interobserver agreement of CEUS LI-RADS to provide some reference for subsequent related research.AIM To evaluate the interobserver agreement of LI-RADS on CEUS and analyze the sources of heterogeneity between studies.METHODS Relevant papers on the subject of interobserver agreement on CEUS LI-RADS published before March 1,2020 in China and other countries were analyzed.The studies were filtered,and the diagnostic criteria were evaluated.The selected references were analyzed using the“meta”and“metafor”packages of R software version 3.6.2.RESULTS Eight studies were ultimately included in the present analysis.Meta-analysis results revealed that the summary Kappa value of included studies was 0.76[95%confidence interval,0.67-0.83],which shows substantial agreement.Higgins I2 statistics also confirmed the substantial heterogeneity(I2=91.30%,95%confidence interval,85.3%-94.9%,P<0.01).Meta-regression identified the variables,including the method of patient enrollment,method of consistency testing,and patient race,which explained the substantial study heterogeneity.CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS demonstrated overall substantial interobserver agreement,but heterogeneous results between studies were also obvious.Further clinical investigations should consider a modified recommendation about the experimental design.

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System criteria for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice: A pictorial minireview

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the sixth most common cancer.The main risk factors associated with HCC development include hepatitis B virus,hepatitis C virus,alcohol consumption,aflatoxin B1,and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.However,hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multistep process.Various factors lead to hepatocyte malignant transformation and HCC development.Diagnosis and surveillance of HCC can be made with the use of liver ultrasound(US)every 6 mo.However,the sensitivity of this imaging method to detect HCC in a cirrhotic liver is limited,due to the abnormal liver parenchyma.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are considered to be most useful tools for at-risk patients or patients with inadequate US.Liver biopsy is still used for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC in specific nodules that cannot be definitely characterized as HCC by imaging.Recently the American College of Radiology designed the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LI-RADS),which is a comprehensive system for standardized interpretation of CT and MRI liver examinations that was first proposed in 2011.In 2018,it was integrated into the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidance statement for HCC.LI-RADS is designed to ensure high sensitivity,precise categorization,and high positive predictive value for the diagnosis of HCC and is applied to“highrisk populations”according to specific criteria.Most importantly LI-RADS criteria achieved international collaboration and consensus among liver experts around the world on the best practices for caring for patients with or at risk for HCC.

Magnetic resonance imaging ancillary features used in Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System:An illustrative review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. In the adequate clinical context, both multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging are non-invasive modalities that allow accurate diagnosis and staging of HCC, although the latter demonstrates greater sensitivity and specificity. Imaging criteria for HCC diagnosis rely on hemodynamic features such as hyperenhancement in the arterial phase and washout in the portal or equilibrium phase. However, imaging performance drops considerably for small (< 20 mm) nodules because their tendency to exhibit atypical enhancement patterns. In order to improve accuracy in the diagnosis and staging of HCC, particularly in cases of atypical nodules, ancillary features, i.e., imaging characteristics that modify the likelihood of HCC, have been described and incorporated into clinical reports, especially in Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System. In this paper, ancillary imaging features will be reviewed and illustrated.

Systematic Training of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Magnetic Resonance Imaging v2018 can Improve the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Different Radiologists

Background and Aims:Liver imaging reporting and data system(LI-RADS)provides standardized lexicon and categorization for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,there is limited knowledge about the effect of LI-RADS training.We prospectively explored whether the systematic training of LI-RADS v2018 on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)can effectively improve the diagnostic performances of different radiologists for HCC.Methods:A total of 20 visiting radiologists and the multiparametric MRI of 70 hepatic observations in 61 patients with high risk of HCC were included in this study.The LI-RADS v2018 training procedure included three times of thematic lectures(each lasting for 2.5 h)given by a professor specialized in imaging diagnosis of liver,with an interval of a month.After each seminar,the radiologists had a month to adopt the algorithm into their daily work.The diagnostic performances and interobserver agreements of these radiologists adopting the algorithm for HCC diagnosis before and after training were compared.Results:A total of 20 radiologists(male/female,12/8;with an average age of 36.75±4.99 years)were enrolled.After training,the interobserver agreements for the LI-RADS category for all radiologists(p=0.005)were increased.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and coincidence rate of all radiologists for HCC diagnosis before and after training were 43%vs.54%,86%vs.88%,74%vs.81%,62%vs.67%,and 65%vs.71%,respectively.The diagnostic performances of all radiologists(p<0.001)showed improvement after training.Conclusions:The systematic training of LI-RADS can effectively improve the diagnostic performances of radiologists with different experiences for HCC.

Liver imaging reporting and data system and CT/MRI diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LI-RADS)is a comprehensive and robust system which provides an algorithmic approach to stratify the probability of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)for each observation found in patients at risk for HCC.LI-RADS uses a standardized terminology and approach to improve communication between the radiologist and clinicians.LI-RADS version 2018 is noteworthy for its adoption by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease into its HCC practice guidance.This manuscript provides an overview of the history of LI-RADS,reviews the Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic algorithm,highlights the key diagnostic criteria for each category,and discusses the advantage of incorporating LI-RADS in clinical practice.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound improved performance of breast imaging reporting and data system evaluation of critical breast lesions

AIM: To determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) can improve the precision of breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS) categorization. METHODS: A total of 230 patients with 235 solid breast lesions classified as BI-RADS 4 on conventional ultrasound were evaluated. CEUS was performed within one week before core needle biopsy or surgical resection and a revised BI-RADS classification was assigned based on 10 CEUS imaging characteristics. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was then conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEUS-based BI-RADS assignment with pathological examination as reference criteria. RESULTS: The CEUS-based BI-RADS evaluation classified 116/235(49.36%) lesions into category 3, 20(8.51%), 13(5.53%) and 12(5.11%) lesions into categories 4A, 4B and 4C, respectively, and 74(31.49%) into category 5. Selecting CEUS-based BI-RADS category 4A as an appropriate cut-off gave sensitivity and specificity values of 85.4% and 87.8%, respectively, for the diagnosisof malignant disease. The cancer-to-biopsy yield was 73.11% with CEUS-based BI-RADS 4A selected as the biopsy threshold compared with 40.85% otherwise, while the biopsy rate was only 42.13% compared with 100% otherwise. Overall, only 4.68% of invasive cancers were misdiagnosed.CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that evaluation of BI-RADS 4 breast lesions with CEUS results in reduced biopsy rates and increased cancer-to-biopsy yields.

Predictive model for contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the breast: Is it feasible in malignant risk assessment of breast imaging reporting and data system 4 lesions?

AIM: To build and evaluate predictive models for contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) of the breast to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. METHODS: A total of 235 breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS) 4 solid breast lesions were imaged via CEUS before core needle biopsy or surgical resection. CEUS results were analyzed on 10 enhancing patterns to evaluate diagnostic performance of three benign and three malignant CEUS models, with pathological results used as the gold standard. A logistic regression model was developed basing on the CEUS results, and then evaluated with receiver operating curve(ROC). RESULTS: Except in cases of enhanced homogeneity, the rest of the 9 enhancement appearances were statistically significant(P < 0.05). These 9 enhancement patterns were selected in the final step of the logistic regression analysis, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 84.4% and 82.7%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve of 0.911. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the malignant vs benign CEUS models were 84.38%, 87.77%, 86.38% and 86.46%, 81.29% and 83.40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The breast CEUS models can predict risk of malignant breast lesions more accurately, decrease false-positive biopsy, and provide accurate BIRADS classification.

Validation of Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System score for the diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A prospective cross-sectional study

Objective:Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System(VIRADS)score was developed to standardize the reporting and staging of bladder tumors on pre-operative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.It helps in avoiding unnecessary repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.This study was done to determine the validity of VIRADS score prospectively for the diagnosis of muscleinvasive bladder cancer.Methods:This study was conducted from March 2019 to March 2020 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital,Jaipur,Rajasthan,India.Patients admitted with the provisional diagnosis of bladder tumor were included as participants.All these patients underwent a 3 Tesla mpMRI to obtain a VIRADS score before they underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor and these data were analyzed to evaluate the correlation of pre-operative VIRADS score with mus-cle invasiveness of the tumor in final biopsy report.Results:A cut-off of VIRADS≥4 for prediction of detrusor muscle invasion yielded a sensitivity of 79.4%,specificity of 94.2%,positive predictive value of 90.0%,negative predictive value of 87.5%,and diagnostic accuracy of 86.4%.A cut off of VIRADS≥3 for prediction of detrusor muscle invasion yielded a sensitivity of 91.2%,specificity of 78.8%,positive predictive value of 73.8%,negative predictive value of 93.2%,and accuracy of 83.7%.The receiver operating curve showed the area under the curve to be 0.922(95%confidence interval:0.862e0.983).Conclusion:VIRADS score appears to be an excellent and effective pre-operative radiological tool for the prediction of detrusor muscle invasion in bladder cancer.

Effect of training on resident inter-reader agreement with American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System

BACKGROUND The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(ACR TI-RADS)was introduced to standardize the ultrasound characterization of thyroid nodules.Studies have shown that ACR-TIRADS reduces unnecessary biopsies and improves consistency of imaging recommendations.Despite its widespread adoption,there are few studies to date assessing the inter-reader agreement amongst radiology trainees with limited ultrasound experience.We hypothesize that in PGY-4 radiology residents with no prior exposure to ACR TIRADS,a statistically significant improvement in inter-reader reliability can be achieved with a one hour training session.AIM To evaluate the inter-reader agreement of radiology residents in using ACR TIRADS before and after training.METHODS A single center retrospective cohort study evaluating 50 thyroid nodules in 40 patients of varying TI-RADS levels was performed.Reference standard TI-RADS scores were established through a consensus panel of three fellowship-trained staff radiologists with between 1 and 14 years of clinical experience each.Three PGY-4 radiology residents(trainees)were selected as blinded readers for this study.Each trainee had between 4 to 5 mo of designated ultrasound training.No trainee had received specialized TI-RADS training prior to this study.Each of the readers independently reviewed the 50 testing cases and assigned a TI-RADS score to each case before and after TI-RADS training performed 6 wk apart.Fleiss kappa was used to measure the pooled inter-reader agreement.The relative diagnostic performance of readers,pre-and post-training,when compared against the reference standard.RESULTS There were 33 females and 7 males with a mean age of 56.6±13.6 years.The mean nodule size was 19±14 mm(range from 5 to 63 mm).A statistically significant superior inter-reader agreement was found on the post-training assessment compared to the pre-training assessment for the following variables:1.“Shape”(k of 0.09[slight]pre-training vs 0.67[substantial]post-training,P<0.001),2.“Echogenic foci”(k of 0.28[fair]pre-training vs 0.45[moderate]post-training,P=0.004),3.‘TI-RADS level’(k of 0.14[slight]pre-training vs 0.36[fair]post-training,P<0.001)and 4.‘Recommendations’(k of 0.36[fair]pre-training vs 0.50[moderate]post-training,P=0.02).No significant differences between the preand post-training assessments were found for the variables'composition','echogenicity'and'margins'.There was a general trend towards improved pooled sensitivity with TI-RADS levels 1 to 4 for the post-training assessment while the pooled specificity was relatively high(76.6%-96.8%)for all TI-RADS level.CONCLUSION Statistically significant improvement in inter-reader agreement in the assigning TI-RADS level and recommendations after training is observed.Our study supports the use of dedicated ACR TI-RADS training in radiology residents.

Differentiating malignant and benign focal liver lesions in children using CEUS LI-RADS combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein

BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)can be used to diagnose focal liver lesions(FLLs)in children.The America College of Radiology developed the CEUS liver imaging reporting and data system(LI-RADS)for standardizing CEUS diagnosis of FLLs in adult patients.Until now,no similar consensus or guidelines have existed for pediatric patients to improve imaging interpretation as adults.AIM To evaluate the performance of CEUS LI-RADS combined with alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)in differentiating benign and malignant FLLs in pediatric patients.METHODS Between January 2011 and January 2021,patients≤18 years old who underwent CEUS for FLLs were retrospectively evaluated.The following criteria for diagnosing malignancy were proposed:Criterion I considered LR-4,LR-5,or LRM lesions as malignancies;criterion II regarded LR-4,LR-5 or LR-M lesions with simultaneously elevated AFP(≥20 ng/mL)as malignancies;criterion III took LR-4 Lesions with elevated AFP or LR-5 or LR-M lesions as malignancies.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were calculated to determine the diagnostic value of the aforementioned criteria.RESULTS The study included 63 nodules in 60 patients(mean age,11.0±5.2 years;26 male).There were no statistically significant differences between the specificity,accuracy,or AUC of criterion II and criterion III(95.1%vs 80.5%,84.1%vs 87.3%,and 0.794 vs 0.902;all P>0.017).Notably,criterion III showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than criterion II(100%vs 63.6%;P<0.017).However,both the specificity and accuracy of criterion I was inferior to those of criterion II and criterion III(all P<0.017).For pediatric patients more than 5 years old,the performance of the three criteria was overall similar when patients were subcategorized by age when compared to all patients in aggregate.CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS combined with AFP may be a powerful diagnostic tool in pediatric patients.LR-4 with elevated AFP,LR-5 or LR-M lesions is highly suggestive of malignant tumors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Can LI-RADS v2017 with gadoxetic-acid enhancement magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging improve diagnostic accuracy?

BACKGROUND The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System(LI-RADS), supported by the American College of Radiology(ACR), has been developed for standardizing the acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and data collection of liver imaging examinations in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Diffusionweighted imaging(DWI), which is described as an ancillary imaging feature of LI-RADS, can improve the diagnostic efficiency of LI-RADS v2017 with gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for HCC.AIM To determine whether the use of DWI can improve the diagnostic efficiency of LIRADS v2017 with gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance MRI for HCC.METHODS In this institutional review board-approved study, 245 observations of high risk of HCC were retrospectively acquired from 203 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI from October 2013 to April 2018. Two readers independently measured the maximum diameter and recorded the presence of each lesion and assigned scores according to LI-RADS v2017. The test was used to determine the agreement between the two readers with or without DWI. In addition, the sensitivity(SE), specificity(SP), accuracy(AC), positive predictive value(PPV), and negative predictive value(NPV) of LI-RADS were calculated.Youden index values were used to compare the diagnostic performance of LIRADS with or without DWI.RESULTS Almost perfect interobserver agreement was obtained for the categorization of observations with LI-RADS(kappa value: 0.813 without DWI and 0.882 with DWI). For LR-5, the diagnostic SE, SP, and AC values were 61.2%, 92.5%, and71.4%, respectively, with or without DWI; for LR-4/5, they were 73.9%, 80%, and75.9% without DWI and 87.9%, 80%, and 85.3% with DWI; for LR-4/5/M, they were 75.8%, 58.8%, and 70.2% without DWI and 87.9%, 58.8%, and 78.4% with DWI; for LR-4/5/TIV, they were 75.8%, 75%, and 75.5% without DWI and 89.7%,75%, and 84.9% with DWI. The Youden index values of the LI-RADS classification without or with DWI were as follows: LR-4/5: 0.539 vs 0.679; LR-4/5/M: 0.346 vs 0.467; and LR-4/5/TIV: 0.508 vs 0.647.CONCLUSION LI-RADS v2017 has been successfully applied with gadoxetate-enhanced MRI for patients at high risk for HCC. The addition of DWI significantly increases the diagnostic efficiency for HCC.

BRAF^(V600E) vs. TIRADS in predicting papillary thyroid cancers in Bethesda system Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ nodules

Objective: Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology(BSRTC) categories Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴaccount for a significant proportion of fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) diagnoses. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of BRAF^(V600E) mutation and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(TIRADS) classification in differentiating papillary thyroid cancers(PTCs) from benign lesions among BSRTC I, III, and V nodules.Methods: A total of 472 patients with 479 nodules were enrolled in this prospective study. Ultrasound, BRAF^(V600E) mutation testing, and FNAC were performed in each nodule, followed by surgery or regular ultrasound examination.Results: In the BSRTC I category, BRAF^(V600E) showed similar sensitivity, higher specificity, and lower accuracy when compared with TIRADS. In the BSRTC III/V category, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of BRAF^(V600E) were similar to those of TIRADS. In comparison to BRAF^(V600E) alone, the combination of the two methods significantly improved sensitivity(BSRTC Ⅰ:93.6% vs. 67.7%, P < 0.01; BSRTC Ⅲ: 93.8% vs. 75.0%, P < 0.01; BSRTC V: 96.0% vs. 85.3%, P < 0.001). When compared with TIRADS alone, the combination improved sensitivity in BSRTC Ⅰ nodules(93.6% vs. 74.2%, P < 0.05), increased sensitivity and decreased accuracy in BSRTC III nodules(93.8% vs. 75.0%, P < 0.01, 91.0% vs. 93.6%, P < 0.01), and improved both sensitivity and accuracy in BSRTC V nodules(96.0% vs. 82.0%, P < 0.001; 94.2% vs. 81.3%, P < 0.001).Conclusions: BRAF^(V600E) exhibited higher specificity and lower accuracy compared with TIRADS in BSRTC Ⅰ nodules, while the two methods showed similar diagnostic value in BSRTC Ⅲ/Ⅴ nodules. The combination of the two methods distinctly improved sensitivity in the diagnosis of PTCs in BSRTC Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ nodules.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cirrhotic liver: An update

Noninvasive imaging has become the standard for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) diagnosis in cirrhotic livers. In this review paper, we go over the basics of MR imaging in cirrhotic livers and describe the imaging appearance of a spectrum of hepatic nodules marking the progression from regenerative nodules to low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules, and ultimately to HCCs. We detail and illustrate the typical imaging appearancesof different types of HCC including focal, multifocal, massive, diffuse/infiltrative, and intra-hepatic metastases; with emphasis on the diagnostic value of MR in imaging these lesions. We also shed some light on liver imaging reporting and data system, and the role of different magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) contrast agents and future MRI techniques including the use of advanced MR pulse sequences and utilization of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents, and how they might contribute to improving the diagnostic performance of MRI in early stage HCC diagnosis.

“Starry liver”-Von Meyenburg complex clinical case presentation and differential diagnosis discussion:A case report

BACKGROUND Von Meyenburg complex(VMC)(i.e.,biliary hamartoma)is a rare congenital disorder characterized by multiple dilated cystic bile ducts,without clear trends in sex or age predominance.Due to the low number of published cases and the lack of recognized guidelines,the management of such patients remains a clinical challenge.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of symptomatic VMC that was diagnosed after imaging and histopathological examinations.Considering the patient’s condition,a conservative treatment strategy was chosen.Instrumental,laboratory,and clinical follow-up demonstrated the stable condition of the patient receiving conservative treatment.CONCLUSION VMC is a potentially non-life threatening condition,but its recognition is crucial for the management of patients.

Imaging related to underlying immunological and pathological processes in COVID-19

The introduction of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)as a global pandemic has contributed to overall morbidity and mortality.With a focus on understanding the immunology and pathophysiology of the disease,these features can be linked with the respective findings of imaging studies.Thus,the constellation between clinical presentation,histological,laboratory,immunological,and imaging results is crucial for the proper management of patients.The purpose of this article is to examine the role of imaging during the particular stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection–asymptomatic stage,typical and atypical COVID-19 pneumonia,acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiorgan failure,and thrombosis.The use of imaging methods to assess the severity and duration of changes is crucial in patients with COVID-19.Radiography and computed tomography are among the methods that allow accurate characterization of changes.

颈部影像报告和数据系统在MRI诊断早期单纯黏膜型鼻咽癌局部复发中的应用

目的探讨颈部影像报告和数据系统(neck imaging reporting and data systems,NI-RADS)MRI对单纯黏膜型鼻咽癌局部复发(exclusive mucosal local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma,EMLRNPC)与黏膜治疗后改变(mucosal posttreatment changes,MPTC)的诊断价值,尝试为NI-RADS MRI词典中的局灶性黏膜异常建议附加定性扩散加权成像(diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI)标准。材料与方法回顾性分析2015年2月至2023年2月经病理或影像随访确诊的21例EMLRNPC和29例MPTC。先由2名影像医师独立评价MRI表现,进行NI-RADS MRI分类,再进行附加定性DWI标准的改良NI-RADS MRI分类,3个月后,由其中的1名高年资影像医师再次进行分类。采用Cohen’s Kappa检验评估观察者间、观察者内NI-RADS分类一致性。绘制受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线评价这两种NI-RADS分类对EMLRNPC与MPTC的诊断效能,曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)的比较采用DeLong检验。结果NI-RADS MRI、改良NI-RADS MRI的分类观察者间与观察者内一致性为0.69与0.88、0.83与0.96。NI-RADS MRI和改良NI-RADS MRI鉴别诊断ELRNPC与MPTC的AUC、敏感度、特异度为0.845[95%置信区间(confidence interval,CI):0.715~0.932]、100.0%(95%CI:83.9%~100.0%)、69.0%(95%CI:49.2%~84.7%)和0.966(95%CI:0.871~0.997)、100.0%(95%CI:83.9%~100.0%)、93.1%(95%CI:77.2%~99.2%),两种分类的AUC间差异有统计学意义(Z=2.985,P=0.003)。结论NI-RADS MRI与附加定性DWI标准的改良NI-RADS MRI对EMLRNPC与MPTC均具有较高的鉴别诊断价值,改良NI-RADS MRI分类的诊断效能、一致性更高。

超声乳腺影像报告和数据系统联合患者年龄鉴别良性与交界性/恶性乳腺叶状肿瘤

目的观察超声乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)联合患者年龄鉴别良性与交界性/恶性乳腺叶状肿瘤(PTB)的价值。方法回顾性分析74例经乳腺超声检查及术后病理证实的PTB女性患者共76个病灶,包括良性57个、交界性14个及恶性5个,比较3种病变患者年龄及其超声BI-RADS分类,观察以单一年龄、超声BI-RADS及其联合鉴别诊断价值。结果良性、交界性及恶性PTB之间,患者年龄及超声BI-RADS分类差异均有统计学意义(P=0.026、0.015)。以44.5岁、超声BI-RADS 4B类及其联合鉴别良性与交界性/恶性PTB的敏感度分别为94.74%、36.84%及73.68%,特异度分别为56.36%、87.27%及72.73%,曲线下面积分别为0.769、0.649及0.780。结论超声BI-RADS分类联合患者年龄有助于鉴别良性与交界性/恶性PTB。

不同观察者基于卵巢-附件影像报告和数据系统诊断卵巢附件肿块的一致性研究

目的 探讨不同年资超声医师使用卵巢-附件影像报告和数据系统(O-RADS)判读观察指标的一致性,以及对卵巢附件肿块的诊断效能评价。方法 选取经手术组织学病理确诊的244例(304个病灶)卵巢附件肿块患者的超声存储图像。2位不同年资超声医师按照O-RADS分类标准对每个肿块进行观察指标盲读,进行O-RADS分类。对照病理结果,采用Kappa检验评估一致性,构建ROC曲线,分析两者诊断卵巢肿块的诊断效能。结果 2位不同年资超声医师根据O-RADS分类标准对卵巢附件肿块外部轮廓、内部回声、血流信号、腹水以及腹膜增厚或腹膜结节5项观察指标判读的一致性检验Kappa值分别为0.748、0.835、0.652、0.973、0.979,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);2位超声医师对同一肿块O-RADS分类一致性检验Kappa值为0.795,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);2位医师O-RADS分类的ROC曲线面积为0.897、0.918,准确率为80.92%、80.92%,灵敏度为77.3%、76.7%,特异度为88.3%、91.5%,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 不同年资超声医师对O-RADS观察指标判读具有较高一致性;O-RADS分类标准对卵巢肿块的诊断也具有较高诊断效能。