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Maino C, Vernuccio F, Cannella R, Cortese F, Franco PN, Gaetani C, Giannini V, Inchingolo R, Ippolito D, Defeudis A, Pilato G, Tore D, Faletti R, Gatti M. Liver metastases: The role of magnetic resonance imaging. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5180-5197. [PMID: 37901445 PMCID: PMC10600959 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i36.5180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is one of the organs most commonly involved in metastatic disease, especially due to its unique vascularization. It's well known that liver metastases represent the most common hepatic malignant tumors. From a practical point of view, it's of utmost importance to evaluate the presence of liver metastases when staging oncologic patients, to select the best treatment possible, and finally to predict the overall prognosis. In the past few years, imaging techniques have gained a central role in identifying liver metastases, thanks to ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All these techniques, especially CT and MRI, can be considered the non-invasive reference standard techniques for the assessment of liver involvement by metastases. On the other hand, the liver can be affected by different focal lesions, sometimes benign, and sometimes malignant. On these bases, radiologists should face the differential diagnosis between benign and secondary lesions to correctly allocate patients to the best management. Considering the above-mentioned principles, it's extremely important to underline and refresh the broad spectrum of liver metastases features that can occur in everyday clinical practice. This review aims to summarize the most common imaging features of liver metastases, with a special focus on typical and atypical appearance, by using MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Maino
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Federica Vernuccio
- University Hospital of Padova, Institute of Radiology, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Francesco Cortese
- Unit of Interventional Radiology, F Miulli Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti 70021, Italy
| | - Paolo Niccolò Franco
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Clara Gaetani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Giannini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Riccardo Inchingolo
- Unit of Interventional Radiology, F Miulli Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti 70021, Italy
| | - Davide Ippolito
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza 20900, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano 20100, Italy
| | - Arianna Defeudis
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Giulia Pilato
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Davide Tore
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Riccardo Faletti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Marco Gatti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
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Freitas PS, Janicas C, Veiga J, Matos AP, Herédia V, Ramalho M. Imaging evaluation of the liver in oncology patients: A comparison of techniques. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1936-1955. [PMID: 35069999 PMCID: PMC8727197 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is commonly affected by metastatic disease. Therefore, it is essential to detect and characterize liver metastases, assuming that patient management and prognosis rely on it. The imaging techniques that allow non-invasive assessment of liver metastases include ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, and PET/MRI. In this paper, we review the imaging findings of liver metastases, focusing on each imaging modality's advantages and potential limitations. We also assess the importance of different imaging modalities for the management, follow-up, and therapy response of liver metastases. To date, both CT and MRI are the most appropriate imaging methods for initial lesion detection, follow-up, and assessment of treatment response. Multiparametric MRI is frequently used as a problem-solving technique for liver lesions and has evolved substantially over the past decade, including hardware and software developments and specific intravenous contrast agents. Several studies have shown that MRI performs better in small-sized metastases and moderate to severe liver steatosis cases. Although state-of-the-art MRI shows a greater sensitivity for detecting and characterizing liver metastases, CT remains the chosen method. We also present the controversial subject of the "economic implication" to use CT over MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia S Freitas
- Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon 1150-199, Portugal
| | - Catarina Janicas
- Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon 1449-005, Portugal
| | - José Veiga
- Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon 1150-199, Portugal
| | - António P Matos
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada 2805-267, Portugal
- Department of Radiology, Hospital CUF Tejo, Lisbon 1350-352, Portugal
| | - Vasco Herédia
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada 2805-267, Portugal
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora-EPE, Évora 7000-811, Portugal
| | - Miguel Ramalho
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada 2805-267, Portugal
- Department of Radiology, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon 1500-650, Portugal.
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Detectability of Malignant Lesions by Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Whole-Body Integrated Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2019; 43:664-670. [DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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4
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Marion-Audibert AM, Vullierme MP, Ronot M, Mabrut JY, Sauvanet A, Zins M, Cuilleron M, Sa-Cunha A, Lévy P, Rode A. Routine MRI With DWI Sequences to Detect Liver Metastases in Patients With Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma and Normal Liver CT: A Prospective Multicenter Study. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2018; 211:W217-W225. [PMID: 30240298 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.18.19640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of systematic MRI with DWI for the detection of liver metastases (LM) in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic ductal carcinoma and normal liver findings at CT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patients with potentially resectable pancreatic ductal carcinoma and a normal liver at CT were enrolled in a prospective multicenter study between March 2011 and July 2013 and underwent preoperative MRI. The reference standard was pathologic analysis of detected hepatic lesions. RESULTS A total of 118 patients were enrolled. MRI depicted liver lesions that were not visible at CT in 16 patients. All lesions were visualized both with and without DWI. Lesions were LM in 12 (10.2%) patients and were confirmed in seven patients by preoperative biopsy, four by intraoperative frozen section, and one at 6-month follow-up evaluation after pancreatic resection. All but one liver metastatic lesion diagnosed with MRI were smaller than 10 mm. Four of 118 (3.4%) patients had a false-positive diagnosis of LM at MRI and remained LM free after a follow-up period of 24 months or longer. Three of 102 (2.9%) patients with normal MRI findings had subcapsular LM that were diagnosed intraoperatively. At follow-up, 99 of 118 (83.9%) patients were LM free after a mean of 24 months. The patient-based sensitivity of MRI for the detection of LM was 80.0% (95% CI, 51.9-95.7%); specificity, 96.1% (95% CI, 90.4-98.9%); positive predictive value, 75.0% (95% CI, 47.6-92.7%); and negative predictive value, 97.1% (95% CI, 91.6-99.4%). CONCLUSION Compared with CT, preoperative MRI improves the detection of LM in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic ductal carcinoma and may change management and the rate of unnecessary laparotomy and pancreatectomy for 10% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Pierre Vullierme
- 2 Department of Medical Imaging, Beaujon University Hospital, 100 Blvd Leclerc, Clichy-la-Garenne, 92110, France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- 2 Department of Medical Imaging, Beaujon University Hospital, 100 Blvd Leclerc, Clichy-la-Garenne, 92110, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- 3 Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Alain Sauvanet
- 4 Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Beaujon University Hospital, Clichy-la-Garenne, France
| | - Marc Zins
- 5 Department of Medical Imaging, Saint-Joseph Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Cuilleron
- 6 Department of Medical Imaging, Nord University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Antonio Sa-Cunha
- 7 Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
- 8 Present address: Department of Surgery, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Lévy
- 9 Department of Pancreatology, Beaujon University Hospital, Clichy-la-Garenne, France
| | - Agnès Rode
- 10 Department of Medical Imaging, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Lyon, France
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Borusewicz P, Stańczyk E, Kubiak K, Spużak J, Glińska-Suchocka K, Jankowski M, Nicpoń J, Podgórski P. Liver enhancement in healthy dogs after gadoxetic acid administration during dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Vet J 2018; 235:16-21. [PMID: 29704934 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) consists of acquisition of native baseline images, followed by a series of acquisitions performed during and after administration of a contrast medium. DCE-MRI, in conjunction with hepatobiliary-specific contrast media, such as gadoxetic acid (GD-EOB-DTPA), allows for precise characterisation of the enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of the contrast agent. The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of temporal resolution contrast enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma following administration of GD-EOB-DTPA and to determine the optimal time window for post-contrast assessment of the liver. The study was carried out on eight healthy beagle dogs. MRI was performed using a 1.5T scanner. The imaging protocol included T1 weighted (T1-W) gradient echo (GRE), T2 weighted (T2-W) turbo spin echo (TSE) and dynamic T1-W GRE sequences. The dynamic T1-W sequence was performed using single 10mm thick slices. Regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen and the signal intensity curves were calculated for quantitative image analysis. The mean time to peak for all dogs was 26min. The plateau phase lasted on average 21min. A gradual decrease in the signal intensity of the hepatic parenchyma was observed in all dogs. A DCE-MRI enhancement pattern of the hepatic parenchyma was evident in dogs following the administration of a GD-EOB-DTPA, establishing baseline data for an optimal time window between 26 and 41min after administration of the contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Borusewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - E Stańczyk
- Centre of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Kubiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - J Spużak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - K Glińska-Suchocka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - M Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - J Nicpoń
- Centre of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - P Podgórski
- Department of General and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
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Hirata K, Nakaura T, Okuaki T, Tsuda N, Taguchi N, Oda S, Utsunomiya D, Yamashita Y. 3D hybrid profile order technique in a single breath-hold 3D T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence: Usefulness in diagnosis of small liver lesions. Eur J Radiol 2018; 98:113-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abdel Kader M, Ghani HSA, Saad ZM, Abdalla NH, Abdel Razek E. To what extent the DW-MRI and ADC value can be used in assessment of hepatic focal lesions in cirrhotic patients. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Lincke T, Zech CJ. Liver metastases: Detection and staging. Eur J Radiol 2017; 97:76-82. [PMID: 29153371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is more often involved with metastatic disease than primary liver tumors. The accurate detection and characterization of liver metastases are crucial since patient management depends on it. The imaging options, mainly consisting of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), multidetector computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), extra-cellular contrast media and liver-specific contrast media as well as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), are constantly evolving. PET/MRI is a more recent hybrid method and a topic of major interest concerning liver metastases detection and characterization. This review gives a brief overview about the spectrum of imaging findings and focus on an update about the performance, advantages and potential limitations of each modality as well as current developments and innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Lincke
- Clinic of Radiology und Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph J Zech
- Clinic of Radiology und Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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Ghobrial FEI, Eldin MS, Razek AAKA, Atwan NI, Shamaa SSA. Computed Tomography Assessment of Hepatic Metastases of Breast Cancer with Revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Criteria (Version 1.1): Inter-Observer Agreement. Pol J Radiol 2017; 82:593-597. [PMID: 29657622 PMCID: PMC5894063 DOI: 10.12659/pjr.902930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess inter-observer agreement of revised RECIST criteria (version 1.1) for computed tomography assessment of hepatic metastases of breast cancer. Material/Methods A prospective study was conducted in 28 female patients with breast cancer and with at least one measurable metastatic lesion in the liver that was treated with 3 cycles of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. All patients underwent computed tomography of the abdomen with 64-row multi- detector CT at baseline and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy for response assessment. Image analysis was performed by 2 observers, based on the RECIST criteria (version 1.1). Results Computed tomography revealed partial response of hepatic metastases in 7 patients (25%) by one observer and in 10 patients (35.7%) by the other observer, with good inter-observer agreement (k=0.75, percent agreement of 89.29%). Stable disease was detected in 19 patients (67.8%) by one observer and in 16 patients (57.1%) by the other observer, with good agreement (k=0.774, percent agreement of 89.29%). Progressive disease was detected in 2 patients (7.2%) by both observers, with perfect agreement (k=1, percent agreement of 100%). The overall inter-observer agreement in the CT-based response assessment of hepatic metastasis between the two observers was good (k=0.793, percent agreement of 89.29%). Conclusions We concluded that computed tomography is a reliable and reproducible imaging modality for response assessment of hepatic metastases of breast cancer according to the RECIST criteria (version 1.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady Emil Ibrahim Ghobrial
- Department of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Faculty of Medicine, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Manal Salah Eldin
- Department of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Faculty of Medicine, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nadia Ibrahim Atwan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Sameh Sayed Ahmed Shamaa
- Department of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Faculty of Medicine, Oncology Center Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Talaat Ali M, Fouad Osman M, Homos MD, Mohamed Nabil D. Role of 3-T diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant hepatic lesions. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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11
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Diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of malignant liver tumors after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Tsurusaki M, Sofue K, Murakami T. Current evidence for the diagnostic value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for liver metastasis. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:853-61. [PMID: 26750497 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of imaging techniques, including ultrasonography (US), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography combined with CT scan (PET/CT), are available for diagnosis and treatment planning in liver metastasis. Contrast-enhanced MDCT is a relatively non-invasive, widely available and standardized method for hepatic work-up. Gadoxetic acid (gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid; EOB Primovist®]) is a recently developed liver-specific hepatobiliary MR contrast agent that offers both dynamic imaging as well as liver-specific static hepatocyte imaging, referred to as the hepatobiliary phase. Following contrast injection, this technique reveals dynamic vascular phases (arterial, portal venous and delayed phases), in addition to the hepatobiliary phase upon uptake by functional hepatocytes. The overall sensitivity of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was significantly higher than that of contrast-enhanced CT. Specifically, the higher sensitivity of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was observed in lesions smaller than 1 cm in diameter. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI is considered an extremely useful tool for the diagnosis of liver metastases. Future studies will focus on diagnostic algorithms involving combinations of modalities such as MRI, MDCT and/or (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT, which may impact the treatment plan for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keitaro Sofue
- Department of Radiology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takamichi Murakami
- Department of Radiology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Herskovits EH. Quantitative radiology: applications to oncology. Adv Cancer Res 2015; 124:1-30. [PMID: 25287685 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411638-2.00001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oncologists, clinician-scientists, and basic scientists collect computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography images in the process of caring for patients, managing clinical trials, and investigating cancer biology. As we have developed more sophisticated means for noninvasively delineating and characterizing neoplasms, these image data have come to play a central role in oncology. In parallel, the increasing complexity and volume of these data have necessitated the development of quantitative methods for assessing tumor burden, and by proxy, disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Herskovits
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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14
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Palmucci S. Focal liver lesions detection and characterization: The advantages of gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI. World J Hepatol 2014; 6:477-485. [PMID: 25067999 PMCID: PMC4110539 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i7.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its clinical introduction, several studies in literature have investigated gadolinium ethoxybenzhyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) properties. Following contrast injection, it provides dynamic vascular phases (arterial, portal and equilibrium phases) and hepatobiliary phase, the latter due to its uptake by functional hepatocytes. The main advantages of Gd-EOB-DTPA of focal liver lesion detection and characterization are discussed in this paper. Namely, we focus on the possibility of distinguishing focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatic adenoma (HA), the identification of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the pre-operative assessment of metastasis in liver parenchyma. Regarding the differentiation between FNH and HA, adenoma typically appears hypointense in hepatobiliary phase, whereas FNH is isointense or hyperintense to the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. As for the identification of early HCCs, many papers recently published in literature have emphasized the contribution of hepatobiliary phase in the characterization of nodules without a typical hallmark of HCC. Atypical nodules (no hypervascularizaton observed on arterial phase and/or no hypovascular appearance on portal phase) with low signal intensity in the hepatobiliary phase, have a high probability of malignancy. Finally, regarding the evaluation of focal hepatic metastases, magnetic resonance pre-operative assessment using gadoxetic acid allows for more accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palmucci
- Stefano Palmucci, Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", 95123 Catania, Italy
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Huang C, Galons JP, Graff CG, Clarkson EW, Bilgin A, Kalb B, Martin DR, Altbach MI. Correcting partial volume effects in biexponential T2 estimation of small lesions. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:1632-42. [PMID: 24753061 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE T2 mapping provides a quantitative approach for focal liver lesion characterization. For small lesions, a biexponential model should be used to account for partial volume effects (PVE). However, conventional biexponential fitting suffers from large uncertainty of the fitted parameters when noise is present. The purpose of this work is to develop a more robust method to correct for PVE affecting small lesions. METHODS We developed a region of interest-based joint biexponential fitting (JBF) algorithm to estimate the T2 of lesions affected by PVE. JBF takes advantage of the lesion fraction variation among voxels within a region of interest. JBF is compared to conventional approaches using Cramér-Rao lower bound analysis, numerical simulations, phantom, and in vivo data. RESULTS JBF provides more accurate and precise T2 estimates in the presence of PVE. Furthermore, JBF is less sensitive to region of interest drawing. Phantom and in vivo results show that JBF can be combined with a reconstruction method for highly undersampled data, enabling the characterization of small abdominal lesions from data acquired in a single breath hold. CONCLUSION The JBF algorithm provides more accurate and stable T2 estimates for small structures than conventional techniques when PVE is present. It should be particularly useful for the characterization of small abdominal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Department of Imaging, Center for Advanced Medical Imaging Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Galea N, Cantisani V, Taouli B. Liver lesion detection and characterization: role of diffusion-weighted imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 37:1260-76. [PMID: 23712841 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) plays an emerging role for the assessment of focal and diffuse liver diseases. This growing interest is due to that fact that DWI is a noncontrast technique with inherent high contrast resolution, with promising results for detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. Recent advances in diffusion image quality have also added interest to this technique in the abdomen. The purpose of this review is to describe the current clinical roles of DWI for the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions, and to review pitfalls, limitations, and future directions of DWI for assessment of focal liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Galea
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Radiological Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Hepatic angiosarcoma: cross-sectional imaging findings in seven patients with emphasis on dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 38:745-54. [PMID: 23223833 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-012-9967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary hepatic angiosarcoma is a very rare and aggressive malignancy of vascular origin. We describe cross-sectional imaging findings of this entity with emphasis on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted (DWI) MR imaging. METHODS Seven cases of pathologically confirmed hepatic angiosarcoma were retrospectively reviewed (CT and MRI examinations were available in seven and six patients, respectively). Two radiologists evaluated lesion growth patterns, attenuation, signal intensity characteristics, contrast enhancement patterns, and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). RESULTS Multifocal hepatic disease was present in six patients by means of a mixed pattern of large dominant masses and multiple small nodules; one patient had a solitary large mass. Unenhanced images depicted hemorrhagic areas and a markedly heterogeneous internal architecture within large tumors. Contrast-enhanced early phase images showed variable patterns including patchy peripheral or bizarre shaped intralesional foci of enhancement, peripheral rim enhancement, and small lesions without enhancement. On DCE images, the majority of lesions presented with varying degrees of progressive enhancement. Small nodules frequently displayed homogeneous enhancement on delayed phase images due to complete fill-in. DWI revealed a high interlesional variability of ADC values (range 0.57-2.41 × 10(-3 )mm(2)/s, mean 1.37 × 10(-3 )mm(2)/s). CONCLUSION Cross-sectional imaging findings of hepatic angiosarcoma reflect the varied histopathological composition of the tumors. Multifocal disease, hemorrhage within large lesions, as well as progressive enhancement on DCE images are typical features of hepatic angiosarcoma. The mean ADC of lesions was found to be slightly elevated in comparison with other hepatic malignancies.
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Morani AC, Elsayes KM, Liu PS, Weadock WJ, Szklaruk J, Dillman JR, Khan A, Chenevert TL, Hussain HK. Abdominal applications of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: Where do we stand. World J Radiol 2013; 5:68-80. [PMID: 23671743 PMCID: PMC3650207 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i3.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is one of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences providing qualitative as well as quantitative information at a cellular level. It has been widely used for various applications in the central nervous system. Over the past decade, various extracranial applications of DWI have been increasingly explored, as it may detect changes even before signal alterations or morphological abnormalities become apparent on other pulse sequences. Initial results from abdominal MRI applications are promising, particularly in oncological settings and for the detection of abscesses. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinically relevant basic concepts of DWI, techniques to perform abdominal DWI, its analysis and applications in abdominal visceral MR imaging, in addition to a brief overview of whole body DWI MRI.
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de Souza DAT, Parente DB, de Araújo ALE, Mortelé KJ. Modern imaging evaluation of the liver: emerging MR imaging techniques and indications. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2013; 21:337-63. [PMID: 23642557 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Modern MR imaging evaluation of the liver allows for a comprehensive morphologic and functional assessment of the liver parenchyma, hepatic vessels, and biliary tree, thus aiding in the diagnosis of both focal and diffuse liver diseases.
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Wu LM, Hu J, Gu HY, Hua J, Xu JR. Can diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) alone be used as a reliable sequence for the preoperative detection and characterisation of hepatic metastases? A meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer 2012; 49:572-84. [PMID: 23000072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Revised: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a meta-analysis of all available studies of the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in patients with hepatic metastases. METHODS Databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for relevant original articles published from January 2000 to February 2012. We determined sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves using hierarchical regression models. RESULTS Across 11 studies (537 patients), DW-MRI sensitivity was 0.87 (95%confidence interval (CI), 0.80, 0.91) and specificity was 0.90 (95%CI, 0.86, 0.93). Overall, LR+ was 8.52 (95%CI, 6.17, 11.77), LR- was 0.15 (95%CI, 0.10, 0.22) and DOR was 57.36 (95%CI, 38.29, 85.93). In studies in which both DW-MRI and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) were performed, the comparison of DW-MRI performance with that of CE-MRI suggested no major differences against these two methods (p>0.05). DW-MRI combined CE-MRI had higher sensitivity and specificity than DW-MRI alone (97% versus 86% and 91% versus 90%, respectively) (p<0.05). The subgroup in which DW-MRI examinations were performed with a 3.0 Tesla (T) device had higher pooled specificity (0.91, 95%CI, 0.88-0.95) than the subgroup of DW-MRI with 1.5 T device (0.81, 95%CI, 0.67, 0.94) (p<0.05). Average lesion size (≤ 1.5 cm versus >1.5cm) did not influence the diagnostic accuracy of the test (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate DW-MRI has good diagnostic performance in the overall evaluation of hepatic metastases and equivalent to CE-MRI. Combination of CE-MRI and DW-MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Our study further confirms that DW-MRI can accurately detect hepatic metastases regardless of the lesion size. It is suggested to perform DW-MRI by 3.0 T devices, which might have high specificity to identify liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Ming Wu
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Palmucci S, Mauro LA, Messina M, Russo B, Failla G, Milone P, Berretta M, Ettorre GC. Diffusion-weighted MRI in a liver protocol: its role in focal lesion detection. World J Radiol 2012; 4:302-310. [PMID: 22900131 PMCID: PMC3419871 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i7.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the detection of focal liver lesions (FLLs), using a conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. METHODS Fifty-two patients (22 males, average age 55.6 years, range: 25-82 years), studied using a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, were retrospectively analyzed; detection of FLLs was evaluated by considering the number of lesions observed with the following sequences: (1) respiratory-triggered diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar (DW SS-EP) sequences; (2) fat-suppressed fast spin-echo (fs-FSE) T2 weighted sequences; (3) steady-state free precession (SSFP) images; and (4) dynamic triphasic gadolinium-enhanced images, acquired with three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo (3D FSPGR). Two radiologists independently reviewed the images: they were blinded to their respective reports. DW SS-EP sequences were compared to fs-FSE, SSFP and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced acquisitions using a t-test. Pairs were compared for the detection of: (1) all FLLs; (2) benign FLLs; (3) malignant FLLs; (4) metastases; and (5) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS Interobserver agreement was very good (weighted κ = 0.926, CI = 0.880-0.971); on the consensus reading, 277 FLLs were detected. In the comparison with fs-FSE, DW SS-EP sequences had a significantly higher score in the detection of all FLLs, benign FLLs, malignant FLLs and metastases; no statistical difference was observed in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs). In the comparison with SSFP sequences, DW SS-EP had significantly higher scores (P < 0.05) in the detection of all lesions, benign lesions, malignant lesions, metastases and HCC. All FLLs were better detected by dynamic 3D FSGR enhanced acquisition, with P = 0.0023 for reader 1 and P = 0.0086 for reader 2 in the comparison with DW SS-EP sequences; with reference to benign FLLs, DW SS-EP showed lower values than 3D FSPGR enhanced acquisition (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the detection of malignant lesions and metastases; considering HCCs, a very slight difference was reported by reader 1 (P = 0.049), whereas no difference was found by reader 2 (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION In lesion detection, DWI had higher scores than T2 sequences; considering malignant FLLs, no statistical difference was observed between DWI and dynamic gadolinium images.
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Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI has more advantages than ultrasound, computed tomography, CT, positron emission tomography, PET, or any other imaging modality in diagnosing focal hepatic masses. With a combination of basic T1 and T2 weighted sequences, diffusion weighted imaging, DWI, and hepatobiliary gadolinium contrast agents, that is gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) and gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB), most liver lesions can be adequately diagnosed. Benign lesions, as cyst, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, FNH or adenoma, can be distinguished from malignant lesions. In a non-cirrhotic liver, the most common malignant lesions are metastases which may be hypovascular or hypervascular. In the cirrhotic liver hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, is of considerable importance. Besides, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and other less common malignancies has to be assessed. In this review, the techniques and typical MRI features are presented as well as the new algorithm issued by American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases (AASLD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Albiin
- Division of Radiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: findings at CT and MRI including preliminary observations at diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 36:415-24. [PMID: 20730424 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-010-9641-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular tumor with low- to intermediate-grade malignant potential. We describe cross-sectional imaging findings of pathologically confirmed EHE including preliminary observations on lesion characteristics and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) at diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI). METHODS CT and MRI examinations in five patients were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists evaluated lesion growth patterns, attenuation, signal intensity characteristics, and contrast enhancement patterns. Additionally, DWI features on low and high b-value images as well as ADCs were assessed in three patients. RESULTS Imaging features of EHE included multifocal hepatic disease (n = 5), predominantly subcapsular location (n = 5), coalescence of nodules (n = 5), capsular retraction (n = 3), and intralesional calcifications (n = 3). Contrast-enhanced CT and MR images showed variable degrees of peripheral rim enhancement. T2-weighted MR images, low b-value DWI and ADC maps frequently depicted a "target-sign" appearance of tumor nodules. A markedly hyperintense central area corresponding to hypocellular stroma was surrounded by a moderately hyperintense outer rim reflecting hypercellular tumor regions. The mean ADC of lesions was 1.86 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s. CONCLUSION Cross-sectional imaging displayed typical features of EHE. The mean ADC value of lesions was found to be relatively high in comparison with other hepatic malignancies, which may be helpful in suggesting the diagnosis.
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Chung WS, Kim MJ, Chung YE, Kim YE, Park MS, Choi JY, Kim KW. Comparison of gadoxetic acid-enhanced dynamic imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging for the preoperative evaluation of colorectal liver metastases. J Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 34:345-53. [PMID: 21702068 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.22671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To retrospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of colorectal liver metastases between gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on 3.0 Tesla (T) system, and then to determine whether a combination of the two techniques may improve the diagnostic performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven patients underwent MR imaging at 3.0T, including DWI (DWI set) and dynamic and hepatobiliary phase EOB-MRI (EOB set) for the preoperative evaluation of colorectal liver metastases. All suspicious metastases were confirmed by hepatic surgery. Two blinded readers independently reviewed three different image sets, which consisted of DWI set, EOB set, and combined set. The accuracy was assessed by the area (Az) under the alternative-free response receiver operating characteristic curve, and the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated. RESULTS We found a total of 78 confirmed colorectal liver metastases in 42 of 47 patients. Each reader noted higher diagnostic accuracy of combined set of EOB-MRI and DWI than DWI set and EOB set, without statistical significance. Regardless of the size of colorectal liver metastasis, each reader detected significantly more metastases on combined set than on DWI set, and PPV was significantly higher with DWI set than with EOB set or with combined set for one reader. CONCLUSION EOB-MRI was more useful for the detection of colorectal liver metastases, while DWI was more useful for their characterization. The combination of EOB-MRI and DWI showed significantly higher accuracy and sensitivity for the preoperative detection of small colorectal liver metastases than DWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Suk Chung
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Institute of Gastroenterology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Onur MR, Çiçekçi M, Kayalı A, Poyraz AK, Kocakoç E. The role of ADC measurement in differential diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions. Eur J Radiol 2011; 81:e171-6. [PMID: 21353418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement in characterization of focal solid hepatic lesions and determine the role of ADC values in differentiation of solid benign and solid malignant hepatic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between June 2006 and December 2010, a total of 95 focal solid hepatic lesions in 95 consecutive patients were evaluated by abdominal MRI. Diffusion weighted MRI was performed with b 100, b 600 and b 1000 gradients with ADC measurements. Comparison of mean ADC values between solid benign (focal nodular hyperplasia and other solid benign lesions) and solid malignant lesion (hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis, and cholangiocarcinoma) groups and between each benign and malignant lesion was done. The ROC analyses were performed in order to determine cut-off ADC values for differentiation of benign and malignant lesion groups at 3 different gradients. RESULTS Twenty-six of 95 lesions were benign and 69 were malignant. Mean ADC values of solid benign lesions at b 100, b 600 and b 1000 gradients were 2.25±0.54×10(-3), 1.97±0.64×10(-3) and 1.52±0.47×10(-3) mm2/s, respectively. Mean ADC values of solid malignant lesions at b 100, b 600 and b 1000 gradients were 1.84±0.57×10(-3), 1.37±0.38×10(-3) and 1.08±0.22×10(-3) mm2/s, respectively. The ADC values of solid benign lesions were significantly higher than solid malignant lesions at all 3 gradients (P<0.05). Differentiation of benign and malignant subtype lesions from each other in their groups did not yield as significant findings as comparing results between benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSION Although ADC measurements were not helpful for differentiating subtypes of solid benign or solid malignant lesions, ADC measurements at 3 different gradients may be useful in differential diagnosis of benign lesions from malignant ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ruhi Onur
- University of Firat, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Turkey.
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Ording Müller LS, Avenarius D, Olsen OE. High signal in bone marrow at diffusion-weighted imaging with body background suppression (DWIBS) in healthy children. Pediatr Radiol 2011; 41:221-6. [PMID: 20652234 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-010-1774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our experience, diffusion-weighted imaging with body background suppression (DWIBS) is hard to interpret in children who commonly have foci of restricted diffusion in their skeletons unrelated to pathology, sometimes in an asymmetrical pattern. This raises serious concern about the accuracy of DWIBS in cancer staging in children. OBJECTIVE To describe the signal distribution at DWIBS in the normal developing lumbar spine and pelvic skeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two healthy children underwent an MR DWIBS sequence of the abdomen and pelvis. An axial short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR) echo-planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence was used. Two radiologists did a primary review of the images and based on these preliminary observations, separate scoring systems for the lumbar spine, pelvis and proximal femoral epiphyses/femoral heads were devised. Visual evaluation of the images was then performed by the two radiologists in consensus. The scoring was repeated separately 2 months later by a third radiologist. Restricted diffusion was defined as areas of high signal compared to the background. Coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) reformats were used to assess the vertebral bodies. For the pelvis, the extension of high signal for each bone was given a score of 0 to 4. Cohen's Kappa interobserver agreement coefficients of signal distribution and asymmetry were calculated. RESULTS All children had areas of high signal, both within the lumbar vertebral bodies and within the pelvic skeleton. Three patterns of signal distribution were seen in the lumbar spine, but no specific pattern was seen in the pelvis. There was a tendency toward a reduction of relative area of high signal within each bone with age, but also a widespread interindividual variation. CONCLUSION Restricted diffusion is a normal finding in the pelvic skeleton and lumbar spine in children with an asymmetrical distribution seen in 48% of normal children in this study. DWIBS should be used with caution for cancer staging in children as this could lead to high numbers of false positive findings or even unjustified upstaging.
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Muhi A, Ichikawa T, Motosugi U, Sou H, Nakajima H, Sano K, Kitamura T, Faima Z, Fukushima K, Araki T, Iino H, Mori Y, Fujii H. Diagnosis of colorectal hepatic metastases: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography versus contrast-enhanced computed tomography versus superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2010; 32:1132-40. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.22360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma is the fourth cause of death from cancer in the United States, with a survival rate at 5 years of less than 5%. About 60% of tumors originate at the head of the pancreas, 15% in the body, 5% in the tail; 20% are diffuse within the pancreas. This article discusses the imaging and staging of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Morana
- Radiological Department, General Hospital Cá Foncello, Treviso, Italy.
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Diagnostic accuracy of whole-body MRI/DWI image fusion for detection of malignant tumours: a comparison with PET/CT. Eur Radiol 2010; 21:246-55. [PMID: 20717828 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-010-1929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of whole-body T2-weighted (wbT2), whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (wbDWI) and wbT2/wbDWI image fusion for malignant tumour detection compared with PET/CT. METHODS Sixty-eight patients (44 men; 60 ± 14 years) underwent PET/CT for staging of malignancy and were consecutively examined by 1.5-Tesla MRI including wbT2 and wbDWI. Two radiologists independently assessed wbDWI, wbT2, wbT2 + wbDWI (side-by-side) and wbT2 + wbDWI + wbT2/wbDWI image fusion for the presence of malignancy. PET/CT served as a reference standard. RESULTS PET/CT revealed 374 malignant lesions in 48/64 (75%) patients. Detection rates and positive predictive value (PPV) of wbT2 and wbDWI alone were 64% and 84%, and 57% and 93%, respectively. Detection rates and PPV of wbT2 and wbDWI for side-by-side analysis without and with fused images were 72% and 89%, and 74% and 91%, respectively. The detection rate was significantly higher with side-by-side analysis and fused image analysis compared with wbT2 and wbDWI alone (p = .0159; p < .0001). There was no significant difference between fused image interpretation and side-by-side analysis. CONCLUSIONS WbDWI allows detection of malignant lesions with a similar detection rate to wbT2. Side-by-side analysis of wbT2 and wbDWI significantly improves the overall detection rate and fused image data provides no added value.
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Abstract
Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is an imaging technique which provides tissue contrast by the measurement of diffusion properties of water molecules within tissues. Diffusion is expressed in an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), which reflects the diffusion properties unique to each type of tissue. DWI has been originally used in neuroradiology. More recently, DWI has increasingly been used in addition to conventional unenhanced and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in other parts of the body. The reason for this delay was a number of technical problems inherent to the technique, making DWI very sensitive to artifacts, which had to be overcome. With assessment of ADC values, DWI proved to be helpful in characterization of focal liver lesions. However, DWI should always be used in conjunction to conventional MRI since there is considerable overlap between ADC values of benign and malignant lesions. DWI is useful in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver and detection of liver metastases in oncological patients. In addition, DWI is a promising tool in the prediction of tumor responsiveness to chemotherapy and the follow-up of oncological patients after treatment, as DWI may be capable of detecting recurrent disease earlier than conventional imaging. This review focuses on the most common applications of DWI in the liver.
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