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Möller K, Görg C, Krix M, Jenssen C, Dong Y, Cui XW, Dietrich CF. Washout on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Benign Focal Liver Lesions-A Review on Its Frequency and Possible Causes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2025; 15:998. [PMID: 40310346 PMCID: PMC12025567 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15080998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2025] [Revised: 04/07/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
In all imaging methods, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), enhancement in the late phase (LP) is an important criterion for differentiating between benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs). In general, malignant liver lesions are characterized by hypoenhancement and washout in the LP. A lesion with LP hyperenhancement or isoenhancement in the non-cirrhotic liver is usually benign. However, LP hypoenhancement in benign lesions is not so rare, and is even normal and the standard for some lesions, and there are exceptions for each tumor entity that can represent a diagnostic challenge. Knowing these contrast patterns and exceptions is key for correct diagnosis and patient management. The following narrative review describes the contrast behaviors and the frequency of washout and LP hypoenhancement for common as well as rare benign liver lesions and analyzes its causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Möller
- Medical Department I/Gastroenterology, SANA Hospital Lichtenberg, 10365 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Christian Görg
- Interdisciplinary Center of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Clinical Infectiology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Philipp University of Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Martin Krix
- Global Medical & Regulatory Affairs, Bracco Imaging, 78467 Konstanz, Germany;
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland, 15344 Strausberg, Germany;
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS) at Brandenburg Medical University, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China;
| | - Xin-Wu Cui
- Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Christoph F. Dietrich
- Department General Internal Medicine (DAIM), Hospitals Hirslanden Bern Beau Site, Salem and Permanence, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
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Salama F, Thakral N, Leyson CD, Konjeti V, Benrajab K, Hawk G, Fouch H, Gedaly R, Khurana A. Utilization of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Focal Liver Lesions. Int J Hepatol 2024; 2024:3879328. [PMID: 39484627 PMCID: PMC11527524 DOI: 10.1155/2024/3879328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Focal liver lesions (FLL) are one of the most common indications for hepatology and hepatobiliary surgery consultation. In this retrospective study, we aim to assess if contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can address diagnostic dilemmas in the evaluation of indeterminate liver lesions by identifying characteristics of indeterminate FLL on CEUS and correlating these with cross-sectional imaging and pathology findings. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent CEUS evaluation for liver lesions over a 28-month period (Oct 2020 to Jan 2023) at the University of Kentucky. To assess the relationship between CEUS results and the corresponding CT, MRI, and/or pathologic findings, the McNemar-Bowker tests were performed. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included (after two exclusions from a total n of 31). Mean age was 54 years, 62% were female, and 48% had underlying cirrhosis. Of the 29 patients with initial cross-sectional imaging, the initial results showed malignancy or likely malignant lesion in 6 patients and benign or likely benign lesion in 6 patients. The remaining 17 patients had inconclusive/indeterminate results. CEUS clarified an "indeterminate" CT/MRI result 15 times out of 17 (88.2%), moving the diagnosis to "benign" 11 times while suggesting "malignant" only four times. When aggregating indeterminate cross-sectional results with either benign or malignant categories suggested by CEUS, CEUS never reversed a benign CT/MRI diagnosis but often reversed a malignant CT/MRI diagnosis. Conclusion: CEUS provided a definitive diagnosis of indeterminate liver lesions in approximately 90% of patients and avoided the need for biopsy in most patients. In cases where the liver lesions were biopsied, CEUS accurately distinguished malignant versus benign lesions as confirmed by biopsy findings. CEUS, therefore, has the potential to provide a precise diagnosis for the majority of indeterminate lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady Salama
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Nimish Thakral
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Christina Delacruz Leyson
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Venkata Konjeti
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Karim Benrajab
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Gregory Hawk
- Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Harrison Fouch
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Roberto Gedaly
- Department of Surgery-Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Aman Khurana
- Department of Radiology-Division of Abdominal Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92109, USA
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Watanabe Y, Ogawa M, Konishi A, Suda S, Tamura Y, Kaneko M, Hirayama M, Matsumoto N, Kogure H. Assessment of drainage vein of focal nodular hyperplasia using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2024; 51:457-463. [PMID: 38609664 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-024-01451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identification of drainage vessels is useful for differential diagnosis of hepatic tumors. Direct drainage to the hepatic vein has been reported to occur in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), but studies evaluating the drainage veins of FNH are limited. We aimed to investigate the detection rate of the FNH drainage vein and the factors related to visualization of the drainage vein on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS Fifty consecutive patients with 50 FNH lesions were retrospectively evaluated in this study. We calculated and compared the detection rate of the FNH drainage vein on CEUS, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and identified the factors correlated with visualization of the FNH drainage vein on CEUS by using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Visualization of the drainage vein was confirmed in 31 of 50 lesions (62%) using CEUS, three of 44 lesions (6.8%) using CEMRI, and one of 18 lesions (5.6%) using CECT. The detection rate of the FNH drainage vein on CEUS was significantly higher than that on CEMRI and CECT (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified lesion size (≥ 25 mm) and detection of the spoke-wheel pattern on Doppler US as independent factors for drainage vein detection in FNH. CONCLUSION Our study showed that rapid FNH drainage to the hepatic vein was observed at a relatively high rate on CEUS, suggesting that CEUS focusing on detection of drainage veins is important for diagnosing FNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinobu Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Konishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Tamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Midori Hirayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kogure
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Ren J, Lu Q, Fei X, Dong Y, D Onofrio M, Sidhu PS, Dietrich CF. Assessment of arterial-phase hyperenhancement and late-phase washout of hepatocellular carcinoma-a meta-analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with SonoVue® and Sonazoid®. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:3795-3812. [PMID: 37989916 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The recognition of arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout during the late phase is key for correct diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). This meta-analysis was conducted to compare SonoVue®-enhanced and Sonazoid®-enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of HCC enhancement and diagnosis. METHODS Studies were included in the analysis if they reported data for HCC enhancement in the arterial phase and late phase for SonoVue® or in the arterial phase and Kupffer phase (KP) for Sonazoid®. Forty-two studies (7502 patients) with use of SonoVue® and 30 studies (2391 patients) with use of Sonazoid® were identified. In a pooled analysis, the comparison between SonoVue® and Sonazoid® CEUS was performed using chi-square test. An inverse variance weighted random-effect model was used to estimate proportion, sensitivity, and specificity along with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS In the meta-analysis, the proportion of HCC showing APHE with SonoVue®, 93% (95% CI 91-95%), was significantly higher than the proportion of HCC showing APHE with Sonazoid®, 77% (71-83%) (p < 0.0001); similarly, the proportion of HCC showing washout at late phase/KP was significantly higher with SonoVue®, 86% (83-89%), than with Sonazoid®, 76% (70-82%) (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of APHE plus late-phase/KP washout detection in HCC were also higher with SonoVue® than with Sonazoid® (sensitivity 80% vs 52%; specificity 80% vs 73% in studies within unselected patient populations). CONCLUSION APHE and late washout in HCC are more frequently observed with SonoVue® than with Sonazoid®. This may affect the diagnostic performance of CEUS in the diagnosis of HCCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Meta-analysis data show the presence of key enhancement features for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is different between ultrasound contrast agents, and arterial hyperenhancement and late washout are more frequently observed at contrast-enhanced ultrasound with SonoVue® than with Sonazoid®. KEY POINTS • Dynamic enhancement features are key for imaging-based diagnosis of HCC. • Arterial hyperenhancement and late washout are more often observed in HCCs using SonoVue®-enhanced US than with Sonazoid®. • The existing evidence for contrast-enhanced US may need to be considered being specific to the individual contrast agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Laboratory of Novel Optoacoustic (Ultrasonic) Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Ultrasound Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Fei
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Paul S Sidhu
- King's College London, Radiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph F Dietrich
- Department Allgemeine Innere Medizin (DAIM), Kliniken Hirslanden Beau Site, Salem and Permancence, Bern, Switzerland.
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Li W, Lv XZ, Zheng X, Ruan SM, Hu HT, Chen LD, Huang Y, Li X, Zhang CQ, Xie XY, Kuang M, Lu MD, Zhuang BW, Wang W. Machine Learning-Based Ultrasomics Improves the Diagnostic Performance in Differentiating Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:544979. [PMID: 33842303 PMCID: PMC8033198 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.544979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The typical enhancement patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are hyper-enhanced in the arterial phase and washed out during the portal venous and late phases. However, atypical variations make a differential diagnosis both challenging and crucial. We aimed to investigate whether machine learning-based ultrasonic signatures derived from CEUS images could improve the diagnostic performance in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). Patients and Methods A total of 226 focal liver lesions, including 107 aHCC and 119 FNH lesions, examined by CEUS were reviewed retrospectively. For machine learning-based ultrasomics, 3,132 features were extracted from the images of the baseline, arterial, and portal phases. An ultrasomics signature was generated by a machine learning model. The predictive model was constructed using the support vector machine method trained with the following groups: ultrasomics features, radiologist’s score, and combination of ultrasomics features and radiologist’s score. The diagnostic performance was explored using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results A total of 14 ultrasomics features were chosen to build an ultrasomics model, and they presented good performance in differentiating FNH and aHCC with an AUC of 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80, 0.89), a sensitivity of 76.6% (95% CI: 67.5%, 84.3%), and a specificity of 80.5% (95% CI: 70.6%, 85.9%). The model trained with a combination of ultrasomics features and the radiologist’s score achieved a significantly higher AUC (0.93, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.96) than that trained with the radiologist’s score (AUC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.89, P < 0.001). For the sub-group of HCC with normal AFP value, the model trained with a combination of ultrasomics features, and the radiologist’s score remain achieved the highest AUC of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.96) compared to that with the ultrasomics features (AUC: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.89, P < 0.001) and radiologist’s score (AUC: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.91, P < 0.001). Conclusions Machine learning-based ultrasomics performs as well as the staff radiologist in predicting the differential diagnosis of FNH and aHCC. Incorporating an ultrasomics signature into the radiologist’s score improves the diagnostic performance in differentiating FNH and aHCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Zhou Lv
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Min Ruan
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang-Tong Hu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Da Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- Research Center, GE Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Chu-Qing Zhang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Xie
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-De Lu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zhuang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Ultrasomics Artificial Intelligence X-Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Features of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A New Perspective. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19363. [PMID: 31852947 PMCID: PMC6920428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55857-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to illustrate our specific findings for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) lesions on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). In this study, 21 patients at our hospitals with pathologically proven ICC and CEUS data were retrospectively enrolled. General clinical data of the patients, and features of lesions on conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were recorded. Two experienced radiologists retrospectively reviewed all images by consensus. On gray-scale sonography, hypoechoic, isoechoic and hyperechoic lesions accounted for 85.7%, 9.5% and 4.8%, respectively, of all lesions. Hypovascular patterns were found for 95.2% of the lesions on color Doppler flow imaging. During the arterial phase of CEUS, heterogeneous hyperenhancement, homogeneous hyperenhancement, rim-like hyperenhancement, isoenhancement and hypoenhancement were observed for 61.9%, 19.0%, 9.5%, 4.8%, 4.8% of the lesions, respectively. During the portal venous and late phases, 85.7% and 95.2% of the lesions, respectively, exhibited hypoenhancement. In addition, 66.7% of the ICC lesions exhibited washed-out interiors but little decrease in enhancement at the periphery during the portal venous phase, resulting in the formation of a hyperenhanced peripheral rim. In conclusion, the rim sign in the portal venous phase of CEUS could help diagnose ICC. This trait could be related to the infiltrating growth pattern of ICC.
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Bagley JE, Paul DE, Halferty S, DiGiacinto D. The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the characterisation of focal liver lesions. SONOGRAPHY 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/sono.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Bagley
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, College of Allied Health; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Tulsa OK USA
| | | | | | - Dora DiGiacinto
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, College of Allied Health; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City OK USA
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Bagley JE, Paul DE, Halferty S, DiGiacinto D. The Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography for the Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317729672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Focal liver lesions often occur with or without an underlying liver disease. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can aid in characterizing liver lesions, potentially avoiding biopsy and computed tomography procedures. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has a high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating characteristics of liver lesions compared with noncontrast sonography. The different contrast characteristics aid in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. Malignant lesions tend to have washout of contrast in the venous phases, whereas benign lesions have hyperenhancement during the venous phases. Therefore, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography should be considered an essential component of the diagnostic process for diagnosing and following focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Bagley
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Dora DiGiacinto
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Moudgil S, Kalra N, Prabhakar N, Dhiman RK, Behera A, Chawla YK, Khandelwal N. Comparison of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound With Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2017; 7:222-229. [PMID: 28970709 PMCID: PMC5620356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The most common primary malignant tumor of liver is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The highest risk of developing HCC is seen in patients of cirrhosis. Ultrasound is used for surveillance in these patients. This study evaluates the role of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of HCC and compares CEUS to contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 22 patients with cirrhosis and suspected to have HCC on the basis of gray scale ultrasound or elevated Alpha-fetoprotein. Multiphasic CECT and CEUS were done. On both CECT and CEUS, arterial phase enhancement patterns of the lesions were classified as heterogeneously hyperenhancing, homogeneously hyperenhancing, isoenhancing or nonenhancing. The enhancement patterns of the lesions in portal venous phase were classified as hyperenhancing, isoenhancing, washout or nonenhancing. Presence or absence of neovascularity and peripheral capsule were also noted. The diagnosis of HCC was made as per American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines. RESULTS There was moderate degree of agreement between the two modalities in characterizing the enhancement pattern in arterial phase, as calculated by using kappa test (k = 0.59, P < 0.05). Substantial agreement between them, for demonstrating the neovascularity, was also seen (k = 0.772, P < 0.05). CEUS was found to be superior to CECT in demonstrating portal venous phase wash out and peripheral capsule. Only fair agreement was seen between them, with kappa value for portal venous washout being k = 0.38 (P < 0.05) and for peripheral capsule being k = 0.328 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CEUS is comparable to CECT in demonstrating the arterial phase enhancement pattern of HCC and the neovascularity. CEUS was found to be better than CECT in demonstrating the portal venous phase washout and peripheral capsule.
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Key Words
- AASLD, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
- CECT, contrast enhanced computed tomography
- CEMR, contrast enhanced magnetic resonance
- CEUS, contrast enhanced ultrasound
- CT, computed tomography
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- MI, mechanical index
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- OPD, outpatient department
- RFA, radiofrequency ablation
- UCA, ultrasound contrast agents
- US, ultrasound
- k, kappa value
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Moudgil
- Department of Radio Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naveen Kalra
- Department of Radio Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India,Address for correspondence: Naveen Kalra, Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Tel.: +91 7087009388.Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMERChandigarhIndia
| | - Nidhi Prabhakar
- Department of Radio Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arunanshu Behera
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yogesh Kumar Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Niranjan Khandelwal
- Department of Radio Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Zhao CK, Xu HX, Guo LH, Sun LP, Yu M. A primary hepatic angiosarcoma mimicking intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma on conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report and review of literatures. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2017; 66:7-14. [PMID: 27814287 DOI: 10.3233/ch-16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Ke Zhao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Xiong Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Le-Hang Guo
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Chaubal N, Joshi M, Bam A, Chaubal R. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Focal Liver Lesions. Semin Roentgenol 2016; 51:334-357. [PMID: 27743569 DOI: 10.1053/j.ro.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Chaubal
- Thane Ultrasound Center, Thane (W), MS, India; Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai.
| | - Mukund Joshi
- Thane Ultrasound Center, Thane (W), MS, India; Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
| | - Anupam Bam
- Thane Ultrasound Center, Thane (W), MS, India
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12
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Lu Q, Xue LY, Wang WP, Huang BJ, Li CX. Dynamic enhancement pattern of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound: the correlation with cirrhosis and tumor size. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 40:1558-66. [PMID: 25725793 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-015-0379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To retrospectively evaluate the dynamic enhancement pattern of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) of varying sizes and hepatic backgrounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS CEUS was performed in 98 pathologically confirmed ICCs (n = 39 < 30 mm, n = 59 > 30 mm; n = 45 with cirrhosis and n = 53 with normal liver). The dynamic enhancement pattern of CEUS was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS In the arterial phase, heterogeneous hyper-enhancement was more frequent in ICCs with cirrhosis (21/45, 46.7% vs. 11/53, 20.8% in ICCs with normal liver, p = 0.009), while peripheral hyper-enhancement and hypo-enhancement were more common in ICCs with normal liver (14/53, 26.4%; 11/53, 20.8% vs. 2/45, 4.4%; 2/45, 4.4% in ICCs with cirrhosis, p = 0.005 and 0.033, respectively). There were no significant differences between portal and delayed phases. In ICCs < 30 mm, homogeneous hyper-enhancement was more frequently identified (27/39, 69.2% vs. 10/59, 16.9% in ICCs > 30 mm, p < 0.001), whereas in ICCs > 30 mm, heterogeneous, and peripheral hyper-enhancement were more commonly observed (26/59, 44.1% vs. 6/39, 15.4% in ICCs < 30 mm, p = 0.004, and 14/59, 23.7% vs. 2/39, 5.1% in ICCs < 30 mm, p = 0.023, respectively). The washout pattern in portal and delayed phases were not significantly different in ICCs with different sizes. 60.7% (17/28) ICCs < 30 mm and 85.2% (23/27) ICCs > 30 mm with cirrhosis, together with 66.7% (14/21) ICCs < 30 mm with normal liver displayed intense contrast agent uptake (homogeneous or heterogeneous hyper-enhancement) in arterial phase followed by washout in portal and delayed phase, which was much higher than that in ICCs > 30 mm with normal liver (34.4%, 11/32, p < 0.001, <0.001 and =0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION The CEUS dynamic enhancement pattern of ICC varies with size and hepatic background. The enhancement pattern is indistinguishable from hepatocellular carcinoma on CEUS in most ICCs with cirrhosis and in most ICCs < 30 mm with normal liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China,
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Algarni AA, Alshuhri AH, Alonazi MM, Mourad MM, Bramhall SR. Focal liver lesions found incidentally. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:446-451. [PMID: 27028805 PMCID: PMC4807306 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i9.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidentally found focal liver lesions are a common finding and a reason for referral to hepatobiliary service. They are often discovered in patients with history of liver cirrhosis, colorectal cancer, incidentally during work up for abdominal pain or in a trauma setting. Specific points should considered during history taking such as risk factors of liver cirrhosis; hepatitis, alcohol consumption, substance exposure or use of oral contraceptive pills and metabolic syndromes. Full blood count, liver function test and tumor markers can act as a guide to minimize the differential diagnosis and to categorize the degree of liver disease. Imaging should start with B-mode ultrasound. If available, contrast enhanced ultrasound is a feasible, safe, cost effective option and increases the ability to reach a diagnosis. Contrast enhanced computed tomography should be considered next. It is more accurate in diagnosis and better to study anatomy for possible operation. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance is the gold standard with the highest sensitivity. If doubt still remains, the options are biopsy or surgical excision.
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Liu GJ, Wang W, Lu MD, Xie XY, Xu HX, Xu ZF, Chen LD, Wang Z, Liang JY, Huang Y, Li W, Liu JY. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Characterization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Liver Cancer 2015; 4:241-52. [PMID: 26779444 PMCID: PMC4702012 DOI: 10.1159/000367738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE AND METHODS The ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to differentiate between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is still controversial. We reviewed the CEUS imaging of 819 patients (HCC=546, ICC=273) with an established pathological diagnosis. The enhancement patterns of lesions and the diagnostic performance of CEUS were analyzed. RESULTS Arterial hyperenhancement followed by washout was observed in 92.3% (504/546) of the HCC lesions and 85.7% (234/273) of the ICC lesions on CEUS (p<0.05). Additionally, the ICCs presented contrast washout much earlier than the HCCs, with an average time of 27.5 seconds after injecting the contrast agent compared with 70.1 seconds for the HCCs (p<0.05). Peripheral rim-like enhancement was observed in 68.5% (187/273) of the ICCs, which was significantly more common than that in the HCCs (2.0%, 11/546) (p<0.05). When using arterial hyperenhancement with a washout phase later than 43 seconds after injecting the contrast agent and with no peripheral rim-like enhancement as the diagnostic criteria for HCC ≤5 cm in diameter, the area under the curve was 0.808, with 64.1% sensitivity, 97.4% specificity and 73.6% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Although ICC may show the typical enhancement pattern of HCC on CEUS, peripheral rim-like enhancement and quick contrast washout show high efficiency in the differentiation of HCC from ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jian Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-De Lu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,*Ming-De Lu, MD, DMSc, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and, Interventional Ultrasound, and Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080 (China), Tel. +86 20 8776 5183, E-Mail
| | - Xiao-Yan Xie
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Xiong Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuo-Feng Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Da Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Yu Liang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Ya Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, and, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Shin SK, Kim YS, Choi SJ, Shim YS, Jung DH, Kwon OS, Choi DJ, Kim JH. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the differentiation of small atypical hepatocellular carcinomas from dysplastic nodules in cirrhosis. Dig Liver Dis 2015; 47:775-82. [PMID: 26043653 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is highly accurate in depicting the vascularity of liver nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinomas from dysplastic nodules in cirrhotic patients with small liver nodules showing atypical or not coincidental typical vascular pattern on two dynamic imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging). METHODS A total of 46 patients with cirrhosis and a liver nodule smaller than 3cm showing an atypical or non-coincident typical vascular pattern on two dynamic imaging techniques, who underwent liver contrast-enhanced ultrasound and ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, were retrospectively reviewed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings were compared with histopathological and clinical data, and with the two dynamic imaging findings. RESULTS Significantly different contrast-enhanced ultrasound enhancement patterns were observed among dysplastic nodules, Edmondson grade I and grade II-III hepatocellular carcinomas. Ten out of 11 (90.9%) non-hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas on two dynamic imaging techniques showed a hypervascular pattern on contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and these made it possible to distinguish hepatocellular carcinomas from dysplastic nodules. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is useful for the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinomas from dysplastic nodules in cirrhotic patients with small liver nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Joon Choi
- Department of Radiology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sup Shim
- Department of Radiology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hae Jung
- Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Duck Joo Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of contrast-enhanced ultra-sound (CEUS) in focal liver lesions. CONCLUSION Focal liver lesions are usually detected incidentally during abdominal ultrasound. The injection of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents improves the characterization of focal liver lesions that are indeterminate on conventional ultrasound. The use of CEUS is recommended in official guidelines and suggested as a second diagnostic step after ultrasound detection of indeterminate focal liver lesions to immediately establish the diagnosis, especially for benign liver lesions, such as hemangiomas, avoiding further and more expensive examinations.
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Li W, Wang W, Liu GJ, Chen LD, Wang Z, Huang Y, Liu JY, Xie XY, Lu MD. Differentiation of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: Diagnostic Performance of Contrast-enhanced US and Microflow Imaging. Radiology 2015; 275:870-9. [PMID: 25584708 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.14140911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasonography (US) and microflow (MF) imaging in differentiation of atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was waived. A total of 103 patients (mean age, 43.9 years; age range, 17-75 years) were included; 38 patients with HCC and 65 with FNH underwent CE US, and vascular architecture pattern (VAP) and arrival time parametric (ATP) images were analyzed. Resident and staff radiologists independently and retrospectively reviewed CE US, VAP, and ATP images. χ(2) test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify specific features of FNH or HCC on CE US and MF images. To compare diagnostic performance of CE US with or without MF imaging, four sets of criteria were assigned: (a) routine CE US alone, (b) VAP and CE US, (c) ATP imaging and CE US, and (d) all three methods in combination. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of resident and staff radiologists were analyzed. Cohen κ statistic was used to assess agreement of CE US and MF imaging features between staff and resident radiologists. RESULTS MF imaging offered significant improvements over most detection rates achieved with routine CE US signs in both groups. For staff radiologists, AUCs from criteria sets 3 (AUC = 0.873, P < .05) and 4 (AUC = 0.887, P < .05) were significantly higher than AUC from criteria set 1 (AUC = 0.835). For resident radiologists, specificity (71% and 69% vs 25%, P < .01) and accuracy (78% and 79% vs 50%, P < .01) of criteria sets 3 and 4 were significantly higher than those of criteria set 1. Moreover, AUCs for criteria sets 2 (AUC = 0.728, P < .05), 3 (AUC = 0.823, P < .01), and 4 (AUC = 0.857, P < .01) were significantly higher than those for criteria set 1 (AUC = 0.667). CONCLUSION When compared with routine CE US, MF imaging can more effectively depict specific features and offers improved diagnostic performance in the differentiation of atypical HCC from FNH, especially when used by resident radiologists. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- From the Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound (W.L., W.W., G.J.L., L.D.C., Z.W., Y.H., J.Y.L., X.Y.X., M.D.L.), and Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery (M.D.L.), The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Loria F, Loria G, Basile S, Crea G, Frosina L, Di Carlo I. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound appearances of enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: correlation with pathological findings. Updates Surg 2014; 66:135-43. [PMID: 24802031 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-014-0251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and pathological findings. The CEUS enhancement patterns of 40 pathologically proven ICC lesions were retrospectively analysed. Pathologically, the degree of tumour cell and fibrosis distribution in the lesion was semi-quantitatively evaluated. Four enhancement patterns were observed in the arterial phase for 32 mass-forming ICCs: peripheral rim-like hyperenhancement (n = 19); heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n = 6); homogeneous hyperenhancement (n = 3); and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n = 4). Among the four enhancement patterns, the differences in tumour cell distribution were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The hyperenhancing area on CEUS corresponded to more tumour cells for mass-forming ICCs. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n = 2) and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n = 2) were observed in the arterial phase for four periductal-infiltrating ICCs. In this subtype, fibrosis was more commonly found in the lesions. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n = 1) and homogeneous hyperenhancement (n = 3) were observed in the arterial phase for four intraductal-growing ICCs. This subtype tended to have abundant tumour cells. The CEUS findings of ICC relate to the degree of carcinoma cell proliferation at pathological examination. Hyperenhancing areas in the tumour always indicated increased density of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Loria
- Department of Radiology, PO Palmi, ASP 5 Reggio Calabria, Via B Buozzi 112, CAP 89015, Palmi, RC, Italy,
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19
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Liu LP, Yu XL, Liang P, Dong BW. Characterization of primary hepatic carcinosarcoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:1630-1634. [PMID: 24587642 PMCID: PMC3925875 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i6.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor and is comprised of a mixture of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We present a case of primary carcinosarcoma of the liver in a 59-year-old woman, which was confirmed by pathology following surgical resection. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, the tumor showed peripheral nodular hyperenhancement in the arterial phase with two feeding arterial vessels and a large internal non-enhancing portion in the center. The peripheral nodular portion of the tumor showed hypoenhancement in the later phase.
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20
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Murakami T, Tsurusaki M, Hyodo T, Imai Y. Clinical utility of imaging for evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:101-8. [PMID: 27508179 PMCID: PMC4918268 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s48602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hemodynamics of a hepatocellular nodule is the most important imaging parameter used to characterize various hepatocellular nodules in liver cirrhosis, because sequential changes occur in the feeding vessels and hemodynamic status during hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, the imaging criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are also usually based on vascular findings, eg, early arterial uptake followed by washout in the portal venous and equilibrium phases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, dynamic multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), and dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) are useful for detecting hypervascular HCC on the basis of vascular criteria but are not as useful for hypovascular HCC. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging with gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA), a hepatocyte-specific MR contrast agent, is superior to dynamic MDCT and dynamic MR imaging with Gd-DTPA in detecting both hypervascular and hypovascular HCC. Moreover, Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging can display each histologically differentiated HCC as hypointense relative to the liver parenchyma. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging might not be suitable for the screening and detection of HCC, given its lower diagnostic performance. However, this technique plays an important role in determining whether HCC has spread beyond the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamichi Murakami
- Department of Radiology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Tomoko Hyodo
- Department of Radiology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Imai
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ikeda Municipal Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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21
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Li R, Zhang X, Ma KS, Li XW, Xia F, Zhong H, Tang CL, Guo Y, Yan XC. Dynamic enhancing vascular pattern of intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound: the influence of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 38:112-9. [PMID: 22323003 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-012-9854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the dynamic enhancing features by real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS CEUS was performed by using contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) imaging with mechanical index of <0.2 after injection of 2.4 mL of contrast agent. CEUS images of histologically confirmed ICC in 54 patents (15 patents with chronic hepatitis B, 16 patents with cirrhosis, and 23 patents with normal underlying liver) were analyzed. RESULTS Heterogeneous hyperenhancement was more frequently identified in ICC with chronic hepatitis (9 of 15, 60.0%, p = 0.000) and cirrhosis (8 of 16, 50.0%, p = 0.010) than in patients with normal liver (6 of 23, 26.1%) during arterial phase. The majority of ICC in patients with normal liver displayed peripheral hyperenhancement (13 of 23, 56.5%), than in patients with chronic hepatitis (4 of 15, 26.7%, p = 0.000) and cirrhosis (5 of 16, 31.3%, p = 0.001). Intense contrast uptake during the arterial phase (heterogeneous hyperenhancement or global hyperenhancement) followed by washout in venous phases was more frequently displayed in ICC patients with chronic hepatitis (11 of 15, 73.3%, p = 0.000) and in patients with cirrhosis (11 of 16, 68.8%, p = 0.000) than in ICC patients with normal underlying liver (8 of 23, 34.8%). CONCLUSION The enhancing vascular pattern of ICC on CEUS in patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis is different from that in ICC without underlying liver disease. The enhancing vascular pattern is indistinguishable from HCC on CEUS in most ICC patients with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Gaotangyan Street, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
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Yang H, Liu GJ, Lu MD, Xu HX, Xie XY. Evaluation of the vascular architecture of focal liver lesions using micro flow imaging. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2013; 32:1157-1171. [PMID: 23804338 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.32.7.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the vascular architecture of focal liver lesions using micro flow imaging and compare it with characteristics on contrast harmonic imaging during the arterial phase. METHODS Micro flow imaging and contrast harmonic imaging were performed in 118 patients with various focal liver lesions: hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 70), metastasis(n = 19), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 1), hemangioma (n = 17), and focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 8). The vascular architecture of the lesions on micro flow imaging was evaluated by 2 investigators independently to reveal 6 patterns (types IVI). Enhancement characteristics on contrast harmonic imaging were also evaluated. RESULTS Inter-reader agreement for delineating the vascular architecture was higher on contrast harmonic imaging (κ= 0.856) than micro flow imaging (κ= 0.613). On micro flow imaging, the vascular patterns of hepatocellular carcinomas were types I (28.6%), II (65.7%), and III (5.7%). On contrast harmonic imaging, 44 of 70 (62.9%) hepatocellular carcinomas showed chaotic vessels, of which 40 were type II and 4 were type II. The vascular patterns of metastases were types IV (78.9%), I (10.5%), and II (10.5%). Typical rim enhancement was identified in 57.9% of metastases on contrast harmonic imaging, and all were type IV. The vascular patterns of focal nodular hyperplasia were types VI (87.5%) and I (12.5%). Typical spoked wheel arteries were identified on contrast harmonic imaging in 2 focal nodular hyperplasia cases. The vascular patterns of hemangiomas were types V (94.1%) and II (5.9%). Typical peripheral nodular enhancement was identified in 88.2% of hemangiomas on contrast harmonic imaging, and all were type V. The χ(2) test revealed that differences in vascular architecture between the lesions were significant on micro flow imaging (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Micro flow imaging permitted detailed delineation of the vascular architecture of focal liver lesions. Hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hemangioma showed characteristic vascular architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
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23
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Galassi M, Iavarone M, Rossi S, Bota S, Vavassori S, Rosa L, Leoni S, Venerandi L, Marinelli S, Sangiovanni A, Veronese L, Fraquelli M, Granito A, Golfieri R, Colombo M, Bolondi L, Piscaglia F. Patterns of appearance and risk of misdiagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhosis at contrast enhanced ultrasound. Liver Int 2013; 33:771-779. [PMID: 23445369 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Primary aim was to validate the percentage of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICC) which have a contrast vascular pattern at contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) at risk of misdiagnosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, secondary aim, to verify if any characteristics in the CEUS pattern helps to identify ICC. METHODS All ICC on cirrhosis seen in three Italian centres (Bologna, Milan and Pavia) between 2003 and 2011, in which CEUS and at least another imaging technique (CT or MRI) had been performed, were retrospectively identified. Those patients with ICC size comparable to the early HCC stage (Milan criteria, considered as small ICC) were enrolled for this study. The enhancement pattern at CEUS was analysed and compared with CT or MRI. RESULTS A total of 25 small ICC made this study group. CEUS was at risk of misdiagnosis of ICC for HCC in a significantly higher number of cases than in CT (performed in 24 ICC) (52% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.009) and MRI (11 ICC) (52% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.02). A different contrast pattern among all techniques was found in 6 of 10 ICC lesions submitted to the three imaging methods. In the arterial phase, ICC lacked global hyperenhacement in approximately 50% of cases at CEUS and the degree of intensity of wash-out in the late phase was marked in 24% of nodules. CONCLUSIONS CEUS misdiagnosed as HCC a significantly higher number of ICC lesions in cirrhotic patients than CT and MRI. However, some CEUS contrast features can help suspect ICC, especially in some cases with inconclusive CT or MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Galassi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Dept of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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24
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Friedrich-Rust M, Klopffleisch T, Nierhoff J, Herrmann E, Vermehren J, Schneider MD, Zeuzem S, Bojunga J. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant focal liver lesions: a meta-analysis. Liver Int 2013; 33:739-55. [PMID: 23432804 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International guidelines of Ultrasound recommend the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as the first method of choice after conventional ultrasound for the diagnostic work-up of focal liver lesions. However, these recommendations are based on the results of multiple single studies and only few large multicentre studies. AIMS The rationale of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the overall sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. METHODS Literature databases were searched up to March 2012. Inclusion criteria were evaluation of CEUS, assessment of sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model based on the DerSimonian Laird method. Quality analyses were carried out to assess sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 45 studies with 8147 focal liver lesions were included in the analysis. Overall sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions was 93% (95%-CI: 91-95%) and 90% (95%-CI: 88-92%) respectively. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies. However, subanalysis revealed no significant difference when evaluating studies using histology for all liver lesions, when comparing high-quality and low-quality studies, and blinded vs non-blinded studies. CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis support the international recommendations on CEUS for the diagnostic work-up of focal liver lesions selecting patients who need further diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireen Friedrich-Rust
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, J.W.Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Wang W, Chen LD, Lu MD, Liu GJ, Shen SL, Xu ZF, Xie XY, Wang Y, Zhou LY. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of histologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia: diagnostic performance compared with contrast-enhanced CT. Eur Radiol 2013; 23:2546-54. [PMID: 23624595 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-013-2849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate and compare contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the characterisation of histologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). METHODS CEUS was performed in 85 patients with 85 histologically proven FNHs. Enhancement, centrifugal filling, spoke-wheel arteries, feeding artery and central scarring were reviewed and correlated with lesion size or liver background. Independent factors for predicting FNH from other focal liver lesions (FLLs) were evaluated. Forty-seven FLLs with CECT were randomly selected for comparison of diagnostic performance with CEUS. RESULTS Centrifugal filling was more common (P = 0.002) and the significant predictor (P = 0.003) in FNHs ≤3 cm. Lesion size or liver background has no significant influence on the detection rate of the spoke-wheel arteries and feeding artery (P > 0.05). Central scarring was found in 42.6 % of FNHs ≥3 cm (P = 0.000). The area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity showed no significant differences between CEUS and CECT (P > 0.05), except that the sensitivity of CEUS was better for reader 1 (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION CEUS is valuable in characterising centrifugal filling signs or spoke wheels in small FNHs and should be employed as the first-line imaging technique for diagnosis of FNH. KEY POINTS • The confident diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia is important in liver imaging. • The centrifugal filling sign is useful for diagnosis of FNHs ≤3 cm. • Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT have similar diagnostic performance for FNH. • CEUS should be the first-line imaging technique for the diagnosis of FNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University, NO.58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
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Liu LN, Xu HX, Zhang YF, Xu JM. Hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation: The imaging follow-up scheme. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:797-801. [PMID: 23429970 PMCID: PMC3574876 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i6.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Percutaneous ablation using thermal or chemical methods has been widely used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays, contrast-enhanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are widely used to evaluate local treatment response after ablation therapies. CEUS is gaining increasing attention due to its characteristics including real-time scanning, easy performance, lack of radiation, wide availability, and lack of allergy reactions. Several studies have documented that CEUS is comparable to CT or MRI in evaluating local treatment efficacy within 1 mo of treatment. However, little information is available regarding the role of CEUS in the follow-up assessment after first successful ablation treatment. Zheng et al found that in comparison with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of CEUS in detecting local tumor progression (LTP) were 67.5%, 97.4%, 81.8%, 94.4% and 92.3%, respectively, and were 77.7%, 92.0%, 92.4%, 76.7% and 84.0%, respectively for the detection of new intrahepatic recurrence. They concluded that the sensitivity of CEUS in detecting LTP and new intrahepatic recurrence after ablation is relatively low in comparison with CECT, and CEUS cannot replace CECT in the follow-up assessment after percutaneous ablation for HCC. These results are meaningful and instructive, and indicated that in the follow-up period, the use of CEUS alone is not sufficient. In this commentary, we discuss the discordance between CT and CEUS, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. We propose the combined use of CT and CEUS which will reduce false positive and negative results in both modalities. We also discuss future issues, such as an evidence-based ideal imaging follow-up scheme, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of this imaging follow-up scheme.
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Pei XQ, Liu LZ, Xiong YH, Zou RH, Chen MS, Li AH, Cai MY. Quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Radiol 2013; 86:20120536. [PMID: 23392189 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20120536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential of quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS 34 cases of FNH and 66 cases of HCC (all lesions <5 cm) were studied using CEUS to evaluate enhancement patterns and using analytic software Sonoliver® (Image-Arena™ v.4.0, TomTec Imaging Systems, Munich, Germany) to obtain quantitative features of CEUS in the region of interest. The quantitative features of maximum of intensity (IMAX), rise slope (RS), rise time (RT) and time to peak (TTP) were compared between the two groups and applied to further characterise both FNH and HCC with hypoenhancing patterns in the late phase on CEUS. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for diagnosis of FNH were 67.6% and 93.9%, respectively. For quantitative analysis, IMAX and RS in FNHs were significantly higher than those in HCCs (p<0.05), while RT and TTP in FNHs were significantly shorter (p<0.05). Both the 11 FNHs and 62 HCCs with hypo-enhancing patterns in the late phase were further characterised with their quantitative features, and the sensitivity and specificity of IMAX for diagnosis of FNH were 90.9% and 43.5%, RS 81.8% and 80.6%, RT 90.9% and 71.0%, and TTP 90.9% and 71.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION The quantitative features of CEUS in FNH and HCC were significantly different, and they could further differentiate FNH from HCC following conventional CEUS. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Our findings suggest that quantitative analysis of CEUS can improve the accuracy of differentiating FNH from HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-Q Pei
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Barreiros AP, Piscaglia F, Dietrich CF. Contrast enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): comments on AASLD guidelines. J Hepatol 2012; 57:930-932. [PMID: 22739095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Sporea I, Sirli R. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound assessment of focal liver lesions with SonoVue ®. IMAGING IN MEDICINE 2012; 4:163-170. [DOI: 10.2217/iim.11.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2025]
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Xu HX, Chen LD, Liu LN, Zhang YF, Guo LH, Liu C. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: correlation with pathological examination. Br J Radiol 2012; 85:1029-37. [PMID: 22374276 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/21653786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and pathological findings. METHODS The CEUS enhancement patterns of 40 pathologically proven ICC lesions were retrospectively analysed. Pathologically, the degree of tumour cell and fibrosis distribution in the lesion was semi-quantitatively evaluated. RESULTS 4 enhancement patterns were observed in the arterial phase for 32 mass-forming ICCs: peripheral rim-like hyperenhancement (n=19); heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=6); homogeneous hyperenhancement (n=3); and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n=4). Among the four enhancement patterns, the differences in tumour cell distribution were statistically significant (p<0.05). The hyperenhancing area on CEUS corresponded to more tumour cells for mass-forming ICCs. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=2) and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n=2) were observed in the arterial phase for four periductal infiltrating ICCs. In this subtype, fibrosis was more commonly found in the lesions. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=1) and homogeneous hyperenhancement (n=3) were observed in the arterial phase for four intraductal growing ICCs. This subtype tended to have abundant tumour cells. CONCLUSION The CEUS findings of ICC relate to the degree of carcinoma cell proliferation at pathological examination. Hyperenhancing areas in the tumour always indicated increased density of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-X Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University & Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Medical Imaging Center of Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Shen B, Kezheng W, Xilin S, Lina W. Development of molecular imaging and nanomedicine in China. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 3:533-44. [PMID: 21850712 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The rapid progress of molecular imaging (MI) and the application of nanotechnology in medicine have the potential to advance the foundations of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Although MI and biomedical nanotechnology are still in a formative phase in China, much has been achieved over the last decade. This article provides a commentary on the development and current status of nanomedicine in China, with a selective focus on Chinese nanoparticle synthesis technology, the development of imaging equipment, and the preclinical application of novel MI probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhong Shen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, China. ,
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Li C, Wang W, Ding H, Huang B, Cao J, Mao F, Ji Z. Value of contrast-enhanced sonography in the diagnosis of peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2011; 39:447-453. [PMID: 21626512 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To illustrate contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasonography (CEUS) findings of peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (PICC) and to assess the usefulness of CEUS in the diagnosis of this disease. METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of 46 patients (20 men, 26 women) with PICC who underwent both preoperative CEUS and pathologic examination. Sonographic examinations were performed with sonographic instruments equipped with low mechanical index contrast imaging software. The contrast agent SonoVue was used. The wash-in and wash-out features of the lesions were documented and the enhancement patterns were analyzed by visual inspection of the real-time cine loops. RESULTS During the hepatic arterial phase of CEUS, the majority of PICC lesions (43/46, 93.5%) showed hypervascularity compared with the liver parenchyma, whereas three lesions (3/46, 6.5%) showed hypovascularity. In the portal phases, all lesions were either isoechoic or hypoechoic, while they were all hypoechoic in the late phase. Of all the hypervascular lesions, 48.8% (21/43) showed diffuse enhancement and 51.2% (22/43) showed rim-like or thick, rim-like enhancement. In 62.8% (27/43) of cases, progressive dendritic and centripetal fill-in of the contrast agent was observed. There were 83.7% (36/43) of hypervascular nodules showing heterogeneous enhancement during peak contrast enhancement of the lesions. CEUS provided clearer visualization of lesion margins than did conventional sonography. CONCLUSIONS CEUS examination yields some specific findings that are useful in the diagnosis of PICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolun Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Xu HX. Era of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound. World J Radiol 2011; 3:141-6. [PMID: 21666820 PMCID: PMC3110916 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i5.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is an era of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound (US). Various new techniques such as three-dimensional US (3D US), interventional US, and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) have been introduced into clinical practice. Dr. Xu and his colleagues have taken advantage of these techniques and carried out a series of relevant studies. Their use of 3D US in the liver, gallbladder, liver tumor volumetry, guidance for ablation, and 3D CEUS has widened the application of 3D US in the clinic. They found that prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after thermal ablation with curative intent was determined by treatment response to ablation, pretreatment serum AFP, and liver function reserve. Tumor response to treatment was the most predictive factor for long-term survival. They compared the use of percutaneous microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of HCC and found that both are effective methods in treating HCCs. The local tumor control, complications related to treatment, and long-term survival were equivalent for the two modalities. They first compared the enhancement patterns of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and proposed the diagnostic clues for ICC, liver angiomyolipoma (AML), gallbladder cancer, renal carcinoma, and renal AML, which have greatly enhanced the role of CEUS in the clinic. They also evaluated the diagnostic performance of CEUS in characterizing complex cystic focal liver lesions and the agreement between two investigators with different experience levels; and found that CEUS is especially useful for the young investigator. They assessed the effect of anti-angiogenic gene therapy for HCC treated by microbubble-enhanced US exposure and concluded that gene therapy mediated by US exposure enhanced by a microbubble contrast agent may become a new treatment option for HCC.
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Mandai M, Koda M, Matono T, Nagahara T, Sugihara T, Ueki M, Ohyama K, Murawaki Y. Assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perfluorobutane microbubbles: comparison with dynamic CT. Br J Radiol 2010; 84:499-507. [PMID: 20959373 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/38682601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate tumour vascularity and Kupffer cell imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with Sonazoid (perfluorobutane) and to compare performance with dynamic CT. METHODS We studied 118 nodules in 88 patients with HCC. HCC was diagnosed as a hyperenhancement lesion in the arterial phase with washout in the portal phase on dynamic CT or by percutaneous biopsy. We observed tumour vascularity at the early vascular phase (10-30 s after contrast injection) and Kupffer imaging at the post-vascular phase (after 10 min). RESULTS Detection of vascularity at the early vascular phase was 88% in nodules that were found to be hypervascular on dynamic CT and 28% in hypo-/isovascular nodules; the detection of local recurrence nodules was 92%. The detection of vascularity was significantly lower in nodules >9 cm deep than in those ≤9 cm deep, but was not affected by tumour size. The detection of tumours at the post-vascular phase on CEUS was 83% in nodules with low density in the portal phase on dynamic CT and 82% in nodules with isodensity. The rate did not depend on the severity of underlying liver disease; rates decreased in nodules deeper than 9 cm, those smaller than 2 cm in diameter and in iso-enhancing nodules at the early vascular phase of CEUS. CONCLUSION CEUS with Sonazoid is a useful tool for assessing the vascularity of HCC and is equal to that of dynamic CT; however, the detectability of HCC vascularity is affected by location.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mandai
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
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Zheng YL, Yin XY, Xie XY, Xu HX, Xu ZF, Liu GJ, Liang JY, Lu MD. Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in assessing the vascularity of liver metastases: comparison with contrast-enhanced computed tomography. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2010; 29:1403-1410. [PMID: 20876893 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2010.29.10.1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the capability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in evaluating the vascularity of liver metastases. METHODS Both CEUS and CECT examinations were performed on 70 patients with liver metastases, which were from colon carcinoma in 31, rectal carcinoma in 17, pancreatic carcinoma in 5, and others in 17. In patients with multiple lesions, the most easily observed lesion was selected as the target lesion for evaluation of vascularity. RESULTS Peak enhancement of the target lesion during the arterial phase was characterized as hyperenhancement, isoenhancement, hypo-enhancement, and nonenhancement in 61 (87.1%), 6 (8.6%), 3 (4.3%), and 0 (0%) patients on CEUS, respectively, and in 52 (74.3%), 8 (11.4%), 8 (11.4%), and 2 (2.9%) on CECT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed more lesions with hyperenhancement than CECT (P < .01). The enhancement pattern during the arterial phase was homogeneous, inhomogeneous, and rimlike in 30 (42.9%), 16 (22.9%), and 24 (34.2%) patients on CEUS and in 13 (18.6%), 8 (11.4%), and 49 (70%) on CECT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed more lesions with homogeneous enhancement than CECT (P < .01). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed dysmorphic vessels in 33 patients (47.1%) during the arterial phase, whereas CECT showed dysmorphic vessels in 27 (38.6%; P < .01). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed hypervascular lesions in 58.6% of patients, whereas CECT showed hypervascular lesions in 12.9% (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was superior to CECT in assessing the vascularity of liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ling Zheng
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Vilana R, Forner A, Bianchi L, García-Criado A, Rimola J, de Lope CR, Reig M, Ayuso C, Brú C, Bruix J. Intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhosis patients may display a vascular pattern similar to hepatocellular carcinoma on contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Hepatology 2010; 51:2020-9. [PMID: 20512990 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to describe the imaging features by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in cirrhosis patients. We registered the CEUS images of cirrhosis patients with histologically confirmed ICC. In all cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to confirm the diagnosis and/or staging purposes. A total of 21 patients met all the criteria to be included in the study. The median nodule size was 32 mm. All nodules showed contrast enhancement at arterial phase; in 10 cases it was homogeneous and in 11 cases peripheral (rim-like). All nodules displayed washout during the venous phases; it appeared during the first 60 seconds in 10 nodules, between 60-120 seconds in five cases, and in six cases after 2 minutes. Ten nodules (five larger than 2 cm) displayed homogeneous contrast uptake followed by washout and they correspond to the specific pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases criteria. However, none of these lesions displayed washout on MRI. CONCLUSION CEUS should not be used as the sole imaging technique for conclusive hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and if the MRI does not display the diagnostic vascular pattern, a confirmatory biopsy is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Vilana
- Radiology Department, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) group, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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The current status of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in China. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2010; 37:97-106. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-010-0264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bartolotta TV, Taibbi A, Matranga D, Malizia G, Lagalla R, Midiri M. Hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings with emphasis on lesion size, depth and liver echogenicity. Eur Radiol 2010; 20:2248-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-010-1775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Quaia E, Alaimo V, Baratella E, Pizzolato R, Cester G, Medeot A, Cova MA. Effect of observer experience in the differentiation between benign and malignant liver tumors after ultrasound contrast agent injection. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2010; 29:25-36. [PMID: 20040772 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2010.29.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the observer level of experience on the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) for differentiation between benign and malignant liver tumors. METHODS From a computerized search, we retrospectively identified 286 biopsy-proven liver tumors (105 hepatocellular carcinomas, 48 metastases, 7 intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 33 liver hemangiomas, and 93 nonhemangiomatous benign lesions) in 235 patients (140 male and 95 female; mean age +/- SD, 56 +/- 11 years) who underwent CEUS after sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble injection. The digital cine clips recorded during the arterial (10-35 seconds from injection), portal (50-120 seconds), and late (130-300 seconds) phases were analyzed by 6 independent observers without experience (group 1, observers 1-3) or with 2 to 10 years of experience in CEUS (group 2, observers 4-6). Specific training in the diagnostic and interpretative criteria was provided to the inexperienced observers. Each observer used a 5-point scale to grade diagnostic confidence: 1, definitely benign; 2, probably benign; 3, indeterminate; 4, probably malignant; or 5, definitely malignant on the basis of the enhancement pattern during the arterial phase and enhancement degree during the portal and late phases compared with the liver (hypoenhancement indicating malignant and isoenhancement to hyperenhancement indicating benign). RESULTS The analysis of observer diagnostic confidence revealed higher intragroup (kappa = 0.63-0.83) than intergroup (kappa = 0.47-0.63) observer agreement. The experienced observers showed higher diagnostic performance in malignancy diagnosis than did inexperienced observers (overall accuracy: group 1, 63.3%-72.8%; group 2, 75.9%-93.1%; P < .05, chi(2) test). CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic performance of CEUS in liver tumor characterization was dependant on the observer's level of experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Quaia
- Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
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von Herbay A, Westendorff J, Gregor M. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with SonoVue: differentiation between benign and malignant focal liver lesions in 317 patients. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2010; 38:1-9. [PMID: 19790253 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) with the contrast agent SonoVue to differentiate between benign and malignant focal liver lesions. METHODS In a prospective study, we examined 317 patients (204 males, 113 females, aged 59 +/- 12 years) with focal liver lesions detected by B-mode gray-scale sonography. After intravenous injection of 1.2 mL SonoVue, the liver was examined continuously for 3 minutes using low-MI sonography with contrast-specific software. Final diagnosis was established by histopathology, CT, MRI, or HIDA-scintigraphy. RESULTS Two hundred nine patients had malignant focal lesions, including 107 hepatocellular carcinomas, 70 metastases, 26 cholangiocellular carcinomas, and 6 other types of malignancy. One hundred eight patients had benign focal lesions, including 30 regenerative nodules, 30 hemangiomas, 13 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia, 12 abscesses, 8 cases of necrosis, 7 cases of focal steatosis areas, and 8 other benign lesions. Hypoenhancement or no enhancement in the late phase was found in 91% of the malignant lesions but in only 37% of the benign lesions (p < 0.001, sensitivity = 64%, specificity = 93%). Hyperenhancement in the late phase was found in 20% of the benign lesions but in none of the malignant lesions (p < 0.001, sensitivity = 21%, specificity = 100%). Hyperenhancement in the early phase with diffuse complete enhancement was found in 30% of the patients with malignant lesions but in only 2% of the patients with benign lesions (p < 0.001, sensitivity = 30%, specificity = 98%). CEUS had a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 99%, and an accuracy of 89% in the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. CONCLUSION CEUS is helpful in the differentiation between benign and malignant focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra von Herbay
- University of Tübingen, Department of Medicine, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Xu HX. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound: The evolving applications. World J Radiol 2009; 1:15-24. [PMID: 21160717 PMCID: PMC2999308 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v1.i1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a major breakthrough for ultrasound imaging in recent years. By using a microbubble contrast agent and contrast-specific imaging software, CEUS is able to depict the micro- and macro-circulation of the targeted organ, which in turn leads to improved performance in diagnosis. Due to the special dual blood supply system in the liver, CEUS is particularly suitable for liver imaging. It is evident that CEUS facilitates improvement for characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs), detection of liver malignancy, guidance for interventional procedures, and evaluation of treatment response after local therapies. CEUS has been demonstrated to be equal to contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for the characterization of FLLs. In addition, the applicability of CEUS has expanded to non-liver structures such as gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, kidney, spleen, breast, thyroid, and prostate. The usefulness of CEUS in these applications is confirmed by extensive literature production. Novel applications include detecting bleeding sites and hematomas in patients with abdominal trauma, guiding percutaneous injection therapy and therefore achieving the goal of using interventional ultrasonography in managing splenic trauma, assessing the activity of Crohn’s disease, and detecting suspected endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair. Contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (US) and intracavitary use of CEUS have been developed and clinically studied. The potential use of CEUS involves sentinel lymph node detection, drug or gene delivery, and molecular imaging. In conclusion, the advent of CEUS has greatly enhanced the usefulness of US and even changed the status of US in clinical practice. The application of CEUS in the clinic is continuously evolving and it is expected that its use will be expanded further in the future.
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Wong GLH, Xu HX, Xie XY. Detection Of Focal Liver Lesions In Cirrhotic Liver Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. World J Radiol 2009; 1:25-36. [PMID: 21160718 PMCID: PMC2998885 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v1.i1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with liver cirrhosis are at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conventional or baseline ultrasound (BUS) is often used as the first-line tool for HCC surveillance or detection, but the accuracy of BUS in HCC detection or differentiation from other focal liver lesions (FLLs) is limited. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) represents a recent revolution in the field of ultrasonography and it has become increasingly important in the detection and evaluation of FLLs. In CEUS, HCC typically exhibits arterial hyper-enhancement and portal-venous washout represented by hypo-enhanced lesions in the portal venous and late phases. The detection rate of HCC was significantly higher with CEUS compared with BUS. Even regenerative or some dysplastic nodules may exhibit arterial hyper-enhancement as they are differentiated from HCC by its iso-enhancing pattern in portal and late phases. The contrast-enhancement patterns of other different types of benign and malignant FLLs, as well as their detection rates with CEUS, were also discussed.
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Xu HX. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the biliary system: Potential uses and indications. World J Radiol 2009; 1:37-44. [PMID: 21160719 PMCID: PMC2999303 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v1.i1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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: 11/26/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional ultrasound (US) is the first-line imaging investigation for biliary diseases. However, it is lack of the ability to depict the microcirculation of some lesions which may lead to failure in diagnosis for some biliary diseases. The use of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) has reached the field of bile duct disease in recent years and promising results have been achieved. In this review, the methodology, image interpretation, enhancement pattern, clinical usefulness, and indications for CEUS in the biliary system are summarized. CEUS may be indicated in the biliary system under the following circumstances: (1) Where there is a need to make a characterization of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC); (2) For differentiation diagnosis between ICC and other tumors (i.e. hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastasis) or infectious diseases; (3) For differentiation diagnosis between biliary cystadenoma and biliary cystadenocarcinoma; (4) To detect malignant change in Caroli’s disease; (5) To depict the extent of Klatskin’s tumor with greater clarity; (6) To make a distinction between gallbladder cholesterol polyp, adenoma and polypoid cancer; (7) To make a distinction between chronic cholecystitis with thickened wall and gallbladder cancer; (8) For differentiation diagnosis between motionless sludge and gallbladder cancer; (9) For differentiation diagnosis between common bile duct cancer and sludge or stone without acoustic shadowing; and (10) In patients who are suspected of having a drop of their percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage tube, US contrast agent can be administered to through the tube detect the site of the tube.
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Chen LD, Xu HX, Xie XY, Xie XH, Xu ZF, Liu GJ, Wang Z, Lin MX, Lu MD. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma: differential diagnosis with contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Eur Radiol 2009; 20:743-53. [PMID: 19760416 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-009-1599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2009] [Revised: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differentiation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The CEUS enhancement patterns of 50 ICCs were retrospectively analysed and compared with 50 HCCs. Two readers independently reviewed the baseline ultrasound (BUS) and CEUS images and the diagnostic performances were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Time-intensity curves (TIC) were plotted for quantification analysis. RESULTS In the arterial phase, peripheral rim-like hyperenhancement, heterogeneous hyperenhancement, homogeneous hyperenhancement and heterogeneous hypoenhancement were found in 25, 10, 3 and 12 of the ICCs versus 2, 29, 19 and 0 of the HCCs (P < 0.001), respectively. The diagnostic performance of both readers in terms of the area under the ROC curve (0.745 vs. 0.933 for reader 1, and 0.803 vs. 0.911 for reader 2), sensitivity (28% vs. 90%, and 44% vs. 82%) and accuracy (64% vs. 90%, and 71% vs. 90%) improved significantly after CEUS (all P < 0.05). The interobserver agreement increased from kappa = 0.575 at BUS to kappa = 0.720 after CEUS. TICs demonstrated that the intensities of the peripheral and central portions of the ICCs were lower than those of HCCs (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CEUS improves the diagnostic performance significantly in the differentiation between ICC and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Da Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Liu LP, Dong BW, Yu XL, Liang P, Zhang DK, An LC. Focal hypoechoic tumors of Fatty liver: characterization of conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2009; 28:1133-1142. [PMID: 19710210 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2009.28.9.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of focal hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver using conventional ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). METHODS Sixty-four hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver in 52 patients were examined by both conventional ultrasonography and CEUS. Contrast pulse sequencing and a sulfur hexafluoride contrast agent were used for CEUS. The enhancement patterns were evaluated in real time. Results. Hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver showed posterior echo enhancement, including 71.4% (25 of 35) of hemangiomas, 73.3% (11 of 15) of metastases, and 50.0% (3 of 6) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on conventional ultrasonography. During the early arterial phase, 62.5% (5 of 8) of focal nodular hyperplasia lesions showed a central spoked wheel enhancement pattern, whereas the remaining 37.5% (3 of 8) showed eccentric spoked wheel enhancement. During the arterial phase, 97.1% (34 of 35) of hemangiomas showed peripheral enhancement and centripetal fill-in, including ringlike peripheral enhancement (12 of 35), small nodular peripheral enhancement (19 of 35), and massive irregular peripheral enhancement (3 of 35). In total, 76.5% (26 of 34) of hemangiomas were completely filled in. All HCCs showed complete enhancement from 9 to 24 seconds during the arterial phase and began to wash out from 21 to 114 seconds. During the arterial phase, 40.0% (6 of 15) of metastases showed ringlike enhancement; 26.7% (4 of 15) showed slight hyperenhancement; 13.3% (2 of 15) showed hyperenhancement quickly; and the remaining 20.0% (3 of 15) showed heterogeneous hyperenhancement. All metastatic tumors began to wash out from 25 to 40 seconds. In total, 92.2% (59 of 64) of focal hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver were diagnosed as the correct pathologic type with CEUS. CONCLUSIONS With CEUS, characterization of hypoechoic tumors of fatty liver is greatly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
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Wang Z, Xu HX, Xie XY, Xie XH, Kuang M, Xu ZF, Liu GJ, Chen LD, Lin MX, Lu MD. Imaging features of hepatic angiomyolipomas on real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Br J Radiol 2009; 83:411-8. [PMID: 19723766 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/81174247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The imaging features of 12 pathologically proven hepatic AML lesions in 10 patients who had undergone baseline ultrasound (BUS) and CEUS examinations were evaluated retrospectively. The enhancement extent, pattern and dynamic change, along with the enhancement process, on CEUS were analysed. The diagnostic results of BUS and CEUS before pathological examination were also recorded. The results showed that 75% (9/12) of the AML lesions exhibited mixed echogenicity on BUS and most showed remarkable hyperechogenicity in combination with a hypoechoic or anechoic portion. Arterial flow signals were detected in 75% (9/12) of the lesions on colour Doppler imaging. On CEUS, 66.7% (n = 8) of the 12 lesions exhibited hyperenhancement in the arterial phase, slight hyperenhancement (n = 2) or isoenhancement (n = 6) in the portal phase, and slight hyperenhancement (n = 1) or isoenhancement (n = 7) in the late phase. Three (25%) lesions exhibited hyperenhancement in the arterial phase and hypoenhancement in both portal and late phases. One (8.3%) lesion exhibited hypoenhancement throughout the CEUS process. Before pathological examination with BUS, only 3 (25%) lesions were correctly diagnosed as hepatic AML. Conversely, on CEUS, correct diagnoses were made for 66.8% (8/12) of hepatic AMLs. Therefore, arterial hyperenhancement and subsequent sustained enhancement on CEUS were found in the majority of hepatic AMLs. The combination of BUS and CEUS leads to the correct diagnosis in the majority of hepatic AMLs, and is higher than the success rate achieved by BUS alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Vecchiato F, D'Onofrio M, Malagò R, Martone E, Gallotti A, Faccioli N, Cantisani V, Marigliano C, Ruzzenente A, Pozzi Mucelli R. Detection of focal liver lesions: from the subjectivity of conventional ultrasound to the objectivity of volume ultrasound. Radiol Med 2009; 114:792-801. [PMID: 19551345 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-009-0421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was undertaken to establish the reliability of automated volumetric liver scans in detecting focal liver lesions by evaluating the degree of agreement between conventional and volume ultrasound (US) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a period of 3 months, we prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients (36 men and 64 women; age range 15-87 years; mean age 63 years) referred to our institute for US imaging of the liver. Volumetric acquisition of the liver was achieved with a 3D transducer (2.0-5.0 MHz) and a Logiq 9 US scanner. All patients underwent both 2- and 3D US studies performed by two expert radiologists. Volumetric acquisitions were subsequently reviewed by the second radiologist, who was blinded to the first radiologist's report. Three categories were established: 1=presence of focal liver lesions; 2=doubtful finding; 3=absence of focal liver lesions. Concordance between volume US and conventional US was calculated by using the k statistic. RESULTS Out of 100 patients examined, 39 were found to be affected by focal liver lesions. All volume US examinations were technically adequate, allowing exploration of all hepatic sectors, except for five cases that were marred by major respiratory motion artefacts. Conventional and volume US identified the same number of focal liver lesions, with the exception of four cases of doubtful findings at volume US. Concordance between automated volume US and conventional US of the liver was high (k=0.92). CONCLUSIONS The identification of focal liver lesions on automated volume US is possible, and the examination shows a high level of concordance with conventional US.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vecchiato
- Istituto di Radiologia, Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
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Kanemoto H, Ohno K, Nakashima K, Takahashi M, Fujino Y, Nishimura R, Tsujimoto H. Characterization of canine focal liver lesions with contrast-enhanced ultrasound using a novel contrast agent-sonazoid. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2009; 50:188-94. [PMID: 19400467 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using Sonazoid, a novel contrast medium with a liver-specific Kupffer phase, was evaluated in canine focal liver lesions Twenty-five dogs with a liver mass were given intravenous Sonazoid, and the enhancement pattern in the arterial, portal, and parenchymal phase was characterized. An enhancement defect in the lesion in the parenchymal phase was observed in all malignant lesions, whereas only one of nine benign lesions had a filling defect. The diagnostic value of the presence of a filling defect for malignancy was statistically significant (100% sensitivity, 88.9% specificity, 94.1% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value), and was equal to that of hypoenhancement in the portal or delayed phase. The defect pattern (clear or irregular defect) was dependent (P < 0.05) on the types of malignancy (i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of malignancies). In the arterial phase, five of the six hepatocellular carcinomas had hypervascularity, whereas no other lesion was characterized by hypervascularity. In some dogs, additional lesions that could not be observed with conventional B-mode ultrasonography were detected in the parenchymal phase. The enhancement pattern of Sonazoid, especially in the parenchymal phase, has potential as a diagnostic tool for canine focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Kanemoto
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Ladam-Marcus V, Mac G, Job L, Piot-Veron S, Marcus C, Hoeffel C. [Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and liver imaging: review of the literature]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 90:93-106; quiz 107-8. [PMID: 19212278 DOI: 10.1016/s0221-0363(09)70087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The advent of second-generation microbubble ultrasound contrast agents and the development of contrast specific ultrasound techniques improved the ability of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting and characterizing focal liver lesions, opening new prospects in liver imaging. A Medline search in June 2008 identified 72 published studies that used CEUS in focal liver lesion detection, characterization, and follow-up to monitor tumor ablation procedures and antiangiogenic treatment. The purpose of this paper, based on literature review, is to describe the technical recommendations when using CEUS for liver imaging and to define the different vascular patterns of the most relevant benign and malignant lesions. Diagnostic performance of CEUS and the important clinical indications are also presented and discussed. CEUS is increasingly accepted in clinical use for diagnostic imaging and post-interventional workup liver imaging. It may replace many computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the near future, according to the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ladam-Marcus
- CHU de Reims, Hôpital Robert Debré, Pôle d'Imagerie, Service de Radiologie, 51092 Reims Cedex, France.
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Chen LD, Xu HX, Xie XY, Lu MD, Xu ZF, Liu GJ, Liang JY, Lin MX. Enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: comparison between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT. Br J Radiol 2008; 81:881-9. [PMID: 18941048 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/22318475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the enhancement pattern of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with that on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). 40 pathologically proven ICC lesions in 40 patients were evaluated retrospectively with both CEUS and CECT. The enhancement level and pattern in the dynamic phases on both CEUS and CECT were analysed. The diagnostic results of CEUS and CECT before pathological examination were also recorded. During arterial phases, the number of lesions that appeared as (i) peripheral irregular rim-like hyperenhancement, (ii) diffuse heterogeneous hyperenhancement, (iii) diffuse homogeneous hyperenhancement and (iv) diffuse heterogeneous hypoenhancement were 19 (47.5%), 9 (22.5%), 5 (12.5%) and 7 (17.5%), respectively, on CEUS, and 22 (55.0%), 3 (7.5%), 2 (5.0%) and 13 (32.5%), respectively, on CECT (p = 0.125). In the portal phase, the number of lesions showing hyperenhancement and hypoenhancement were 1 (2.5%) and 39 (97.5%), respectively, on CEUS, and 15 (37.5%) and 25 (62.5%) on CECT (p = 0.0001). CEUS made a correct diagnosis in 32 (80.0%) lesions before pathological examination; CECT made a correct diagnosis in 27 (67.5%) lesions (p = 0.18). In conclusion, the enhancement patterns of ICC on CEUS were consistent with those on CECT in the arterial phase, whereas in the portal phase ICC faded out more obviously on CEUS than on CECT. CEUS had the same accuracy as CECT in diagnosing ICCs, and so can be used as a new modality for the characterization of ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-D Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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