[Multiparametric MRI in hepatocellular carcinoma, part 2 : Diffusion-weighted imaging in the primary diagnostics and treatment monitoring]. / Multiparametrische MRT-Bildgebung beim hepatozellulären Karzinom, Teil 2 : Diffusionsbildgebung in der Primärdiagnostik und Therapieverlaufskontrolle.

In addition to morphology and tissue perfusion, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is the third pillar of multiparametric diagnostics in oncology. Due to the strong correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and cell count in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it can be used as a surrogate marker for tumor cell quantity. Therefore, ADC effectively reflects the effects of cytoreductive treatment, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and systemic chemotherapy and becomes an important clinical marker for treatment response. The DWI should remain an integral part of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in primary HCC diagnostics and treatment monitoring but is of secondary clinical importance compared to contrast-enhanced MRI perfusion sequences and the use of liver-specific contrast agents. For the future, standardization of DWI sequences for better comparability of various study protocols would be desirable.

[Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma, part 1 : Morphology and dynamic perfusion imaging in primary diagnostics and treatment monitoring]. / Multiparametrische MRT-Bildgebung beim hepatozellulären Karzinom, Teil 1 : Morphologie und dynamische Perfusionsbildgebung in Primärdiagnostik und Therapieverlaufskontrolle.

Radiology plays a key role in the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to identify HCC lesions. Multiparametric MRI provides detailed insights into the tumor biology through the analysis of morphology, perfusion and diffusion. In this way preoperative decisions can be optimized. The guidelines recommend using contrast-enhanced MRI or ultrasound for the diagnosis of HCC. The preferred method is MRI due to its superiority in the detection of small lesions The treatment response is evaluated using modified response evaluation criteria for solid tumors (RECIST) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria. The use of multiparametric MRI in conjunction with the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) plays overall a central role in the precise diagnosis and monitoring of the treatment of HCC.

Invest in the future: "Hands-on Radiology" summer school.

PURPOSE: The field of radiology is currently underestimated by undergraduate medical students. The "Hands-on Radiology" summer school was established to improve radiology knowledge and interest among undergraduates. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to analyze whether a radiological hands-on course is an effective tool to reach and motivate undergraduate students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three-day course held in August 2022 included lectures, quizzes, and small group hands-on workshops focusing on practical work with simulators. All participants (n = 30) were asked to rate their knowledge and motivation to specialize in radiology at the beginning of the summer school (day 1) and the end (day 3). The questionnaires included multiple choice questions, 10-point scale questions and open comment questions. The second questionnaire (day 3) included additional questions regarding the program (topic choice, length, etc.). RESULTS: Out of 178 applicants, 30 students (16.8%) from 21 universities were selected to participate (50% female and 50% male students). All students completed both questionnaires. The overall rating was 9.47 on a 10-point scale. While the self-reported knowledge level increased from 6.47 (day 1) to 7.50 (day 3), almost all participants (96.7%, n = 29/30) mentioned an increased interest in the specialization of radiology after the event. Interestingly, most students (96.7%) preferred onsite teaching instead of online teaching and chose residents over board-certified radiologists as teachers. CONCLUSION: Intensive three-day courses are valuable tools to strengthen interest in radiology and increase knowledge among medical students. Particularly, students who already have a tendency to specialize in radiology are further motivated.