Impact of EUS in liver transplantation workup for patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For a highly selected group of patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), liver transplantation (LT) is a treatment option. The Dutch screening protocol comprises nonregional lymph node (LN) assessment by EUS, and whenever LN metastases are identified, further LT screening is precluded. The aim of this study is to investigate the yield of EUS in patients with pCCA who are potentially eligible for LT. METHODS: In this retrospective, nationwide cohort study, all consecutive patients with suspected unresectable pCCA who underwent EUS in the screening protocol for LT were included from 2011 to 2021. During EUS, sampling of a "suspicious" nonregional LN was performed based on the endoscopist's discretion. The primary outcome was the added value of EUS, defined as the number of patients who were precluded from further screening because of malignant LNs. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in whom 84 EUS procedures were performed, with EUS-guided tissue acquisition confirming malignancy in LNs in 3 of 75 (4%) patients. In the 43 who underwent surgical staging according to the protocol, nonregional LNs with malignancy were identified in 6 (14%) patients. Positive regional LNs were found in 7 patients in post-LT-resected specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our current EUS screening for the detection of malignant LNs in patients with pCCA eligible for LT shows a limited but clinically important yield. EUS with systematic screening of all LN stations, both regional and nonregional, and the sampling of suspicious lymph nodes according to defined and set criteria could potentially increase this yield.

Lesions hyper- to isointense to surrounding liver in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

OBJECTIVES: Hyper- or isointensity in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI has high specificity for focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) but may be present in hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma (HCA/HCC). This study aimed to identify imaging characteristics differentiating FNH and HCA/HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with pathology-proven FNH or HCA/HCC, hyper-/isointense in the HBP of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI between 2010 and 2020. Diagnostic performance of imaging characteristics for the differentiation between FNH and HCA/HCC were reported. Univariable analyses, multivariable logistic regression analyses, and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were conducted. Sensitivity analyses evaluated imaging characteristics of B-catenin-activated HCA. RESULTS: In total, 124 patients (mean age 40 years, standard deviation 10 years, 108 female) with 128 hyper-/isointense lesions were included. Pathology diagnoses were FNH and HCA/HCC in 64 lesions (50%) and HCA/HCC in 64 lesions (50%). Imaging characteristics observed exclusively in HCA/HCC were raster and atoll fingerprint patterns in the HBP, sinusoidal dilatation on T2-w, hemosiderin, T1-w in-phase hyperintensity, venous washout, and nodule-in-nodule partification in the HBP and T2-w. Multivariable logistic regression and CART additionally found a T2-w scar indicating FNH, less than 50% fat, and a spherical contour indicating HCA/HCC. In our selected cohort, 14/48 (29%) of HCA were B-catenin activated, most (13/14) showed extensive hyper-/isointensity, and some had a T2-w scar (4/14, 29%). CONCLUSION: If the aforementioned characteristics typical for HCA/HCC are encountered in lesions extensively hyper- to isointense, further investigation may be warranted to exclude B-catenin-activated HCA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hyper- or isointensity in the HBP of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI is specific for FNH, but HCA/HCC can also exhibit this feature. Therefore, we described imaging patterns to differentiate these entities. KEY POINTS: FNH and HCA/HCC have similar HBP intensities but have different malignant potentials. Six imaging patterns exclusive to HCA/HCC were identified in this lesion population. These features in liver lesions hyper- to isointense in the HBP warrant further evaluation.

The second round of the Dutch colorectal cancer screening program: Impact of an increased fecal immunochemical test cut-off level on yield of screening.

The Dutch colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program started in 2014, inviting the target population biennially to perform a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). We obtained prospectively collected data from the national screening information-system to present the results of the second round (2016) and evaluate the impact of increasing the FIT cut-off halfway through the first round from 15 to 47 µg Hb/g feces on outcomes in the second round. Second round screening was done with a 47 µg Hb/g feces FIT cut-off. Participants were classified based on first round participation status as either FIT (15,47) or FIT (47,47) participants, and previous nonparticipants. In total, 348,891 (75.9%) out of 459,740 invitees participated in the second round. Participation rates were 93.4% among previous participants and 21.0% among previous non-participants. FIT(47,47) participants had a significantly higher detection rate of AN (15.3 vs. 10.4 per 1,000 participants) compared to FIT(15,47) participants in the second round, while their cumulative detection rate of AN over two rounds was significantly lower (45.6 vs. 52.6 per 1,000 participants). Our results showed that participation in the Dutch CRC screening program was consistently high and that second round detection rates depended on the first round FIT cut-off. The cumulative detection over two rounds was higher among FIT(15,47) participants. These findings suggest that a substantial part of, but not all the missed findings in the first round due to the increased FIT cut-off were detected in the subsequent round.

Incidence of Interval Colorectal Cancer After Negative Results From First-Round Fecal Immunochemical Screening Tests, by Cutoff Value and Participant Sex and Age.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We evaluated the incidence of interval cancers between the first and second rounds of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with the FOB-Gold fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and the effects of different cutoff values and patient sex and age. METHODS: We collected data from participants in a population-based CRC screening program in the Netherlands who had a negative result from a first-round of FIT screening. We calculated the cumulative incidence of interval cancer after a negative result from a FIT and the sensitivity of the FIT for detection of CRC at a low (15 µg Hb/g feces) and high (47 µg Hb/g feces) cutoff value. RESULTS: Among the 485,112 participants with a negative result from a FIT, 544 interval cancers were detected; 126 were in the 111,800 participants with negative results from a FIT with the low cutoff value and 418 were in the 373,312 FIT participants with negative results from a FIT with the high cutoff value. The mean age of participants tested with the low cutoff value was 72.0 years and the mean age of participants tested the high cutoff value was 66.7 years. The age-adjusted 2-year cumulative incidence of interval cancer after a negative result from a FIT were 9.5 per 10,000 persons at the low cutoff value vs 13.8 per 10,000 persons at the high cutoff value (P < .005). The age-adjusted sensitivity of the FIT for CRC were 90.5% for the low cutoff value vs 82.9% for the high cutoff (P < .0001). The FIT identified men with CRC with 87.4% sensitivity and women with CRC with 82.6% sensitivity (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from a FIT population-based screening program in the Netherlands, we found that incidence of interval CRC after a negative result from a FIT to be low. Although the sensitivity of detection of CRC decreased with a higher FIT cutoff value, it remained above 80%.

Response to Letter: Intrapatient Comparison of the Hepatobiliary Phase of Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA in the Differentiation of HCA From FNH.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1281-1282.

A multicentre retrospective analysis on growth of residual hepatocellular adenoma after resection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumour that may require resection in select cases. The aim of this study was to the assess growth of residual HCA in the remnant liver and to advise on an evidence-based management strategy. METHOD: This multicentre retrospective cohort study included all patients with HCA who underwent surgery of HCA and had residual HCA in the remnant liver. Growth was defined as an increase of >20% in transverse diameter (RECIST criteria). Data on patient and HCA characteristics, diagnostic work-up, treatment and follow-up were documented and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included, one male. At diagnosis, median age was 38yrs (IQR 30.0-44.0) and median BMI was 29.9 kg/m2 (IQR 24.6-33.3). After resection, median number of residual sites of HCA was 3 (IQR 2-6). Follow-up of residual HCA showed regression in 24.6%, stable HCA in 61.9% and growth of at least one lesion in 11.2%. Three patients (2.2%) developed new HCA that were not visible on imaging prior to surgery. Four patients (3%, one male) underwent an intervention as growth was progressive. No statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between patients with growing residual or new HCA versus those with stable or regressing residual HCA. CONCLUSION: In patients with multiple HCA who undergo resection, growth of residual HCA is not uncommon but interventions are rarely needed as most lesions stabilize and do not show progressive growth. Surveillance is indicated when residual HCA show growth after resection, enabling intervention in case of progressive growth.

Quality Monitoring of a FIT-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

BACKGROUND: Quality assessment is crucial for consistent program performance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs using fecal immunochemical test for hemoglobin (FIT). However, literature on the consistency of FIT performance in laboratory medicine was lacking. This study examined the consistency of FIT in testing positive or detecting advanced neoplasia (AN) for different specimen collection devices, lot reagents, and laboratories. METHODS: All participants with a FIT sample with a cutoff concentration of 47 µg Hb/g feces in the Dutch CRC screening program in 2014 and 2015 were included in the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios of collection devices, reagents, and laboratories on testing positive or detecting AN and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS: In total, 87519 (6.4%) of the 1371169 participants tested positive. Positivity rates and detection rates of AN differed between collection devices and reagents (all P < 0.01). In contrast, PPVs were not found to vary between collection devices, reagents, or laboratories (all P > 0.05). Positivity rates showed a small difference for laboratories (P = 0.004) but not for detection rates of AN. Size of the population affected by the deviating positivity rates was small (0.1% of the total tested population). CONCLUSIONS: Variations were observed in positivity and detection rates between collection devices and reagents, but there was no detected variation in PPV. Although the overall population effect of these variations on the screened population is expected to be modest, there is room for improvement.

Intrapatient Comparison of the Hepatobiliary Phase of Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA in the Differentiation of Hepatocellular Adenoma From Focal Nodular Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Current imaging guidelines do not specify the preferred hepatobiliary contrast agent when differentiating hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) from focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) on MRI. PURPOSE: To analyze intrapatient differences in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) after use of both gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) and gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI to differentiate HCA from FNH. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: Patients who underwent both Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, including 33 patients with 82 lesions (67 HCA; 15 FNH), with a step-down reference standard of pathology, 20% regression, identical appearance to earlier biopsied lesions, and stringent imaging findings. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T and 3T HBP of Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, precontrast fat-suppressed T1 -weighted sequence. ASSESSMENT: Signal intensities relative to the surrounding liver in the HBP were assessed by two observers. STATISTICAL TESTS: Sensitivity and specificity of HCA diagnosis were calculated for both contrast agents. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using Cohen's kappa; differences in degree of certainty for scoring a lesion were calculated by means of the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Differences in signal intensity between Gd-BOPTA and Gd-EOB-DTPA were calculated using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Almost perfect agreement was found between observers for scored signal intensities with both contrast agents. In 30 of the 82 lesions (37%) a difference was observed between contrast agents in the HBP, with Gd-EOB-DTPA proving correct in all but one of the discordant lesions. When distinguishing HCA from FNH, Gd-BOPTA showed a sensitivity of 46% (31/67) and a specificity of 87% (13/15), while the sensitivity and specificity of Gd-EOB-DTPA was 85% (57/67) and 100% (15/15), respectively. A risk of misclassifying HCA as FNH typically occurs for Gd-BOPTA when lesions are intrinsically hyperintense (P < 0.005). DATA CONCLUSION: The HBP of Gd-EOB-DTPA shows superior accuracy in ruling out HCA in comparison with Gd-BOPTA, especially when the lesion is intrinsically hyperintense on T1 -weighted imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:700-710.

Evaluation of T2-W MR imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging for the early post-treatment local response assessment of patients treated conservatively for cervical cancer: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare MR imaging with or without DWI and clinical response evaluation (CRE) in the local control evaluation of cervical carcinoma after radiotherapy. METHODS: In a multicentre university setting, we prospectively included 107 patients with primary cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy. Sensitivity and specificity for CRE and MR imaging (with pre-therapy MR imaging as reference) (2 readers) were evaluated using cautious and strict criteria for identifying residual tumour. Nested logistic regression models were constructed for CRE, subsequently adding MR imaging with and without DWI as independent variables, as well as the pre- to post-treatment change in apparent diffusion coefficient (delta ADC). RESULTS: Using cautious criteria, CRE and MR imaging with DWI (reader 1/reader 2) have comparable high specificity (83% and 89%/95%, respectively), whereas MR imaging without DWI showed significantly lower specificity (63%/53%) than CRE. Using strict criteria, CRE and MR imaging with DWI both showed very high specificity (99% and 92%/95%, respectively), whereas MR imaging without DWI showed significantly lower specificity (89%/77%) than CRE. All sensitivities were not significantly different. Addition of MR imaging with DWI to CRE has statistically significant incremental value in identifying residual tumour (reader 1: estimate, 1.06; p = 0.001) (reader 2: estimate, 0.62; p = 0.02). Adding the delta ADC did not have significant incremental value in detecting residual tumour. CONCLUSIONS: DWI significantly increases the specificity of MR imaging in the detection of local residual tumour. Furthermore, MR imaging with DWI has significant incremental diagnostic value over CRE, whereas adding the delta ADC has no incremental diagnostic value. KEY POINTS: • If MR imaging is used for response evaluation, DWI should be incorporated • MR imaging with DWI has diagnostic value comparable/complementary to clinical response evaluation • Inter-reader agreement is moderate to fair for two experienced radiologist readers • Quantitative measurements of ADC early post-therapy have limited diagnostic value.

Real-Time Monitoring of Results During First Year of Dutch Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and Optimization by Altering Fecal Immunochemical Test Cut-Off Levels.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: After careful pilot studies and planning, the national screening program for colorectal cancer (CRC), with biennial fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), was initiated in The Netherlands in 2014. A national information system for real-time monitoring was developed to allow for timely evaluation. Data were collected from the first year of this screening program to determine the importance of planning and monitoring for optimal screening program performance. METHODS: The national information system of the CRC screening program kept track of the number of invitations sent in 2014, FIT kits returned, and colonoscopies performed. Age-adjusted rates of participation, the number of positive test results, and positive predictive values (PPVs) for advanced neoplasia were determined weekly, quarterly, and yearly. RESULTS: In 2014, there were 741,914 persons invited for FIT; of these, 529,056 (71.3%; 95% CI, 71.2%-71.4%) participated. A few months into the program, real-time monitoring showed that rates of participation and positive test results (10.6%; 95% CI, 10.5%-10.8%) were higher than predicted and the PPV was lower (42.1%; 95% CI, 41.3%-42.9%) than predicted based on pilot studies. To reduce the burden of unnecessary colonoscopies and alleviate colonoscopy capacity, the cut-off level for a positive FIT result was increased from 15 to 47 µg Hb/g feces halfway through 2014. This adjustment decreased the percentage of positive test results to 6.7% (95% CI, 6.6%-6.8%) and increased the PPV to 49.1% (95% CI, 48.3%-49.9%). In total, the first year of the Dutch screening program resulted in the detection of 2483 cancers and 12,030 advanced adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: Close monitoring of the implementation of the Dutch national CRC screening program allowed for instant adjustment of the FIT cut-off levels to optimize program performance.

Can point shear wave elastography differentiate focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular adenoma.

PURPOSE: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) are liver tumors that require different management. We assessed the potential of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) to differentiate FNH from HCA and the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of pSWE in the examination of these lesions and of native liver tissue (NLT). METHODS: The study included 88 patients (65 FNH, 23 HCA). pSWE was performed by two experienced liver sonographers (observers 1 [O1] and 2 [O2]) and acquired within the lesion of interest and NLT. Group differences, optimal cutoff for characterization and interobserver reliability was assessed with Mann-Whitney-U, area under the ROC curce (AUROC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Intraobserver reliability in NLT was assessed in 20 healthy subjects using ICC. RESULTS: Median stiffness was significantly higher in FNH than in HCA (7.01 kPa vs 4.98 kPa for O1 (P = 0.017) and 7.68 kPa vs 6.00 kPa for O2 (P = 0.031)). A cutoff point for differentiation between the two entities could not be determined with an AUROC of 0.67 (O1) and 0.69 (O2). Interobserver reliability was good for lesion- stiffness (ICC = 0.86) and poor for NLT stiffness (ICC = 0.09). In healthy subjects, intraobserver reliability for NLT-stiffness was poor for O1 (ICC = 0.23) and moderate for O2 (ICC = 0.62). CONCLUSION: This study shows that pSWE cannot reliably differentiate FNH from HCA. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability for pSWE in NLT were insufficient. Interpretation of results gained with this method should be done with great caution.

Burden of waiting for surveillance CT colonography in patients with screen-detected 6-9 mm polyps.

PURPOSE: We assessed the burden of waiting for surveillance CT colonography (CTC) performed in patients having 6-9 mm colorectal polyps on primary screening CTC. Additionally, we compared the burden of primary and surveillance CTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an invitational population-based CTC screening trial, 101 persons were diagnosed with <3 polyps 6-9 mm, for which surveillance CTC after 3 years was advised. Validated questionnaires regarding expected and perceived burden (5-point Likert scales) were completed before and after index and surveillance CTC, also including items on burden of waiting for surveillance CTC. McNemar's test was used for comparison after dichotomization. RESULTS: Seventy-eight (77 %) of 101 invitees underwent surveillance CTC, of which 66 (85 %) completed the expected and 62 (79 %) the perceived burden questionnaire. The majority of participants (73 %) reported the experience of waiting for surveillance CTC as 'never' or 'only sometimes' burdensome. There was almost no difference in expected and perceived burden between surveillance and index CTC. Waiting for the results after the procedure was significantly more burdensome for surveillance CTC than for index CTC (23 vs. 8 %; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Waiting for surveillance CTC after primary CTC screening caused little or no burden for surveillance participants. In general, the burden of surveillance and index CTC were comparable. KEY POINTS: • Waiting for surveillance CTC within a CRC screening caused little burden • The vast majority never or only sometimes thought about their polyp(s) • In general, the burden of index and surveillance CTC were comparable • Awaiting results was more burdensome for surveillance than for index CTC.

Computer tomography colonography participation and yield in patients under surveillance for 6-9 mm polyps in a population-based screening trial.

PURPOSE: Surveillance CT colonography (CTC) is a viable option for 6-9 mm polyps at CTC screening for colorectal cancer. We established participation and diagnostic yield of surveillance and determined overall yield of CTC screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an invitational CTC screening trial 82 of 982 participants harboured 6-9 mm polyps as the largest lesion(s) for which surveillance CTC was advised. Only participants with one or more lesion(s) ≥6 mm at surveillance CTC were offered colonoscopy (OC); 13 had undergone preliminary OC. The surveillance CTC yield was defined as the number of participants with advanced neoplasia in the 82 surveillance participants, and was added to the primary screening yield. RESULTS: Sixty-five of 82 participants were eligible for surveillance CTC of which 56 (86.2 %) participated. Advanced neoplasia was diagnosed in 15/56 participants (26.8 %) and 9/13 (69.2 %) with preliminary OC. Total surveillance yield was 24/82 (29.3 %). No carcinomas were detected. Adding surveillance results to initial screening CTC yield significantly increased the advanced neoplasia yield per 100 CTC participants (6.1 to 8.6; p < 0.001) and per 100 invitees (2.1 to 2.9; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surveillance CTC for 6-9 mm polyps has a substantial yield of advanced adenomas and significantly increased the CTC yield in population screening. KEY POINTS: • The participation rate in surveillance CT colonography (CTC) is 86 %. • Advanced adenoma prevalence in a 6-9 mm CTC surveillance population is high. • Surveillance CTC significantly increases the yield of population screening by CTC. • Surveillance CTC for 6-9 mm polyps is a safe strategy. • Surveillance CTC is unlikely to yield new important extracolonic findings.

Evolution of Screen-Detected Small (6-9 mm) Polyps After a 3-Year Surveillance Interval: Assessment of Growth With CT Colonography Compared With Histopathology.

OBJECTIVES: Volumetric growth assessment has been proposed for predicting advanced histology at surveillance computed tomography (CT) colonography (CTC). We examined whether is it possible to predict which small (6-9 mm) polyps are likely to become advanced adenomas at surveillance by assessing volumetric growth. METHODS: In an invitational population-based CTC screening trial, 93 participants were diagnosed with one or two 6-9 mm polyps as the largest lesion(s). They were offered a 3-year surveillance CTC. Participants in whom surveillance CTC showed lesion(s) of ≥6 mm were offered colonoscopy. Volumetric measurements were performed on index and surveillance CTC, and polyps were classified into growth categories according to ±30% volumetric change (>30% growth as progression, 30% growth to 30% decrease as stable, and >30% decrease as regression). Polyp growth was related to histopathology. RESULTS: Between July 2012 and May 2014, 70 patients underwent surveillance CTC after a mean surveillance interval of 3.3 years (s.d. 0.3; range 3.0-4.6 years). In all, 33 (35%) of 95 polyps progressed, 36 (38%) remained stable, and 26 (27%) regressed, including an apparent resolution in 13 (14%) polyps. In 68 (83%) of the 82 polyps at surveillance, histopathology was obtained; 15 (47%) of 32 progressing polyps were advanced adenomas, 6 (21%) of 28 stable polyps, and none of the regressing polyps. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of 6-9 mm polyps will not progress to advanced neoplasia within 3 years. Those that do progress to advanced status can in particular be found among the lesions that increased in size on surveillance CTC.

High resolution MRI for preoperative work-up of neonates with an anorectal malformation: a direct comparison with distal pressure colostography/fistulography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MRI and colostography/fistulography in neonates with anorectal malformations (ARM), using surgery as reference standard. METHODS: Thirty-three neonates (22 boys) with ARM were included. All patients underwent both preoperative high-resolution MRI (without sedation or contrast instillation) and colostography/fistulography. The Krickenbeck classification was used to classify anorectal malformations, and the level of the rectal ending in relation to the levator muscle was evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects included nine patients with a bulbar recto-urethral fistula, six with a prostatic recto-urethral fistula, five with a vestibular fistula, five with a cloacal malformation, four without fistula, one with a H-type fistula, one with anal stenosis, one with a rectoperineal fistula and one with a bladderneck fistula. MRI and colostography/fistulography predicted anatomy in 88 % (29/33) and 61 % (20/33) of cases, respectively (p = 0.012). The distal end of the rectal pouch was correctly predicted in 88 % (29/33) and 67 % (22/33) of cases, respectively (p = 0.065). The length of the common channel in cloacal malformation was predicted with MRI in all (100 %, 5/5) and in 80 % of cases (4/5) with colostography/fistulography. Two bowel perforations occurred during colostography/fistulography. CONCLUSIONS: MRI provides the most accurate evaluation of ARM and should be considered a serious alternative to colostography/fistulography during preoperative work-up. KEY POINTS: • High-resolution MRI is feasible without the use of sedation or anaesthesia. • MRI is more accurate than colostography/fistulography in visualising the type of ARM. • MRI is as reliable as colostography/fistulography in predicting the level of the rectal pouch. • Colostography/fistulography can be complicated by bowel perforation.

MRI features of inflammatory hepatocellular adenomas on hepatocyte phase imaging with liver-specific contrast agents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presentation of inflammatory hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) on hepatocyte phase MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the MRI features of histologically proven HCAs on hepatocyte phase imaging. Twenty-one lesions (17 with inflammatory subtype) were scanned with gadobenate dimeglumine. Signal intensities of the lesions were assessed in the hepatocyte phase and on the T1-weighted sequences before contrast. RESULTS: After gadobenate dimeglumine injection, 71% (12/17) of the inflammatory HCAs showed areas of iso- or hyperintensity to the surrounding liver in the hepatocyte phase. In 82% (10/12) of the iso- or hyperintense lesions, this was found over more than 75% of the lesion surface. None of the noninflammatory HCAs showed areas of iso- or hyperintensity to the surrounding liver in the hepatocyte phase. From these 12, 7 were hyperintense on T1-weighting before contrast due to liver steatosis, 2 due to intrinsic hyperintensity (on the in-phase sequence), and 3 were isointense. CONCLUSION: In contrast to noninflammatory HCAs, inflammatory HCAs can show areas of iso- to hyperintensity to the surrounding liver in the hepatocyte phase; therefore, other typical imaging features should also be used to distinguish between HCAs and FNHs.

Chronic lower urinary tract symptoms in women: classification of abnormalities and value of dedicated MRI for diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic lower urinary tract symptoms are common in women. We present a classification of abnormalities that can be considered in the differential diagnosis for lower urinary tract symptoms and can show the value of dedicated state-of-the art MRI in the workup of patients. CONCLUSION: Dedicated MRI tailored to patient symptoms and clinical findings has the potential to map out morphologic causes and categorize dysfunctional conditions from those that are truly nonmorphologic.

Can magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0-Tesla reliably detect patients with endometriosis? Initial results.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether an optimized 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol is sensitive and specific enough to detect patients with endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study with consecutive patients. Forty consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of endometriosis underwent 3.0-Tesla MRI, including a T2-weighted high-resolution fast spin echo sequence (spatial resolution=0.75 ×1.2 ×1.5 mm³) and a 3D T1-weighted high-resolution gradient echo sequence (spatial resolution=0.75 ×1.2 × 2.0 mm³). Two radiologists reviewed the dataset with consensus reading. During laparoscopy, which was used as reference standard, all lesions were characterized according to the revised criteria of the American Fertility Society. Patient-level and region-level sensitivities and specificities and lesion-level sensitivities were calculated. RESULTS: Patient-level sensitivity was 42% for stage I (5/12) and 100% for stages II, III and IV (25/25). Patient-level specificity for all stages was 100% (3/3). The region-level sensitivity and specificity was 63% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity per lesion was 61% (90% for deep lesions, 48% for superficial lesions and 100% for endometriomata). The detection rate of obliteration of the cul-the-sac was 100% (10/10) with no false positive findings. The interreader agreement was substantial to perfect (kappa=1 per patient, 0.65 per lesion and 0.71 for obliteration of the cul-the-sac). CONCLUSIONS: An optimized 3.0-Tesla MRI protocol is accurate in detecting stage II to stage IV endometriosis.