Identification of intratumoral fluid-containing area by magnetic resonance imaging to predict prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after curative resection.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after curative resection according to the type of intratumoral fluid-containing area identified on MRI. METHODS: This retrospective study included 112 consecutive patients who underwent upfront surgery with margin-negative resection between 2012 and 2019. All patients underwent MRI within 1 month before surgery. Three radiologists independently assessed the MRI findings, determined whether intratumoral fluid-containing areas were present, and classified all intratumoral fluid-containing areas by type (i.e., imaging necrosis or neoplastic mucin cysts). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. Histopathological differences according to the type of intratumoral fluid-containing area were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 112 PDAC patients, intratumoral fluid-containing areas were identified on MRI in 33 (29.5%), among which 18 were classified as imaging necrosis and 15 as neoplastic mucin cysts. PDAC patients with imaging necrosis demonstrated significantly shorter RFS (mean 6.1 months versus 47.3 months; p < .001) and OS (18.4 months versus 55.0 months, p = .001) than those with neoplastic mucin cysts. Multivariable analysis showed that only the type of intratumoral fluid-containing area was significantly associated with RFS (hazard ratio, 2.25 and 0.38; p = .009 and p = .046 for imaging necrosis and neoplastic mucin cysts, respectively). PDAC with imaging necrosis had more frequent histological necrosis, more aggressive tumor differentiation, and higher tumor cellularity than PDAC with neoplastic mucin cysts (p ≤ .02). CONCLUSION: The detection and discrimination of intratumoral fluid-containing areas on preoperative MRI may be useful in predicting the prognosis of PDAC patients after curative resection. KEY POINTS: • Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with imaging necrosis demonstrated significantly shorter survival than those with neoplastic mucin cysts after curative resection. • Multivariable analysis showed that only the type of intratumoral fluid-containing area identified on MRI was significantly associated with recurrence-free survival. • PDAC with imaging necrosis had more frequent histological necrosis, more aggressive tumor differentiation, and higher tumor cellularity than PDAC with neoplastic mucin cysts.

Diagnostic performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System treatment response algorithm: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically determine the accuracy of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System treatment response (LR-TR) algorithm for diagnosing the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with locoregional therapy (LRT). METHODS: Original studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of LR-TR algorithm on dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 1, 2020. The meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity of LR-TR algorithm were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis were performed to explore study heterogeneity. RESULTS: We found six studies reporting the accuracy of LR-TR viable category (601 observations in 453 patients). The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of LR-TR viable category were 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39-81%; I2 = 88%) and 96% (95% CI, 91-99%; I2 = 76%), respectively. The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of LR-TR viable or equivocal category combined were 71% (95% CI, 55-84%; I2 = 89%) and 87% (95% CI, 73-94% I2 = 80%), respectively. Studies which used only MRI showed a trend towards higher sensitivity (71% [95% CI, 46-88%]) with a comparable specificity (95% [95% CI, 86-99%]) of LR-TR viable category compared to the whole group. The type of reference standard and study design were significantly associated with study heterogeneity (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The LR-TR viable category had high specificity but suboptimal sensitivity for diagnosing the viability of HCC after LRT. Substantial study heterogeneity was noted, and it was significantly associated with the type of reference standard and study design. KEY POINTS: • The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of LR-TR viable category were 63% (95% CI, 39-81%) and 96% (95% CI, 91-99%), respectively. • The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of LR-TR viable or equivocal category combined were 71% (95% CI, 55-84%) and 87% (95% CI, 73-94%), respectively. • The type of reference standard and study design were the factors significantly influencing study heterogeneity (p ≤ 0.01).

Comparison of diagnostic performance of non-contrast MRI and abbreviated MRI using gadoxetic acid in initially diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a simulation study of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in order to compare the diagnostic performance of noncontrast and abbreviated MRI using gadoxetic acid for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in initially diagnosed HCC patients. METHODS: We identified 140 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed HCC (173 HCCs) within the Milan criteria, who underwent liver MRI using gadoxetic acid between 2015 and 2016. One hundred twenty-three consecutive patients without HCC who underwent liver MRI in the same period for HCC surveillance were enrolled for the control group. Two radiologists independently reviewed two MRI sets: a noncontrast set and an abbreviated set. The noncontrast set consists of T2 FSE/ssFSE, T1 in- and out-of-phase image, DWI, and the ADC map. The abbreviated set consists of T2 FSE/ssFSE, hepatobiliary phase image 20 min after gadoxetic acid injection, DWI, and the ADC map. RESULTS: In a per-patient analysis, sensitivity of reviewer 1 for noncontrast and abbreviated sets was 85.7 and 90.0%, respectively. The specificity for both noncontrast and abbreviated sets was 92.7%. For reviewer 2, sensitivity of noncontrast and abbreviated sets was 86.4 and 89.3%, respectively. Per-patient specificity of reviewer 2 was 92.7% for both noncontrast and abbreviated sets. The sensitivity and specificity of two image sets were not significantly different for both reviewers. The per-tumor sensitivity of noncontrast and abbreviated sets was 81.5 and 84.4% for reviewer 1, respectively, and 79.8 and 84.4% for reviewer 2, respectively. There was no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Noncontrast and abbreviated MRI using gadoxetic acid showed comparable diagnostic performance for detecting patients with HCCs in the early stage. KEY POINTS: • Diagnostic performance of noncontrast MRI and abbreviated MRI using gadoxetic acid for detecting HCCs is comparable in patients with HCCs in the early stage. • Noncontrast MRI and abbreviated MRI showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting HCCs in the early stage. • Outcomes of surveillance for HCC in high-risk patients can be improved by adopting these simplified and focused MRI protocols.

Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease of the Genitourinary System: Spectrum of Imaging Findings and Clinical-Pathologic Features.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory disease characterized by focal or diffuse organ infiltration of IgG4-bearing plasma cells. The diagnosis of IgG4-RD is based on a combination of clinical, serologic, radiologic, and histopathologic findings. IgG4-RD has been reported to affect almost all organ systems. The kidney is the most frequently involved of the genitourinary organs. The most common renal manifestation of IgG4-RD is IgG4-RD tubulointerstitial nephritis, followed by membranous glomerulonephropathy and, less frequently, obstructive nephropathy involving the renal pelvis, ureter, or retroperitoneum. Renal parenchymal lesions may appear as multiple nodular lesions, diffuse patchy infiltrative lesions, or a single nodular lesion. Multiple small nodular cortical lesions are the most common imaging findings of IgG4-RD involving the kidney. Renal pelvic, sinus, or perinephric lesions can also occur. IgG4-RD involvement of other genitourinary organs including the ureter, bladder, urethra, and male and female reproductive organs is rare compared with kidney involvement but may show variable imaging findings such as a localized mass within or surrounding the involved organ or diffuse enlargement of the involved organ. Imaging findings of IgG4-RD involving the genitourinary system are nonspecific but should be differentiated from inflammatory and neoplastic lesions that mimic IgG4-RD. The online slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2020.

Prediction of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure: MRI With Hepatocyte-Specific Contrast Agent Versus Indocyanine Green Clearance Test.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to identify whether quantitative measurements from gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI are useful for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with and in combination with future remnant liver volume (FRLV) and an indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR images were retrospectively evaluated in 73 patients who underwent anatomic liver resection for HCC between 2011 and 2013. For quantitative measurement of hepatocyte function, relative liver enhancement (RLE) and remnant hepatocyte uptake index (rHUI) were measured using hepatobiliary phase MR images. FRLV was determined using measurements from preoperative CT scans. Univariate and multivariate analyses of measurements from gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, ICG clearance tests, and FRLV for finding predictors of PHLF were performed. To compare the diagnostic performance of predictors, ROC analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Eighteen (25%) of 73 patients met the criteria for PHLF. Univariate analysis revealed that all measurements related to MRI including RLE, rHUI, ICG clearance, and FRLV were significantly associated with PHLF. Multivariate analysis showed that RLE, FRLV, ICG-plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR), rHUI, and rHUI corrected for body weight (rHUI-BW) were independent predictors of PHLF (p = 0.011, p = 0.034, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). In ROC analyses, AUCs of rHUI and rHUI-BW were larger than those of other independent predictors; the differences were statistically significant (for rHUI-BW vs RLE, ICG-PDR, and FRLV, p = 0.016, 0.007, and 0.046, respectively; for rHUI vs RLE and ICG-PDR, p = 0.045 and 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: Measurements from gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI predicted PHLF better than the ICG clearance test in patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy.

Development of a Model for the Prediction of Treatment Response of Uterine Leiomyomas after Uterine Artery Embolization.

Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is one of the minimally-invasive alternatives to hysterectomy for treatment of uterine leiomyomas. There are various factors affecting the outcomes of UAE, but these have only been sporadically studied. Study Objective: To identify factors associated with the efficacy of UAE for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma, and to develop a model for the prediction of treatment response of uterine leiomyomas to UAE. Study design: A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) Patients: One hundred ninety-eight patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Intervention: UAE Measurements and Main Results: Among 198 leiomyoma patients who were treated with UAE, 104 who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging were selected for developing prediction model. Variables that were statistically significant from the univariate analysis were: location of leiomyoma, total number of lesions, sum of leiomyomas diameters, T2 signal intensity of largest leiomyoma, and T2 leiomyoma:muscle ratio. After a logistic regression analysis, leiomyoma location and T2 signal intensity of the largest leiomyoma were found to be statistically significant variables. Using intramural myomas defined as controls, submucosal leiomyomas showed a greater response to UAE with an odds ratio of 7.6904. The odds ratio of T2 signal intensity with an increase in signal intensity of 10 was 1.093. Using these two variables, we developed a prediction model. The AUC in the prediction model was 0.833, and the AUC in the validation set was 0.791. Conclusion: We identified that submucosal leiomyomas and those leiomyomas that show high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging will exhibit a greater response to UAE. Prediction models are clinically helpful in selecting UAE as an appropriate treatment option for managing uterine leiomyoma.

Use of Imaging to Predict Complete Response of Colorectal Liver Metastases after Chemotherapy: MR Imaging versus CT Imaging.

Purpose To compare the diagnostic performances of contrast agent-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced liver magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (referred to as EOB MR imaging) in the evaluation of disappearing colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) after chemotherapy. Materials and Methods The eight institutional review boards approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. On the basis of retrospective searches in eight hospitals, 87 patients with 393 CRLMs, each patient with one or more CRLM that later disappeared on contrast-enhanced CT scans after chemotherapy, and subsequently underwent surgery for the CRLMs, were enrolled. The anonymized imaging data and case report forms were sent to the central review system and independently reviewed by four radiologists. All anonymized data were randomly allocated into two groups (groups A and B), which were read by two independent readers. True absence of tumor was defined as pathologic absence of tumor for resected lesions and no in situ recurrence within 1 year after surgery for lesions left unresected at each 3-month follow-up contrast-enhanced CT. Positive predictive values for absence of tumor and for residual tumor on contrast-enhanced CT and EOB MR images were compared by using a generalized estimating equation. Results Among 393 CRLMs, the positive predictive value for absence of tumor on EOB MR images (78.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.68%, 87.74%) was significantly higher than that on contrast-enhanced CT scans (35.2%; 95% CI: 25.11%, 46.79%; P < .001). The positive predictive value for residual tumor on CT scans (86.0%; 95% CI: 78.61%, 91.16%) was higher than that on EOB MR images (83.8%; 95% CI: 77.50%, 88.67%) without statistical significance (P = .330). Conclusion EOB MR imaging was superior to contrast-enhanced CT imaging for assessment of disappearing CRLMs after chemotherapy. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

MRI of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Typical Features Are Less Frequent Below a Size Cutoff of 1.5 cm.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to analyze MRI features of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on the basis of size and to evaluate the difference in frequency of typical radiologic hallmarks of HCC (arterial enhancement and washout) according to the tumor size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled were 86 patients with 110 HCCs 3 cm or smaller who underwent surgical resection or transplantation. Two radiologists reviewed gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI features for signal intensity of T2-weighted and T1-weighted imaging, diffusion restriction, presence of arterial enhancement, washout on portal and transitional phases, and signal intensity on the hepatobiliary phase. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal HCC cutoff size for radiologic hallmarks of HCC. Tumors were divided into two groups by cutoff size, and the frequencies of MRI features were assessed. RESULTS: On ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff for radiologic hallmarks of HCC was 1.5 cm in independent and consensus reviews by two radiologists. HCCs smaller than 1.5 cm showed typical finding of HCC less frequently than HCCs 1.5 cm or larger in diameter. In subgroup analyses, HCCs with diameters between 1 and 1.5 cm showed similar MRI findings to HCCs with diameters 1 cm or less but significantly different findings compared with HCCs with diameters from 1.5 to 2 cm and 2-3 cm. CONCLUSION: HCCs smaller than 1.5 cm in size less frequently showed MRI findings seen typically in larger HCCs. Therefore, small HCCs are harder to detect with certainty not only because of small size but also because of the lower frequency of typical MRI findings.

Performance of Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting Patient Eligibility for Liver Transplantation Based on the Milan Criteria.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-MRI) in predicting eligibility for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on Milan criteria (MC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed Gd-EOB-MRI of 44 patients who underwent liver transplantation for HCC with cirrhosis for the presence/size of HCCs, vascular invasion, and transplant eligibility based on MC. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed based on conventional radiological hallmarks (arterial enhancement and washout) or the modified criteria. RESULTS: Among 44 patients, 16 was beyond MC. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional radiological hallmark and the modified criteria for predicting eligibility by MC were 31.3%, 96.3%, and 72.7%, and 68.8%, 96.3%, and 86.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gd-EOB-MRI showed high specificity but poor sensitivity for assessing transplant eligibility based on MC when adopting the conventional radiological hallmarks of HCC. Our modified criteria showed significantly better sensitivity and accuracy than the conventional radiological hallmarks.

Dedifferentiated endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus : report of four cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Dedifferentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (DEAC) is rare and is known to be more aggressive than high-grade endometrioid carcinoma. Differentiating between the two is important to provide appropriate treatment for patients. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a retrospective study including four cases of DEAC of the uterus, which was diagnosed and treated in our Obstetrics and Gynecology department between January 2013 and December 2015. Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical staining features are discussed. Each tumor was composed of undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) and low-grade endometrioid carcinoma with abrupt transition between them. Two patients showed recurrence or progression within one month postoperatively and died at the last follow-up. An immunohistochemical study showed PAX-8, ER, PR, and E-cadherin expression in UC component. CONCLUSIONS: DEAC should not be underdiagnosed as conventional endometrioid adenocarcinoma due to its fulminant clinical course. Therefore, UC, including DEAC, should be further categorized to provide intensive treatment to improve patient survival.

Diffusion-weighted imaging: Apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis for detecting pathologic complete response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from histogram analysis of the whole rectal cancer as a quantitative parameter to evaluate pathologic complete response (pCR) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled a total of 86 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) at our institution between July 2012 and November 2014. Two radiologists who were blinded to the final pathological results reviewed post-CRT MRI to evaluate tumor stage. Quantitative image analysis was performed using T2 -weighted and diffusion-weighted images independently by two radiologists using dedicated software that performed histogram analysis to assess the distribution of ADC in the whole tumor. RESULTS: After surgery, 16 patients were confirmed to have achieved pCR (18.6%). All parameters from pre- and post-CRT ADC histogram showed good or excellent agreement between two readers. The minimum, 10th, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile and mean ADC from post-CRT ADC histogram were significantly higher in the pCR group than in the non-pCR group for both readers. The 25th percentile value from ADC histogram in post-CRT MRI had the best diagnostic performance for detecting pCR, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.796. CONCLUSION: Low percentile values derived from the ADC histogram analysis of rectal cancer on MRI after CRT showed a significant difference between pCR and non-pCR groups, demonstrating the utility of the ADC value as a quantitative and objective marker to evaluate complete pathologic response to preoperative CRT in rectal cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:212-220.

Correlation of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI perfusion parameters with angiogenesis and biologic aggressiveness of rectal cancer: Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether quantitative parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) are correlated with angiogenesis and biologic aggressiveness of rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients with rectal cancer underwent DCE-MRI. Using a two-compartmental model, quantitative parameters (K(trans) , kep , ve , and iAUC) were calculated from the whole-transverse region of interest (ROI) and high K(trans) area ROI of entire tumors. Histological specimens were analyzed for tumor size; T/N stage; lymphatic, vascular, perineural invasion; expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); and KRAS gene mutations. Tumor angiogenesis was evaluated based on the microvessel density (MVD) and the expression level of the vascular endothelial growth factor. Correlations of the DCE-MRI parameters with histological markers and angiogenesis were determined using Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The mean kep from high K(trans) area ROIs showed a significantly positive correlation with MVD (P = 0.030, r = 0.514, R(2) = 0.264). The mean kep from the whole-transverse ROIs showed a significant inverse correlation with T stage (T1 vs. T2-4, P = 0.021). EGFR-positive cancer displayed higher mean K(trans) (P = 0.045) and kep (P = 0.038) than EGFR-negative cancer in whole-transverse ROIs. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that the determination of kep of high K(trans) area permits the noninvasive estimation of tumor angiogenesis in rectal cancer and that DCE-MRI parameters can be used as imaging biomarkers to predict the biologic aggressiveness of the tumor and patient prognosis.

CT and MR imaging findings of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas: emphasis on single nodular type.

PURPOSE: To evaluate imaging findings of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH), with emphasis on solitary form at the initial presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases of pathologically confirmed HEH were retrospectively reviewed; seven patients had CT and MR images and three had only CT images. Two radiologists assessed the followings in consensus: lesion number, size, location, presence of capsular retraction and calcification, attenuation, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern. RESULTS: Initially, HEHs manifested as a single mass (n = 5) or multiple masses (n = 5). One case demonstrated a solitary nodule at first, which subsequently transformed to multifocal nodules on serial follow-up. The maximal diameter of the lesions ranged from 1.8 to 10 cm (mean 4.2 cm). All cases showed predominant subcapsular location. Capsular retraction was seen in multinodular types, but not in solitary types. Two patients had intra-lesional calcifications. HEHs showed minimal enhancement (7/7 patients) on the hepatic arterial phase CT and rim-like enhancement (5/10 patients), minimal enhancement (2/10 patients), multilayered target enhancement (2/10 patients), and peripheral nodular enhancement (1/10 patients) on the portal venous phase CT. On MR images (n = 7), HEHs showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images revealed progressive centripetal fill-in enhancement (7/7 patients). On Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced hepatobiliary phase images, HEH manifested as homogeneous hypointensity (3/5 patients) and target-shaped hypointensity (2/5 patients). CONCLUSION: HEH can manifest as single nodular, multinodular, or diffuse type. Common imaging features of HEH are multiple subcapsular nodules with coalescence, capsular retraction, peripheral, and delayed enhancement. However, HEH can manifest as a solitary subcapsular mass with minimal or rim-like enhancement at early phase and progressive centripetal fill-in enhancement during dynamic phase imaging, representing early stage of HEH. A single nodular type can progress to multifocal nodular type during follow-up.

[Classification of Uterine Adenomyosis: A Pictorial Essay]. / ìžê¶ì„ ê·¼ì¦ì˜ 분류 체계: 임상화보.

MRI is a crucial tool for diagnosing adenomyosis and identifying its related pathologies. To accurately diagnose adenomyosis, it is necessary to recognize both the typical MRI findings and atypical features of the condition. Recently, a standardized classification system has been developed to facilitate precise presurgical diagnosis of adenomyosis and to determine the appropriate treatment method. Differentiating between various subtypes based on MRI-based classification and identifying different MRI phenotypes can aid in categorizing patients with adenomyosis into specific treatment groups and monitoring their response to therapy.

Predictive Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Risk Stratification and Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancer.

This study evaluated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of endometrial cancer (EC) patients and identified differences based on risk group and molecular classification. The study involved a total of 175 EC patients. The MRI data were retrospectively reviewed and compared based on the risk of recurrence. Additionally, the associations between imaging phenotypes and genomic signatures were assessed. The low-risk and non-low-risk groups (intermediate, high-intermediate, high, metastatic) showed significant differences in tumor diameter (p < 0.001), signal intensity and heterogeneity on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (p = 0.003), deep myometrial invasion (involvement of more than 50% of the myometrium), cervical invasion (p < 0.001), extrauterine extension (p = 0.002), and lymphadenopathy (p = 0.003). Greater diffusion restriction and more heterogeneity on DWI were exhibited in the non-low-risk group than in the low-risk group. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, extrauterine extension, lymphadenopathy, recurrence, and stage discrepancy were more common in the non-low-risk group (p < 0.001). A significant difference in microsatellite stability status was observed in the heterogeneity of the contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (p = 0.027). However, no significant differences were found in MRI parameters related to TP53 mutation. MRI features can be valuable predictors for differentiating risk groups in patients with EC. However, further investigations are needed to explore the imaging markers based on molecular classification.

Differentiating Uterine Sarcoma From Atypical Leiomyoma on Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Logistic Regression Classifier: Added Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Based Quantitative Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the added value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-based quantitative parameters to distinguish uterine sarcomas from atypical leiomyomas on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 138 patients (age, 43.7 ± 10.3 years) with uterine sarcoma (n = 44) and atypical leiomyoma (n = 94) were retrospectively collected from four institutions. The cohort was randomly divided into training (84/138, 60.0%) and validation (54/138, 40.0%) sets. Two independent readers evaluated six qualitative MRI features and two DWI-based quantitative parameters for each index tumor. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the relevant qualitative MRI features. Diagnostic classifiers based on qualitative MRI features alone and in combination with DWI-based quantitative parameters were developed using a logistic regression algorithm. The diagnostic performance of the classifiers was evaluated using a cross-table analysis and calculation of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Mean apparent diffusion coefficient value of uterine sarcoma was lower than that of atypical leiomyoma (mean ± standard deviation, 0.94 ± 0.30 10-3 mm²/s vs. 1.23 ± 0.25 10-3 mm²/s; P < 0.001), and the relative contrast ratio was higher in the uterine sarcoma (8.16 ± 2.94 vs. 4.19 ± 2.66; P < 0.001). Selected qualitative MRI features included ill-defined margin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 17.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-503, P = 0.040), intratumoral hemorrhage (aOR, 27.3; 95% CI, 3.74-596, P = 0.006), and absence of T2 dark area (aOR, 83.5; 95% CI, 12.4-1916, P < 0.001). The classifier that combined qualitative MRI features and DWI-based quantitative parameters showed significantly better performance than without DWI-based parameters in the validation set (AUC, 0.92 vs. 0.78; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The addition of DWI-based quantitative parameters to qualitative MRI features improved the diagnostic performance of the logistic regression classifier in differentiating uterine sarcomas from atypical leiomyomas on preoperative MRI.

A preoperative scoring system for predicting the extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy using magnetic resonance imaging and clinical factors.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop a preoperative prediction model for extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients following radical prostatectomy (RP) using MRI and clinical factors. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 266 consecutive patients who underwent RP for PCa in 2022. These patients were divided into a training set (n = 187) and a test set (n = 79) through random assignment. The evaluated variables included age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, PSA density (PSAD), index tumor length on MRI, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category, and EPE-related MRI features as defined by PI-RADS v2.1. A predictive model was constructed through multivariable logistic regression and subsequently translated into a scoring system. The performance of this scoring system in terms of prediction and calibration was assessed using C statistics and the Hosmer‒Lemeshow test. RESULTS: Among patients in the training and test cohorts, 74 (39.6%) and 25 (31.6%), respectively, exhibited EPE after RP. The formulated scoring system incorporated the following factors: PSAD, index tumor length, bulging prostatic contour, and tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm as identified on MRI. This scoring system demonstrated strong prediction performance for EPE in both the training (C statistic, 0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.87]) and test cohorts (C statistic, 0.85 [0.83-0.89]). Furthermore, the scoring system exhibited good calibration in both cohorts (P = 0.988 and 0.402, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our scoring system, built upon MRI features defined by the PI-RADS, offers valuable assistance in assessing the likelihood of EPE after RP.

Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI is better than MDCT in decision making of curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the change in the therapeutic decision among curative treatments after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to triple-phase MDCT for patients with early-stage HCC. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated two groups: 33 pathologically confirmed HCC patients after liver transplantation in group 1; 34 HCC patients without pathology in group 2. In group 1, we simulated the therapeutic decision-making process by pretransplant MDCT and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. In group 2, including the 34 early-stage HCC patients consecutively enrolled, we investigated the change of therapeutic decision after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to MDCT. RESULTS: In the simulation from group 1, after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, 33.3% (11/33 patients) of treatment decisions were changed from the decision based on MDCT alone. Among 22 patients considered eligible for resection and 33 patients for radiofrequency ablation, the therapeutic decision was changed for 10 patients in the surgical group and 4 patients for the RFA group (45.5 and 12.1%). In group 2, the rate of change in the therapeutic decision after adding Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to MDCT was 41.2% (14/34 patients). In group 1 with explants pathology, the median diameter of HCCs not detected by MDCT but detected by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was 1.15 cm (0.3-3.0 cm). The median diameter of HCCs seen only in the explanted liver was 1.0 cm (0.3-1.7 cm), and 60.7% of them were well-differentiated HCCs. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that performing Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI before deciding on curative treatment for early-stage HCC may improve the accuracy of treatment decision for early-stage HCC.

Correlation between MRI Features of Adenomyosis and Clinical Presentation.

This study aimed to explore the correlation between MRI features, clinical risk factors, and symptoms associated with adenomyosis. Overall, 112 patients with pathologically confirmed adenomyosis were included in this retrospective study. MRI findings and clinical presentation, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores, cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and hemoglobin levels, and parity, were analyzed. Additionally, 131 patients undergoing active surveillance were included to validate the MRI parameters and clinical presentations. Associations between MRI parameters and adenomyosis-related clinical presentations were assessed. Patients with operated adenomyosis were younger and had larger lesions, which were more frequently of the diffuse type and posterior localization, coexisting ovarian endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis, myometrial cysts, and diffusion restriction than the non-operated lesions (p < 0.05). Patients with operated adenomyosis also exhibited higher VAS scores and CA-125 levels, and nulliparity was more common in this group (p < 0.05). In contrast, patients with non-operated adenomyosis showed a higher frequency of entire localization and fibroids (p < 0.05). Among the MRI parameters, size and classification were associated with the VAS and CA-125 levels. Myometrial cysts were associated with CA-125 levels. Classification was also associated with hemoglobin levels, and posterior localization was associated with parity. We identified a significant correlation between MRI features and clinical presentation in patients with adenomyosis.

Imaging features of the PI-RADS for predicting extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically determine the diagnostic performance of each MRI feature of the PI-RADS for predicting extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer. METHODS: A literature search in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify original studies reporting the accuracy of each feature on MRI for the dichotomous diagnosis of EPE. The meta-analytic pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), sensitivity, specificity, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using a bivariate random-effects model. RESULTS: After screening 1955 studies, 17 studies with a total of 3062 men were included. All six imaging features, i.e., bulging prostatic contour, irregular or spiculated margin, asymmetry or invasion of neurovascular bundle, obliteration of rectoprostatic angle, tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm, and breach of the capsule with evidence of direct tumor extension, were significantly associated with EPE. Breach of the capsule with direct tumor extension demonstrated the highest pooled DOR (15.6, 95% CI [7.7-31.5]) followed by tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm (10.5 [5.4-20.2]), asymmetry or invasion of neurovascular bundle (7.6 [3.8-15.2]), and obliteration of rectoprostatic angle (6.1 [3.8-9.8]). Irregular or spiculated margin showed the lowest pooled DOR (2.3 [1.3-4.2]). Breach of the capsule with direct tumor extension and tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm showed the highest pooled specificity (98.0% [96.2-99.0]) and sensitivity (86.3% [70.0-94.4]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among the six MRI features of prostate cancer, breach of the capsule with direct tumor extension and tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm were the most predictive of EPE with the highest specificity and sensitivity, respectively.