Clinician overconfidence in visual estimation of the posthepatectomy liver remnant volume: A proximal source of liver failure after major hepatic resection?

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a source of morbidity and mortality after major hepatectomy and is related to the volume of the future liver remnant. The accuracy of a clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant without formal computed tomography liver volumetry is unknown. METHODS: Twenty physicians in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery reviewed 20 computed tomography scans of patients without underlying liver pathology who were not scheduled for liver resection. We evaluated clinician accuracy to estimate the future liver remnant for 3 hypothetical major hepatic resections: left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, and right trisectionectomy. The percent-difference between the mean and actual computed tomography liver volumetry (mean percent difference) was tested along with specialty differences using mixed-effects regression analysis. RESULTS: The actual future liver remnant (computed tomography liver volumetry) remaining after a hypothetical left hepatectomy ranged from 59% to 75% (physician estimated range: 50%-85%), 23% to 40% right hepatectomy (15%-50%), and 13% to 29% right trisectionectomy (8%-39%). For right hepatectomy, the mean future liver remnant was overestimated by 95% of clinicians with a mean percent difference of 22% (6%-45%; P < .001). For right trisectionectomy, 90% overestimated the future liver remnant by a mean percent difference of 25% (6%-50%; P < .001). Hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons overestimated the future liver remnant for proposed right hepatectomy and right trisectionectomy by a mean percent difference of 25% and 34%, respectively. Based on years of experience, providers with <10 years of experience had a greater mean percent difference than providers with 10+ years of experience for hypothetical major hepatic resections, but was only significantly higher for left hepatectomy (9% vs 6%, P = .002). CONCLUSION: A clinician's ability to visually estimate the future liver remnant volume is inaccurate when compared to computed tomography liver volumetry. Clinicians tend to overestimate the future liver remnant volume, especially in patients with a small future liver remnant where the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure is greatest.

Top down and bottom up: A review of strategies for wellness programs in academic radiology.

Formal physician-wellness programs have come into vogue in professional organizations in recent years. Wellness programs in academic centers vary from institution to institution but foundational to all is their aim to reduce burnout and increase professional fulfillment. As radiologists in charge of wellness program implementation in different academic institutions, we describe existing academic radiology wellness programs with two detailed examples. Physician well-being programs need to be both leadership-driven (i.e., "top down") and receptive to feedback ("bottom up").

Imaging of the hepatic arterial infusion pump: Primer for radiologists.

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pumps are used to deliver liver-directed therapy by allowing the administration of selective chemotherapy to the liver via a catheter implanted most commonly into the gastroduodenal artery connected to a subcutaneous pump. This selective administration helps maximize the chemotherapeutic effect within the hepatic tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity. While HAI therapy has primarily been used to treat liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer, the indications have expanded to other malignancies, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Radiologists play an important role in pre-operative planning, assessment of treatment response, and evaluation for potential complications using various imaging studies, including computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and perfusion scintigraphy. This article describes the radiologist's role as part of a multi-disciplinary oncology team to help maximize the success of HAI therapy and also helps radiologists familiarize themselves with various aspects of HAI pumps.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Left Lower Quadrant Pain: 2023 Update.

The differential diagnosis for left lower quadrant pain is wide and conditions range from the benign and self-limited to life-threatening surgical emergencies. Along with patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, imaging is often critical to limit the differential diagnosis and identify life-threatening abnormalities. This document will discuss the guidelines for the appropriate use of imaging in the initial workup for patients who present with left lower quadrant pain, patients with suspected diverticulitis, and patients with suspected complications from diverticulitis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Rectal cancer lexicon 2023 revised and updated consensus statement from the Society of Abdominal Radiology Colorectal and Anal Cancer Disease-Focused Panel.

The Society of Abdominal Radiology's Colorectal and Anal Cancer Disease-Focused Panel (DFP) first published a rectal cancer lexicon paper in 2019. Since that time, the DFP has published revised initial staging and restaging reporting templates, and a new SAR user guide to accompany the rectal MRI synoptic report (primary staging). This lexicon update summarizes interval developments, while conforming to the original lexicon 2019 format. Emphasis is placed on primary staging, treatment response, anatomic terminology, nodal staging, and the utility of specific sequences in the MRI protocol. A discussion of primary tumor staging reviews updates on tumor morphology and its clinical significance, T1 and T3 subclassifications and their clinical implications, T4a and T4b imaging findings/definitions, terminology updates on the use of MRF over CRM, and the conundrum of the external sphincter. A parallel section on treatment response reviews the clinical significance of near-complete response and introduces the lexicon of "regrowth" versus "recurrence". A review of relevant anatomy incorporates updated definitions and expert consensus of anatomic landmarks, including the NCCN's new definition of rectal upper margin and sigmoid take-off. A detailed review of nodal staging is also included, with attention to tumor location relative to the dentate line and locoregional lymph node designation, a new suggested size threshold for lateral lymph nodes and their indications for use, and imaging criteria used to differentiate tumor deposits from lymph nodes. Finally, new treatment terminologies such as organ preservation, TNT, TAMIS and watch-and-wait management are introduced. This 2023 version aims to serve as a concise set of up-to-date recommendations for radiologists, and discusses terminology, classification systems, MRI and clinical staging, and the evolving concepts in diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer.

Update on The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC): the radiologist's role.

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) was established by the American College of Surgeons with the goal of standardizing care of rectal cancer patients in order to improve outcomes. NAPRC accreditation requires compliance with an established set of standards, many of which are directly related to radiology participation in multidisciplinary conference, rectal MR image acquisition, interpretation and reporting, and radiologist education. This paper outlines the pertinent standards/requirements for radiologists as part of the Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Team in the NAPRC guidelines, with proposed methods and tips for implementation of these standards from the perspective of the radiologist.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Hernia.

Abdominopelvic hernias are common clinical entities composed of a wide variety of congenital, traumatic, and iatrogenic etiologies. Any weakness in the body wall may result in hernia of cavity contents with concomitant risks of morbidity and mortality. Presentations may be specific, palpable body wall mass/bulge, or vague, nonspecific pain through bowel obstruction. This document focuses on initial imaging of the adult population with signs of symptoms prompting suspicion of abdominopelvic hernia. Imaging of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate defects is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Often CT and ultrasound are the first-line modalities to quickly evaluate the abdomen and pelvis, providing for accurate diagnoses and management of patients. MRI protocols may be useful as first-line imaging studies, especially in patients with orthopedic instrumentation. Although often performed, abdominal radiographs and fluorographic procedures may provide indirect evidence of hernias but are usually not indicated for initial diagnosis of hernia. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Lower Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update.

This document focuses on imaging in the adult and pregnant populations with right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain, including patients with fever and leukocytosis. Appendicitis remains the most common surgical pathology responsible for RLQ abdominal pain in the United States. Other causes of RLQ pain include right colonic diverticulitis, ureteral stone, and infectious enterocolitis. Appropriate imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis has resulted in decreased negative appendectomy rate from as high as 25% to approximately 1% to 3%. Contrast-enhanced CT remains the primary and most appropriate imaging modality to evaluate this patient population. MRI is approaching CT in sensitivity and specificity as this technology becomes more widely available and utilization increases. Unenhanced MRI and ultrasound remain the diagnostic procedures of choice in the pregnant patient. MRI and ultrasound continue to perform best in the hands of the experts. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer-reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Multimodality Imaging of Cholecystectomy Complications.

Cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. Although complications are uncommon, the high incidence of this surgery means that a radiologist will likely encounter these complications in practice. Complications may arise in the immediate postoperative period or can be delayed for weeks, months, or years after surgery. Vague and nonspecific symptoms make clinical diagnosis challenging. As a result, multimodality imaging is important in postoperative evaluation. US and multidetector CT are the usual first-line imaging modalities. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy, SPECT/CT, and MRI with conventional or gadoxetate hepatobiliary contrast material are important and complementary modalities that are used for workup. The authors begin with a brief discussion of surgical technique and expected postoperative findings and then describe complications organized into four groups: (a) biliary complications, (b) stone-related complications, (c) iatrogenic complications, and (d) gallbladder complications. Biliary complications include bile leaks and bilomas, acute biliary obstruction, and biliary stricture. Stone-related complications include retained and recurrent stones and spillage of stones into the peritoneum. Iatrogenic complications include hemorrhage, vasculobiliary injury, arterial pseudoaneurysms, duodenal injury, and migration of clips. Gallbladder complications include recurrent cholecystitis after subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy and unexpected gallbladder cancer. An invited commentary by Mullens and Ibrahim is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Update to the structured MRI report for primary staging of rectal cancer : Perspective from the SAR Disease Focused Panel on Rectal and Anal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To review existing structured MRI reports for primary staging of rectal cancer and create a new, freely available structured report based on multidisciplinary expert opinion and literature review. METHODS: Twenty abdominal imaging experts from the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR)'s Disease Focused Panel (DFP) on Rectal and Anal Cancer completed a questionnaire and participated in a subsequent consensus meeting based on the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. Twenty-two items were classified via a group survey as "appropriate" or "inappropriate" (defined by ≥ 70% consensus), or "needs group discussion" (defined by < 70% consensus). Certain items were also discussed with multidisciplinary team members from colorectal surgery, oncology and pathology. RESULTS: After completion of the questionnaire, 16 (72%) items required further discussion (< 70% consensus). Following group discussion, consensus was achieved for 21 (95%) of the items. Based on the consensus meeting, a revised structured report was developed. The most significant modifications included (1) Exclusion of the T2/early T3 category; (2) Replacement of the term "circumferential resection margin (CRM)" with "mesorectal fascia (MRF)"; (3) A revised definition of "mucinous content"; (4) Creation of two distinct categories for suspicious lymph nodes (LNs) and tumor deposits; and (5) Classification of suspicious extra-mesorectal LNs by anatomic location. CONCLUSION: The SAR DFP on Rectal and Anal Cancer recommends using this newly updated reporting template for primary MRI staging of rectal cancer.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging of Colorectal Cancer: 2021 Update.

Preoperative imaging of rectal carcinoma involves accurate assessment of the primary tumor as well as distant metastatic disease. Preoperative imaging of nonrectal colon cancer is most beneficial in identifying distant metastases, regardless of primary T or N stage. Surgical treatment remains the definitive treatment for colon cancer, while organ-sparing approach may be considered in some rectal cancer patients based on imaging obtained before and after neoadjuvant treatment. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy combined with systemic therapy for patients with advanced colorectal liver metastases: Outcomes in a newly established program.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy has been demonstrated to improve survival in patients with resected CRLM and to facilitate conversion of technically unresectable disease. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, n = 22 HAI pumps were placed for CRLM. All patients received systemic chemotherapy concurrently with HAI floxuridine/dexamethasone. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: HAI pumps were placed in seven patients with completely resected CRLM and 15 patients with unresectable disease. Twenty-one patients received HAI floxuridine with a median of 5 total HAI cycles (interquartile range: 4-7). Biliary sclerosis was the most common HAI-related complication (n = 5, 24%). Of the 13 patients treated to convert unresectable CRLM, 3 (23%) underwent hepatic resection with curative intent after a median of 7 HAI cycles (range: 4-10). For all HAI patients, the mean OS was 26.7 months from CRLM diagnosis, while the median PFS and hepatic PFS from pump placement were 9 and 13 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Concomitant HAI and systemic therapy can be utilized at multidisciplinary programs for patients with advanced CRLM, both in the adjuvant setting and to facilitate conversion of unresectable disease.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Anorectal Disease.

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in 4 clinical scenarios in patients with suspected inflammatory disease or postoperative complication of the anorectum. These clinical scenarios include suspected perianal fistula or abscess; rectovesicular or rectovaginal fistula; proctitis or pouchitis; and suspected complication following proctectomy, coloproctectomy, or colectomy with a pouch or other anastomosis. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of anorectal disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Baseline MR Staging of Rectal Cancer: A Practical Approach.

As therapeutic options to treat rectal cancers have advanced over the last several decades, MRI has become the standard of care for baseline local tumor and nodal staging of rectal cancers. An understanding of the technique, anatomy, tumor appearance, and elements of staging on MRI is essential to provide prognostic information and to guide neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgical treatment. We provide a framework for imaging the rectum on MRI followed by a practical case-based approach to interpretation of pre-treatment MRI of the rectum in evaluation of rectal cancers, with examples and illustrations of the range of local tumor (T) stage and nodal (N) disease involvement. This approach can be paired with standardized reporting templates to support clear, accurate and clinically relevant imaging assessment of rectal cancers.

Conventional hepatic arterial anatomy? Novel findings and insights of a multi-disciplinary hepatic arterial infusion pump program.

INTRODUCTION: Variant hepatic arterial anatomy (vHAA) is thought to occur in 20-30% of patients. Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump placement for liver cancers requires thorough hepatic artery dissection; we sought to compare vHAA identified during pump placement with established dogma. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2020, n = 30 patients received a HAI pump. Intra-operatively identified vHAA was characterized and compared with published data. RESULTS: vHAA was identified in 60% (n = 18) of patients, significantly higher than 19% (3671 of 19013) in the largest published series (P < 0.001). The most common variations were accessory left (n = 12; 40%) and replaced right (n = 6; 20%) hepatic arteries; six (20%) had ≥2 variants. Pre-operative imaging correctly identified 67% of variant hepatic arteries. DISCUSSION: Meticulous operative dissection of the hepatic arterial tree reveals vHAA not captured by imaging or cadaveric dissection. vHAA likely has a higher prevalence than previously reported and should be addressed to optimize therapeutic efficacy of HAI pump therapy.

Representation of women among leadership and honorees within the Society of Abdominal Radiology, past and present.

PURPOSE: To evaluate gender diversity over time within the leadership and honorees of the Society of Abdominal Radiology with comparison to other radiologic societies. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study of the gender distribution of presidents and gold meal awardees within the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) compared to three national radiology organizations: the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Data were collected from the inception of each society through 2020. Societies were directly contacted for president and Gold Medal awardee names when this information was not available on society websites. Differences in the proportion of female presidents and Gold Medal awardees before and after 2012, by society, were performed using χ2 test; 2012 was selected as a threshold year as this represented when SAR was created. RESULTS: The proportion of female past presidents was 5%, 9%, and 33% for the SGR, SUR, and SAR, respectively, and 5%, 4%, and 7% for the ACR, ARRS, and RSNA, respectively. The proportion of female Gold Medal awardees was 5%, 4%, and 10% for the SGR, SUR, and SAR, respectively, and 5%, 7%, and 7%, respectively, for ACR, ARRS, and RSNA. There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of women presidents and honorees in all societies after 2012 compared to before 2012, but no significant difference between societies in either time period. CONCLUSION: A higher proportion of female presidents and honorees were demonstrated across all societies after 2012.

MRI of prostatic urethral mucinous urothelial carcinoma: Expanding the differential diagnosis for T2 hyperintense prostatic masses.

We report the case of a 66-year-old previously healthy man presenting with blood and mucus in his urine. Cystoscopy revealed a mass in the prostatic urethra, and endoscopic biopsy showed adenocarcinoma in situ with mucinous features. Endorectal multiparametric prostate MRI demonstrated a 1.9 cm T2 hyperintense mass in the peripheral zone of the left prostatic apex with extension into the urethral lumen. No diffusion restriction or early enhancement was seen in the mass. Radical prostatectomy was performed, and final pathology demonstrated a mucin-producing urothelial adenocarcinoma arising from the prostatic urethra. The peripheral zone T2 hyperintense abnormality correlated with abundant pools of mucin extending into the prostatic stroma and surrounded by neoplastic prostatic glandular cells. We conclude prostatic urethral mucinous urothelial carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for T2 hyperintense prostatic masses.

Rectal cancer lexicon: consensus statement from the society of abdominal radiology rectal & anal cancer disease-focused panel.

Standardized terminology is critical to providing consistent reports to referring clinicians. This lexicon aims to provide a reference for terminology frequently used in rectal cancer and reflects the consensus of the Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease Focused Panel in Rectal cancer. This lexicon divided the terms into the following categories: primary tumor staging, nodal staging, treatment response, anal canal anatomy, general anatomy, and treatments.