Diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasonography for hepatic steatosis in a health screening program: a prospective single-center study.

PURPOSE: This study compared the diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) with that of conventional ultrasonography (US) in assessing hepatic steatosis among individuals undergoing health screening using magnetic resonance imaging-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference standard. METHODS: This single-center prospective study enrolled 427 participants who underwent abdominal MRI and US. Measurements included the attenuation coefficient in tissue attenuation imaging (TAI) and the scatter-distribution coefficient in tissue scatter-distribution imaging (TSI). The correlation between QUS and MRI-PDFF was evaluated. The diagnostic capabilities of QUS, conventional B-mode US, and their combined models for detecting hepatic fat content of ≥5% (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) and ≥10% (MRI-PDFF ≥10%) were compared by analyzing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. Additionally, clinical risk factors influencing the diagnostic performance of QUS were identified using multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: TAI and TSI were strongly correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.759 and r=0.802, respectively; both P<0.001) and demonstrated good diagnostic performance in detecting and grading hepatic steatosis. The combination of QUS and B-mode US resulted in the highest areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) (0.947 and 0.975 for detecting hepatic fat content of ≥5% and ≥10%, respectively; both P<0.05), compared to TAI, TSI, or B-mode US alone (AUCs: 0.887, 0.910, 0.878 for ≥5% and 0.951, 0.922, 0.875 for ≥10%, respectively). The independent determinants of QUS included skinliver capsule distance (ß=7.134), hepatic fibrosis (ß=4.808), alanine aminotransferase (ß=0.202), triglyceride levels (ß=0.027), and diabetes mellitus (ß=3.710). CONCLUSION: QUS is a useful and effective screening tool for detecting and grading hepatic steatosis during health checkups.

Should we suspect gallbladder cancer if which CT finding is observed in patients with localized gallbladder wall thickening?

PURPOSE: To identify high-risk computed tomography (CT) features for predicting gallbladder (GB) cancer in patients presenting with localized GB wall thickening. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 120 patients (mean age: 63.9 ± 10.0 years; 51 men) exhibiting localized GB wall thickening on CT scans obtained between January 2008 and May 2017. Two radiologists independently evaluated CT imaging features for predicting GB cancer. The diagnostic performance of significant imaging features and their combinations was evaluated. High-risk CT features ranked by accuracy were delineated for predicting GB cancer. RESULTS: This study included 55 patients with GB cancer and 65 with benign GB conditions. The top-four most accurate CT imaging features for predicting GB cancer were identified: heterogeneously enhancing single layer or strongly enhancing thick inner layer; GB wall thickness > 6.5 mm; hyperenhancement on arterial phase; and absence of intramural small cystic lesions (accuracies of 90.0 %, 88.3 %, 85.0 %, and 85.0 %, respectively). The combination of any three high-risk features exhibited the highest accuracy (94.2 %). The presence of any high-risk feature yielded a sensitivity of 100 %, whereas that of all high-risk features indicated a specificity of 100 %. CONCLUSION: CT imaging features, whether alone or in combination, could effectively and accurately predict GB cancer among patients with localized GB wall thickening. This finding holds significance in guiding decisions regarding further diagnostic tests and treatment planning.

Imaging classification of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with histological large duct pattern. METHODS: Our study included 37 patients (mean age, 66.5 years; 22 women) with surgically proven PDAC with histological large duct pattern, whose imaging features were classified into four types: Type I, solid mass; Type II, predominantly cystic mass with intracystic solid components; Type III, predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts; and Type IV, solid mass with peritumoral retention cysts or pseudocysts. Two radiologists independently analyzed both CT and MRI images for the morphological type, presence of abrupt main pancreatic duct (MPD) cutoff, adjacent vascular invasion, diffusion restriction, and reached consensus. RESULTS: On CT, 26 patients (70.3%) had Type I tumors, five (13.5%) had Type II, three (8.1%) had Type III, and three (8.1%) had Type IV. Among the 26 patients with Type I tumors on CT, 16 had tumors with multiple intratumoral cysts within the solid mass on MRI and were subsequently classified as Type III. Accordingly, 10 patients (27.0%) were classified as Type I, five (13.5%) as Type II, 19 (51.7%) as Type III, and three (8.1%) as Type IV on MRI. Of the 37 patients, 27 (73.0%) had an abrupt MPD cutoff, 15 (40.5%) had adjacent vascular invasion, and 25 (67.6%) had diffusion restriction on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Predominantly solid pancreatic masses with small intratumoral cysts visualized on MRI may be a characteristic imaging finding of PDAC with histological large duct pattern, and differentiate it from conventional PDAC or other cystic pancreatic tumors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Radiologists should be familiar with the various imaging features of PDAC with histological large duct pattern and should be aware that it may mimic other solid or cystic tumors of the pancreas. KEY POINTS: Imaging features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern can be classified into four types. This pathology more frequently appears as a predominantly solid mass with intratumoral cysts on MRI than on CT. Adding MRI to CT may help identify pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with histological large duct pattern.

Using GPT-4 for LI-RADS feature extraction and categorization with multilingual free-text reports.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) offers a standardized approach for imaging hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the diverse styles and structures of radiology reports complicate automatic data extraction. Large language models hold the potential for structured data extraction from free-text reports. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4 in extracting LI-RADS features and categories from free-text liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. METHODS: Three radiologists generated 160 fictitious free-text liver MRI reports written in Korean and English, simulating real-world practice. Of these, 20 were used for prompt engineering, and 140 formed the internal test cohort. Seventy-two genuine reports, authored by 17 radiologists were collected and de-identified for the external test cohort. LI-RADS features were extracted using GPT-4, with a Python script calculating categories. Accuracies in each test cohort were compared. RESULTS: On the external test, the accuracy for the extraction of major LI-RADS features, which encompass size, nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement, nonperipheral 'washout', enhancing 'capsule' and threshold growth, ranged from .92 to .99. For the rest of the LI-RADS features, the accuracy ranged from .86 to .97. For the LI-RADS category, the model showed an accuracy of .85 (95% CI: .76, .93). CONCLUSIONS: GPT-4 shows promise in extracting LI-RADS features, yet further refinement of its prompting strategy and advancements in its neural network architecture are crucial for reliable use in processing complex real-world MRI reports.

Magnetic resonance elastography as a preoperative assessment for predicting intrahepatic recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive tool for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis with high accuracy. We investigated the preoperative clinical and imaging predictors of intrahepatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and evaluated MRE as a predictor of intrahepatic recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 80 patients who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with two-dimensional MRE and curative resection for treatment-naïve HCC between May 2019 and December 2021. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured on the elastograms, and the optimal cutoff of LS for predicting intrahepatic recurrence was obtained using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. An LS above this cutoff was defined as MRE-recurrence. Preoperative imaging features of the tumor were assessed on MRI, including features in the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System and microvascular invasion (MVI). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, we conducted a multivariable analysis to investigate the factors affecting recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 32 months (range, 4-52 months), thirteen patients (16.3%) developed intrahepatic recurrence. ROC analysis determined an LS cutoff of ≥4.35 kPa to define MRE-recurrence. The 4-year RFS rate was significantly higher in patients without MRE-recurrence than in those with MRE-recurrence (93.4% vs. 48.9%; p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, MRE-recurrence (Hazard ratio [HR], 5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-23.1) and MVI (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.0-11.3) were independent predictors of intrahepatic recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients without MRE-recurrence had significantly higher RFS rates than those with MRE-recurrence. MRE-recurrence and MVI were independent predictors of intrahepatic recurrence in patients after curative resection for HCC.

Pharmacological Inhibition of LRRK2 Exhibits Neuroprotective Activity in Mouse Photothrombotic Stroke Model.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations are the most common cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Interestingly, recent studies have reported an increased risk of stroke in patients with PD harboring LRRK2 mutations, but there is no evidence showing the functional involvement of LRRK2 in stroke. Here, we found that LRRK2 kinase activity was significantly induced in the Rose-Bengal (RB) photothrombosis-induced stroke mouse model. Interestingly, stroke infarct volumes were significantly reduced, and neurological deficits were diminished by pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity using MLi-2, a brain-penetrant LRRK2 kinase inhibitor. Immunohistochemical analysis showed p-LRRK2 level in stroke lesions, co-localizing with mitophagy-related proteins (PINK, Parkin, LC3B, cytochrome c), suggesting their involvement in stroke progression. Overlapping p-LRRK2 with cytochrome c/TUNEL/JC-1 (an indicator of mitochondrial membrane potential) puncta in RB photothrombosis indicated LRRK2-induced mitochondrial apoptosis, which was blocked by MLi-2. These results suggest that pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity could attenuate mitochondrial apoptosis, ultimately leading to neuroprotective potential in stroke progression. In conclusion, LRRK2 kinase activity might be neuro-pathogenic due to impaired mitophagy in stroke progression, and pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity could be beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with LRRK2 mutations.

Prediction of tumor recurrence after surgical resection of ampullary adenocarcinoma using magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To predict tumor recurrence in patients who underwent surgical resection of ampullary adenocarcinoma using preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings combined with clinical findings. METHODS: In this multicenter study, a total of 113 patients (mean age, 62.9 ± 9.8 years; 58 men and 55 women) with ampullary adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative MR imaging and surgery with margin-negative resection between 2006 and 2017 were retrospectively included. The MR imaging findings were evaluated by two radiologists. Preoperative clinical findings were obtained. Cox proportional regression analyses were used to identify the independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). A nomogram was created based on the multivariable analysis and was internally validated. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis revealed that presence of infiltrative tumor margin (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.18, p = 0.019), adjacent organ invasion (HR: 3.31, p = 0.006), adjacent vessel invasion (HR: 5.42, p = 0.041), peripancreatic lymph node enlargement (HR: 2.1, p = 0.019), and jaundice (HR: 1.93, p = 0.043) were significantly associated with worse RFS of ampullary adenocarcinoma after surgical resection. These MR imaging and clinical findings were used to construct a nomogram. On internal validation, the calibration plots showed excellent agreement between the predicted probabilities and the actual rates of tumor recurrence, with Harrell's c-index of 0.746. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of preoperative MR imaging and clinical findings can be useful for predicting tumor recurrence after surgical resection of ampullary adenocarcinoma. Identifying these features before surgery may aid in better treatment planning and management of these patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A predictive nomogram using preoperative MR imaging and clinical findings can be useful in estimating the recurrence-free survival after surgical resection of ampullary adenocarcinoma. KEY POINTS: • Presently, tumor size on imaging is the only non-invasive factor that correlates with recurrence-free survival from ampullary adenocarcinoma; other factors are obtained postoperatively. • Infiltrative tumor margin, adjacent organ invasion, adjacent vessel invasion, peripancreatic lymph node enlargement on MRI, and jaundice are significant predictors for recurrence. • A nomogram incorporating significant MR imaging and clinical findings showed good performance in predicting recurrence-free survival, which can help in treatment planning.

nnU-Net-Based Pancreas Segmentation and Volume Measurement on CT Imaging in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a deep learning (DL)-based method for pancreas segmentation on CT and automatic measurement of pancreatic volume in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study used 3D nnU-net architecture for fully automated pancreatic segmentation in patients with pancreatic cancer. The study used 851 portal venous phase CT images (499 pancreatic cancer and 352 normal pancreas). This dataset was divided into training (n = 506), internal validation (n = 126), and external test set (n = 219). For the external test set, the pancreas was manually segmented by two abdominal radiologists (R1 and R2) to obtain the ground truth. In addition, the consensus segmentation was obtained using Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE) algorithm. Segmentation performance was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Next, the pancreatic volumes determined by automatic segmentation were compared to those determined by manual segmentation by two radiologists. RESULTS: The DL-based model for pancreatic segmentation showed a mean DSC of 0.764 in the internal validation dataset and DSC of 0.807, 0.805, and 0.803 using R1, R2, and STAPLE as references in the external test dataset. The pancreas parenchymal volume measured by automatic and manual segmentations were similar (DL-based model: 65.5 ± 19.3 cm3 and STAPLE: 65.1 ± 21.4 cm3; p = 0.486). The pancreatic parenchymal volume difference between the DL-based model predictions and the manual segmentation by STAPLE was 0.5 cm3, with correlation coefficients of 0.88. CONCLUSION: The DL-based model efficiently generates automatic segmentation of the pancreas and measures the pancreatic volume in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Ultrasonographic findings of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A comparative study with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and clinical characteristics.

PURPOSE: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new term proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We analyzed the ultrasonographic findings of MAFLD and NAFLD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of subjects aged ≥19 years who underwent a health screening examination, including ultrasonography, (n = 17,066). Patients were separated into one of three groups; pure MAFLD (n = 5304), pure NAFLD (n = 579), and both NAFLD & MAFLD (n = 11,183). The outcomes were the degree of fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis, defined by ultrasonography. In addition, the risk of ultrasonographic cirrhosis was assessed in the MAFLD group based on clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The pure NAFLD group had a lower risk of severe fatty liver disease than the both NAFLD & MAFLD groups (0.9 % vs. 4.4 %, p < 0.001). Cirrhosis was not diagnosed in the NAFLD group. Cirrhosis was more common in the pure MAFLD group than in the both NAFLD & MAFLD group (0.3 % vs. 0.0 %, p < 0.001). In the MAFLD group, multivariable analysis showed that diagnosis by hepatic steatosis index (Odds ratio [OR], 12.39; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 3.40-45.19; p < 0.001) or significant alcohol intake (OR, 9.58, 95 % CI, 1.93-47.61; p = 0.006) was independently associated with risk of liver cirrhosis on ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Liver cirrhosis was more frequently identified on ultrasonography in patients with MAFLD than in NAFLD. MAFLD diagnosed using the hepatic steatosis index or significant alcohol intake is a risk factor for liver cirrhosis.

Recurrence-free Survival After Liver Transplantation Versus Surgical Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role of High-risk MRI Features.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after liver transplantation (LT) or liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and perform subgroup analysis for HCC with high-risk imaging findings for recurrence on preoperative liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; high-risk MRI features). METHODS: We included patients with HCC eligible for both LT and LR and received either of the treatments between June 2008 and February 2021 from 2 tertiary referral medical centers after propensity score-matching. RFS and OS were compared between LT and LR using Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Propensity score-matching yielded 79 patients in the LT group and 142 patients in the LR group. High-risk MRI features were noted in 39 patients (49.4%) in the LT group and 98 (69.0%) in the LR group. The Kaplan-Meier curves for RFS and OS were not significantly different between the 2 treatments among the high-risk group (RFS, P = 0.079; OS, P = 0.755). Multivariable analysis showed that treatment type was not a prognostic factor for RFS and OS ( P = 0.074 and 0.937, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The advantage of LT over LR for RFS may be less evident among patients with high-risk MRI features.

Differentiation of malignant from benign ampullary strictures: A prediction nomogram based on MR imaging and clinical findings.

PURPOSE: To construct a predictive nomogram based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical findings for differentiating malignant from benign ampullary strictures. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 76 patients with ampullary strictures (51 benign and 25 malignant) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI were enrolled. Imaging findings were evaluated independently by two abdominal radiologists who reached consensus. Clinical findings were also collected. Significant findings for malignant ampullary strictures were assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Based on the results of multivariable analysis, a nomogram to differentiate malignant from benign ampullary strictures was developed and internally validated. RESULTS: In multivariable analysis, presence of an ampullary mass (odds ratio [OR]: 8.42, p = 0.047), bulging ampulla (OR: 8.32, p = 0.033), diffusion restriction of the ampulla (OR: 42.76, p = 0.004) on MRI, and jaundice (OR: 12.41, p = 0.019) were significant predictors of malignant ampullary strictures. A predictive nomogram was constructed using these findings. Among them, diffusion restriction of the ampulla showed the highest OR and predictor score on the nomogram. The calibration plots for internal validation achieved strong agreement between the predicted probabilities and the actual rates of malignant ampullary strictures. CONCLUSION: A combination of significant contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical findings of ampullary mass, bulging ampulla, diffusion restriction of the ampulla, and jaundice may be useful in the prediction of malignant ampullary stricture.

O-RADS US: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Category-specific Malignancy Rates.

Background Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) US provides a standardized method with which to stratify lesions into risk of malignancy categories, which is crucial for proper management. Purpose To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate malignancy rates for each O-RADS US score and evaluate the diagnostic performance of combined O-RADS US scores 4 and 5 in the diagnosis of malignancy. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search from the inception of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases through January 27, 2023, was performed for articles that reported using the O-RADS US stratification system and included malignancy rates per each O-RADS score. Bivariate random-effects models were used to determine the pooled malignancy rates for each O-RADS US score and to obtain summary estimates of the diagnostic performance of combined O-RADS US scores 4 and 5 in the diagnosis of malignant lesions. Results The final analysis included 18 studies consisting of 11 605 patients and 11 818 ovarian-adnexal lesions, with 2996 malignant (25.4%) and 8822 benign (74.6%) lesions. No malignant lesions were reported in O-RADS 1 category. The pooled percentages of malignancy were 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3, 1.0) for O-RADS 2, 3.9% (95% CI: 2.5, 5.4) for O-RADS 3, 43.5% (95% CI: 33.8, 53.2) for O-RADS 4, and 87.3% (95% CI: 83.0, 91.7) for O-RADS 5. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of combined O-RADS scores 4 and 5 in the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 95.6% (95% CI: 94.0, 97.2) and 76.6% (95% CI: 70.4, 82.7), respectively. Conclusion Each O-RADS US score provided the intended probability of malignant lesions as outlined by the O-RADS risk stratification system. When O-RADS US scores 4 and 5 were combined as a predictor for malignancy, O-RADS US showed a high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Clinical trial registration no. CRD42022352166 © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Comparison of noncontrast, dynamic, and hepatobiliary phase abbreviated MRI protocols for detection of hepatic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Abbreviated MRI for surveillance in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently gained interest. PURPOSE: To compare the performance among the three types of abbreviated MRI protocols for the detection of hepatic malignancies in patients at risk for HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective review using data from a prospective-registry study included 221 patients with one or more hepatic nodules detected during surveillance for chronic liver disease. Patients underwent MRI with extracellular contrast agents (ECA-MRI) and MRI with hepatobiliary agents (HBA-MRI) before surgery. Sequences from each MRI were extracted to create three simulated abbreviated MRI (aMRI) sets: noncontrast aMRI (NC-aMRI), dynamic aMRI (Dyn-aMRI), and hepatobiliary phase aMRI (HBP-aMRI). Two readers evaluated each set and reported the probability of malignancy and possibility of non-HCC malignancy per lesion. Using the pathology report as reference, the diagnostic performance of each aMRI was compared. RESULTS: This study included 289 observations (219 HCCs, 22 non-HCC malignancies, and 48 benign lesions). Defining category definite malignancy as test positive, the performance of each aMRI was as follows: sensitivity, 94.6%, 88.8%, and 92.5%; and specificity, 83.3%, 91.7%, and 85.4% for HBP-aMRI, Dyn-aMRI, and NC-aMRI, respectively. Pairwise comparison revealed higher sensitivity of HBP-aMRI than both Dyn-aMRI (P = 0.003) and NC-aMRI (P = 0.025), and higher specificity of Dyn-aMRI than HBP-aMRI (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: HBP-aMRI showed better sensitivity than Dyn-aMRI or NC-aMRI, whereas the sensitivity of NC-aMRI was comparable to Dyn-aMRI in the detection of malignancy in high-risk patients. Dyn-aMRI showed better specificity than HBP-aMRI.

Diagnostic performance of the 2022 KLCA-NCC criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma on magnetic resonance imaging with extracellular contrast and hepatobiliary agents: comparison with the 2018 KLCA-NCC criteria.

Background/Aim: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of 2022 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) imaging criteria compared with the 2018 KLCA-NCC for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: This retrospective study included 415 treatment-naïve patients (152 patients who underwent extracellular contrast agent [ECA]-MRI and 263 who underwent hepatobiliary agent [HBA]-MRI; 535 lesions, including 412 HCCs) with a high risk of HCC who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. Two readers evaluated all lesions according to the 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC imaging diagnostic criteria, and the per-lesion diagnostic performances were compared. Results: In "definite" HCC category of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC, HBA-MRI showed a significantly higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of HCC than ECA-MRI (77.0% vs. 64.3%, P=0.006) without a significant difference in specificity (94.7% vs. 95.7%, P=0.801). On ECAMRI, "definite" or "probable" HCC categories of the 2022 KLCA-NCC had significantly higher sensitivity than those of the 2018 KLCA-NCC (85.3% vs. 78.3%, P=0.002) with identical specificity (93.6%). On HBA-MRI, the sensitivity and specificity of "definite" or "probable" HCC categories of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC were not significantly different (83.3% vs. 83.6%, P>0.999 and 92.1% vs. 90.8%, P>0.999, respectively). Conclusions: In "definite" HCC category of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC, HBA-MRI provides better sensitivity than ECA-MRI without compromising specificity. On ECA-MRI, "definite" or "probable" HCC categories of the 2022 KLCA-NCC may improve sensitivity in the diagnosis of HCC compared with the 2018 KLCA-NCC.

Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Sonazoid Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography: 2023 Guidelines From the Korean Society of Radiology and the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology.

Sonazoid, a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent, was introduced for the diagnosis of hepatic nodules. To clarify the issues with Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the Korean Society of Radiology and Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology collaborated on the guidelines. The guidelines are de novo, evidence-based, and selected using an electronic voting system for consensus. These include imaging protocols, diagnostic criteria for HCC, diagnostic value for lesions that are inconclusive on other imaging results, differentiation from non-HCC malignancies, surveillance of HCC, and treatment response after locoregional and systemic treatment for HCC.

Risk factors associated with the discordance in kidney function decline rate in identical twins.

BACKGROUND: The rate of kidney function decline is different for each individual regardless of any difference in the medical histories. This study set out to identify the risk factors for high discordance in kidney function decline in an identical twin cohort. METHODS: This study included 333 identical twins from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study who were categorized into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline: the slow and rapid progressor groups. The mean differences of variables were compared between the two groups. We calculated the difference in the annual eGFR change between twins and analyzed the risk factors associated with high discordance in twins who had > 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 /yr of the intra-twin difference in the annual eGFR decline. Identical twins with diabetes and baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded. RESULTS: The high discordance twins showed significant differences in body mass index; waist-to-hip ratio; total body fat percentage; and levels of blood hemoglobin, serum fasting glucose, albumin, triglyceride, and uric acid; however, there were no differences in low discordance twins. Multivariable logistic regression showed that blood hemoglobin level is the only significant factor associated with high discordance of eGFR decline in twins. CONCLUSIONS: Blood hemoglobin level may play a role in the individual differences in kidney function decline.

LI-RADS Category on MRI Is Associated With Recurrence of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma After Surgery: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is a comprehensive system for standardizing the terminology and interpretation of liver imaging. The association between the LI-RADS category and tumor recurrence in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCAs) has not yet been evaluated in a multicenter study. PURPOSE: To retrospectively investigate the preoperative clinical and imaging features associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) after curative resection of iCCAs and to identify the role of the LI-RADS category in at-risk patients. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective, multicenter. SUBJECTS: A total of 113 patients (mean age: 61.1 years; 74 men, 39 women) who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI and curative surgical resection for a single treatment-naive iCCA between 2008 and 2021. FILED STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3 T dual gradient-echo T1 WI with in- and opposed-phase, turbo spin-echo T2 WI, diffusion-weighted echo-planar images, and three-dimensional gradient-echo T1 WI before and after administration of contrast agent. ASSESSMENT: MR imaging features were evaluated and assigned for each lesion using LI-RADS version 2018. RFS was calculated from the date of surgery to tumor recurrence or the last imaging date without evidence of recurrence. Factors affecting RFS were evaluated using clinical and imaging features. STATISTICAL TESTS: Cox proportional hazards model, Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 93 (82.3%) were categorized as LR-M and 20 (17.7%) were categorized as LR-4 or 5. In the multivariable analysis, LR-M category (hazard ratio [HR], 8.035; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.096-58.931) and a tumor size >3 cm on MRI (HR, 2.690; 95% CI, 1.319-5.487) were independent factors for poor RFS. The 5-year RFS rate was significantly higher in patients with iCCA categorized as LR-4 or 5 than in those categorized as LR-M (94.4% vs. 51.9%, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION: Patients with iCCA categorized as LR-4 or 5 may have a better RFS than those categorized as LR-M. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Waist-hip ratio measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis as a valuable predictor of chronic kidney disease development.

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide and is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Body mass index (BMI) is a common method of diagnosing obesity, but there are concerns about its accuracy and ability to measure body composition. This study evaluated the risk of CKD development in a middle-aged population in association with various body composition metrics. From a prospective cohort of 10,030 middle-aged adults, we enrolled 6727 for whom baseline and follow-up data were available. We collected data pertaining to participants' BMI, manually measured waist-hip ratio (WHR), and various measurements of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), including total body fat content, muscle content, and calculated WHR, and classified the participants into quintiles accordingly. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in follow-up laboratory tests. While an increase in BMI, WHR, and total body fat were associated with an elevated risk of CKD, an increase in total body muscle decreased the risk. Among the body composition metrics, WHR measured by BIA had the highest predictive value for CKD (C-statistics: 0.615). In addition, participants who were "healthy overweight, (defined as low WHR but high BMI), exhibited a 62% lower risk of developing CKD compared to those with "normal-weight obesity," (defined as high WHR despite a normal BMI). In conclusion, we suggest that central obesity measured by BIA is a more accurate indicator than BMI for predicting the development of CKD.

Imaging features of hepatobiliary MRI and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk and time to HCC development differ according to hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings among people at risk for developing HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 199 patients aged 40 years or older with liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary MRI between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed. An independent radiologist retrospectively reviewed MRI findings, blinded to clinical information, and categorized them into low-risk features, high-risk features and high-risk nodules. High-risk features were defined as liver cirrhosis diagnosed by imaging. High-risk nodules were defined as LR-3 or LR-4 nodules based on LI-RADS version 2018. The primary outcome was development of HCC within 5-year of MRI evaluation. RESULTS: HCC was diagnosed in 28 patients (14.1%). HCC development was null for those with low-risk features (n = 84). The cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 0%, 2.3%, 13.4% and 22.1% at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year for those with high-risk features (n= 64), and were 19.1%, 31.8%, 37.3% and 46.7% at 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year for those with high-risk nodules (n= 51). Among 28 patients developed HCC, the median time from baseline MRI to HCC diagnosis was 33.1 months (interquartile range: 25.9-46.7 months) for high-risk feature group, and 17.3 months (interquartile range: 6.2-26.5 months) for high-risk nodule group. CONCLUSIONS: HCC risk and time to HCC development differ according to baseline hepatobiliary MRI findings, indicating that hepatobiliary MRI findings can be used as biomarkers to differentiate HCC risk.

Diagnostic performance of CT versus MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category 5 for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category 5 (LR-5) for diagnosing HCC between CT and MRI using comparative studies. METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to April 21, 2021, to identify studies that directly compare the diagnostic performance of LR-5 for HCC between CT and MRI. A bivariate random-effects model was fitted to calculate the pooled per-observation sensitivity and specificity of LR-5 of each modality, and compare the pooled estimates of paired data. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the MRI contrast agent. RESULTS: Seven studies with 1145 observations (725 HCCs) were included in the final analysis. The pooled per-observation sensitivity of LR-5 for diagnosing HCC was higher using MRI (61%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 43-76%; I2 = 95%) than CT (48%; 95% CI, 31-65%; I2 = 97%) (p < 0.001). The pooled per-observation specificities of LR-5 did not show statistically significant difference between CT (96%; 95% CI, 92-98%; I2 = 0%) and MRI (93%; 95% CI, 88-96%; I2 = 16%) (p = 0.054). In the subgroup analysis, extracellular contrast agent-enhanced MRI showed significantly higher pooled per-observation sensitivity than gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for diagnosing HCC (73% [95% CI, 55-85%] vs. 55% [95% CI, 39-70%]; p = 0.007), without a significant difference in specificity (93% [95% CI, 80-98%] vs. 94% [95% CI, 87-97%]; p = 0.884). CONCLUSIONS: The LR-5 of MRI showed significantly higher pooled per-observation sensitivity than CT for diagnosing HCC. The pooled per-observation specificities of LR-5 were comparable between the two modalities. KEY POINTS: • The pooled sensitivity of LR-5 using MRI was higher than that using CT (61% versus 48%), but the pooled specificities of LR-5 were not significantly different between CT and MRI (96% versus 93%). • Subgroup analysis according to the MRI contrast media showed a significantly higher pooled per-observation sensitivity using ECA-enhanced MRI than with EOB-enhanced MRI (73% versus 55%), and comparable specificities (93% versus 94%). • Although LI-RADS provides a common diagnostic algorithm for CT or MRI, the per-observation performance of LR-5 can be affected by the imaging modality as well as the MRI contrast agent.