Pathogenesis to management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer whose incidence continues to rise in many parts of the world due to a concomitant rise in many associated risk factors, such as alcohol use and obesity. Although early-stage HCC can be potentially curable through liver resection, liver-directed therapies, or transplantation, patients usually present with intermediate to advanced disease, which continues to be associated with a poor prognosis. This is because HCC is a cancer with significant complexities, including substantial clinical, histopathologic, and genomic heterogeneity. However, the scientific community has made a major effort to better characterize HCC in those aspects via utilizing tissue sampling and histological classification, whole genome sequencing, and developing viable animal models. These efforts ultimately aim to develop clinically relevant biomarkers and discover molecular targets for new therapies. For example, until recently, there was only one approved systemic therapy for advanced or metastatic HCC in the form of sorafenib. Through these efforts, several additional targeted therapies have gained approval in the United States, although much progress remains to be desired. This review will focus on the link between characterizing the pathogenesis of HCC with current and future HCC management.

Incidental hepatic lesions detected on breast MRI: Rate of malignancy and implications for utilization.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the rate of malignancy in incidentally detected T2 hyperintense hepatic lesions at breast MRI. METHODS: Incidental hepatic lesions identified during breast MRI, for which abdominal imaging was recommended, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the hepatic lesions, 97.3% were benign, and 2.7% were malignant, with a significant association between indication for the breast MRI and the malignancy status of the hepatic lesion (Fisher's Exact, P < 0.0142). CONCLUSION: Our initial experience suggests the benign nature of incidentally detected T2 hyperintense hepatic lesions at breast MRI in women without a newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Clues to vascular disorders at non-contrast CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Non-contrast chest CT scans are commonly performed while CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis are performed in a select subset of patients; those with limited renal function, an allergy to iodinated contrast, in the setting of suspected renal calculus, retroperitoneal hematoma, common duct calculus, abdominal aortic aneurysm with or without rupture, and in patients undergoing a PET-CT scan. In the absence of intravenous contrast, vascular structures may prove challenging to evaluate, yet their assessment is an important component of every non-contrast CT examination. We describe the key imaging features of both arterial and venous pathology, and review clues and common associated non-vascular findings, which can help the radiologist identify vascular disorders at non-contrast CT. Briefly, alternative imaging options are discussed.

Using a triggered endocrinology service consultation to improve the evaluation, management, and follow-up of osteoporosis in hip-fracture patients.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 2 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur yearly in the United States, with more than 400,000 requiring hospital admissions. Fewer than 30% receive proper evaluation and care for osteoporosis, representing a large opportunity to enhance secondary prevention of fractures. Methods to improve identification and triage of hospitalized fragility-fracture patients are desirable. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was created, and definitions were established for an evidence-based best-practice protocol to assess, treat, and document an osteoporosis diagnosis and triage patients with hip-fragility fractures on the basis of the best-practice recommendations from The Joint Commission and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The team initiated a preauthorized osteoporosis consultation from the endocrinology service for hip-fracture patients, "triggered" via a brief query in admission orders or by the orthopedic service nurse practitioner. Osteoporosis consultations used a consultation template reflecting the protocol. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 71 baseline patients and 61 intervention patients. The groups possessed similar age, gender, race, and body mass index characteristics. The baseline (on-demand consultation) group suffered from poor performance, with only 3%-21% of patients receiving the desired evaluation, documentation, treatment, or outpatient follow-up. Intervention (triggered-consultation) patients improved markedly postintervention, With performance increasing by 52%-76% on all parameters except outpatient follow-up, which changed insignificantly (6%-15%). CONCLUSION: Although triggered consultation was effective, multimodal layered interventions may achieve even better results and address several identified barriers.