Can microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma be predicted by diagnostic imaging? A critical review.

Imaging still has a limited capacity to detect microvascular invasion (mVI). The objective of this critical review is the evaluation of the most significant predictors of mVI in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detectable by computed tomography, PET/computed tomography and MRI using a mathematical model. We systematically reviewed 15 observational studies from 2008 to 2018 to analyze factors with most impact on mVI detection. The most significant predictors of mVI correlating with imaging techniques were considered. From 1902 patients considered, we individuated 30 total predictors of mVI in a multivariate analysis. The most frequent predictors related to the highest presence with mVI in HCC were: α-fetoprotein (p < 0.0001), tumor size (p < 0.0001) and number of HCC nodules (p = 0.0020).

Imaging of pediatric foot disorders.

Infants and children undergo imaging studies to evaluate a wide variety of congenital and acquired disorders. Imaging protocols have to consider the patient's comfort, level of anxiety, and smaller size. The first imaging study is usually made with plain radiographs. The routine radiographic examination of the foot includes the anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and oblique projections. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RMI) provides excellent anatomic detail of cartilage, vasculature and soft tissue thanks to superior soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution, so is valuable in many cases. According to the clinical and objective signs, guided by the radiographs images, we can be oriented to perform Computed Tomography (CT), CT imaging or MRI imaging. CT imaging is useful to observe the bones but it has the disadvantage of using radiation and doesn't  adequately define the bone's non-ossified portions. On the contrary, MRI imaging is very useful in identifying the cartilaginous parts and vascular and soft tissues, thanks to its superior contrast and spatial resolution. Finally, it is important to orientate the diagnostic process keeping in mind the clinical sign of the patient and to use the most appropriate diagnostic technique.