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Jiang ZP, Zeng KY, Huang JY, Yang J, Yang R, Li JW, Qiu TT, Luo Y, Lu Q. Differentiating malignant and benign focal liver lesions in children using CEUS LI-RADS combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2350-2360. [PMID: 35800178 PMCID: PMC9185218 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i21.2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to diagnose focal liver lesions (FLLs) in children. The America College of Radiology developed the CEUS liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) for standardizing CEUS diagnosis of FLLs in adult patients. Until now, no similar consensus or guidelines have existed for pediatric patients to improve imaging interpretation as adults.
AIM To evaluate the performance of CEUS LI-RADS combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in differentiating benign and malignant FLLs in pediatric patients.
METHODS Between January 2011 and January 2021, patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent CEUS for FLLs were retrospectively evaluated. The following criteria for diagnosing malignancy were proposed: Criterion I considered LR-4, LR-5, or LR-M lesions as malignancies; criterion II regarded LR-4, LR-5 or LR-M lesions with simultaneously elevated AFP (≥ 20 ng/mL) as malignancies; criterion III took LR-4 Lesions with elevated AFP or LR-5 or LR-M lesions as malignancies. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated to determine the diagnostic value of the aforementioned criteria.
RESULTS The study included 63 nodules in 60 patients (mean age, 11.0 ± 5.2 years; 26 male). There were no statistically significant differences between the specificity, accuracy, or AUC of criterion II and criterion III (95.1% vs 80.5%, 84.1% vs 87.3%, and 0.794 vs 0.902; all P > 0.017). Notably, criterion III showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than criterion II (100% vs 63.6%; P < 0.017). However, both the specificity and accuracy of criterion I was inferior to those of criterion II and criterion III (all P < 0.017). For pediatric patients more than 5 years old, the performance of the three criteria was overall similar when patients were subcategorized by age when compared to all patients in aggregate.
CONCLUSION CEUS LI-RADS combined with AFP may be a powerful diagnostic tool in pediatric patients. LR-4 with elevated AFP, LR-5 or LR-M lesions is highly suggestive of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Peng Jiang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ke-Yu Zeng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia-Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia-Wu Li
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Qiu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Moreira-Silva H, Amorim J, Santos-Silva E. Incidental Liver Lesions in children: A practical and evidence-based approach. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101904. [PMID: 35318140 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2022.101904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Incidental liver lesions are increasingly being discovered in the context of the increased use of ultrasound studies and the majority are benign. In children, although individually rare, the differential diagnosis is broad and therefore a systematic approach is of utmost importance to reduce the radiological and disease burden in children and their families. This review article collected current evidence and provides fundamental information for the clinician regarding specific differential diagnoses and unique imaging features of benign liver lesions in children. Ultimately, we propose a practical stepwise approach mainly involving clinical and radiological workup. Laboratory tests and histopathological examination may be necessary in the presence of red flags or in indeterminate lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Moreira-Silva
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo da Maternidade de Júlio Dinis 45, Porto 4050-651, Portugal.
| | - João Amorim
- Radiology Department, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ermelinda Santos-Silva
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo da Maternidade de Júlio Dinis 45, Porto 4050-651, Portugal
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[Imaging of hepatic tumors in children and adolescents]. Radiologe 2021; 61:629-638. [PMID: 34061213 PMCID: PMC8257542 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00851-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric liver tumors are relatively rare, but thorough knowledge of their imaging features is still important. OBJECTIVES Frequency and imaging features of benign and malignant liver masses during childhood and adolescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Discussion of relevant original articles, review manuscripts and expert recommendations concerning imaging of childhood liver tumors. RESULTS The most common malignant tumors of the liver are hepatoblastoma, which usually occur in younger children, as well as in some regions hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast to most benign masses, such as focal nodular hyperplasia, simple cysts or fatty liver infiltrations, their imaging morphology is not very characteristic. Radiologically, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for assessment. Both methods benefit from intravenous contrast agent administration. CONCLUSIONS Childhood liver tumors show a broad spectrum of morphological manifestations. Some entities can be characterized using standard imaging, some require multimodal imaging or histological assessment. In addition to morphological imaging criteria, age and the medical history as well as laboratory data play an important role in establishing the correct diagnosis.
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Watson TA, Barber J, Woodley H. Paediatric gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary radiology: why do we need subspecialists, and what is new? Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:554-569. [PMID: 33743039 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We present the case for subspecialisation in paediatric gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico-biliary radiology. We frame the discussion around a number of questions: What is different about the paediatric patient and paediatric gastrointestinal system? What does the radiologist need to do differently? And finally, what can be translated from these subspecialty areas into everyday practice? We cover conditions that the sub-specialist might encounter, focusing on entities such as inflammatory bowel disease and hepatic vascular anomalies. We also highlight novel imaging techniques that are a focus of research in the subspecialties, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound, MRI motility, magnetisation transfer factor, and magnetic resonance elastography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom A Watson
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Joy Barber
- Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen Woodley
- Department of Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Shamir SB, Kurian J, Kogan-Liberman D, Taragin BH. Hepatic Imaging in Neonates and Young Infants: State of the Art. Radiology 2017; 285:763-777. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2017170305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Shamir
- From the Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210 St, Bronx, NY 10467
| | - Jessica Kurian
- From the Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210 St, Bronx, NY 10467
| | - Debora Kogan-Liberman
- From the Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210 St, Bronx, NY 10467
| | - Benjamin H. Taragin
- From the Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210 St, Bronx, NY 10467
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Masaracchia MM, Tsapakos MJ, McNulty NJ, Beach ML. Changing the paradigm for diagnostic MRI in pediatrics: Don't hold your breath. Paediatr Anaesth 2017; 27:880-884. [PMID: 28504359 DOI: 10.1111/pan.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly complex pediatric patients and improvements in technology warrant reevaluation of the risk associated with anesthesia for diagnostic imaging. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for children given the potentially harmful effects of computerized tomography-associated ionizing radiation, we dare to suggest that certain patients would benefit from the liberalization of our current standard. Incorporating the use of newer computerized tomography technology may improve safety for those that are already at higher risk for adverse events. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging is not risk-free-what is often overlooked is the need for controlled ventilation and breath-holding to minimize motion artifact. As physicians at the forefront of the development and sustainability of the perioperative surgical home, anesthesiologists must work to not only optimize patients preoperatively but should also act as gatekeepers for procedural safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Masaracchia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael J Tsapakos
- Department of Radiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Nancy J McNulty
- Department of Radiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael L Beach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Shelmerdine SC, Roebuck DJ, Towbin AJ, McHugh K. MRI of paediatric liver tumours: How we review and report. Cancer Imaging 2016; 16:21. [PMID: 27526937 PMCID: PMC4986178 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-016-0083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver tumours are fortunately rare in children. Benign tumours such as haemangiomas and cystic mesenchymal hamartomas are typically seen in infancy, often before 6 months of age. After that age, malignant hepatic tumours increase in frequency. The differentiation of a malignant from benign lesion on imaging can often negate the need for biopsy. Ultrasound is currently the main screening tool for suspected liver pathology, and is ideally suited for evaluation of hepatic lesions in children due to their generally small size. With increasing research, public awareness and parental anxiety regarding radiation dosage from CT imaging, MRI is now unquestionably the modality of choice for further characterisation of hepatic mass lesions. Nevertheless the cost, length of imaging time and perceived complexity of a paediatric liver MR study can be intimidating to the general radiologist and referring clinician. This article outlines standard MR sequences utilised, reasons for their utilisation, types of mixed hepatocyte specific/extracellular contrast agents employed and imaging features that aid the interpretation of paediatric liver lesions. The two commonest paediatric liver malignancies, namely hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma are described. Differentiation of primary hepatic malignancies with metastatic disease and mimickers of malignancy such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatic adenomas are also featured in this review.. Imaging should aim to clarify the presence of a lesion, the likelihood of malignancy and potential for complete surgical resection. Reviewing and reporting the studies should address these issues in a systematic fashion whilst also commenting upon background liver parenchymal appearances. Clinical information and adequate patient preparation prior to MR imaging studies help enhance the diagnostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Derek J Roebuck
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Towbin
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kieran McHugh
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Pugmire BS, Towbin AJ. Magnetic resonance imaging of primary pediatric liver tumors. Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:764-77. [PMID: 27229495 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although primary hepatic neoplasms are less common than other intra-abdominal tumors in children, these neoplasms are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. MRI is increasingly relied upon in the diagnostic evaluation of these lesions, both before and after treatment, and familiarity with the MRI findings associated with these neoplasms is a must for pediatric radiologists. Advances in MRI technology, particularly the advent of hepatocyte-specific gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, have allowed for accurate characterization of several types of hepatic neoplasms on the basis of imaging appearance. In this review, we provide an overview of the approach to imaging hepatic neoplasms in children using MRI, including a sample imaging protocol. We also discuss the relevant clinical features and MRI findings of the most clinically relevant entities, including their appearance on post-contrast imaging using hepatocyte-specific gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Pugmire
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC-5031, Cincinnati, OH, 45255, USA
| | - Alexander J Towbin
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC-5031, Cincinnati, OH, 45255, USA.
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Clinical application of a three-dimensional imaging technique in infants and young children with complex liver tumors. Pediatr Surg Int 2016; 32:387-95. [PMID: 26809670 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-3864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three-dimensional (3D) imaging instead of two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis and preoperative planning in infants and young children with complex liver tumors is a promising technique for precision hepatectomy. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 26 infants and young children with giant liver tumors involving the hepatic hilum who underwent precise hepatectomy at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between February 2012 and January 2015. All patients received upper abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scanning before surgery. 16 patients used Hisense CAS system for 3D reconstruction as the reconstruction group. While ten patients underwent 3D CT reconstruction by the CT Workstation as the control group. The clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The 3D reconstruction of abdominal organs and blood vessels was generated using the Hisense CAS system. Diagnosis and preoperative planning assisted by the system was used for preoperative and intraoperative decision-making for precise hepatectomy. RESULTS All patients underwent successful surgery. The 3D models clearly demonstrated the association of liver tumors with the intrahepatic vascular system and provided a preoperative assessment of resectability, assisting surgeons in preoperative procedural planning. Anatomic hepatectomy was successfully completed in the reconstruction group. The mean operation time was shorter in the reconstruction group (137.81 ± 17.51 min) than in the control group (192 ± 34.66 min) (P < 0.01). The mean intraoperative blood loss was lesser in the reconstruction group (21.81 ± 14.05 ml) than in the control group (53.50 ± 21.35 ml) (P < 0.01). The difference was statistically significant. DISCUSSION 2D CT scan images cannot accurately display the spatial relationship between the tumor and surrounding vasculature. The 3D reconstruction model used in this study gave detailed and accurate anatomical information and allowed for the assessment of tumor resectability and provided a detailed road map for preoperative decision-making and predicted the postoperative liver function. CONCLUSIONS 3D visualization technology provides preoperative assessment and allows individualized surgical planning. Surgical controllability, accuracy, and safety can be improved in infants and young children undergoing precise hepatectomy for complex liver tumors.
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