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Aziz H, Brown ZJ, Eskander MF, Aquina CT, Baghdadi A, Kamel IR, Pawlik TM. A Scoping Review of the Classification, Diagnosis, and Management of Hepatic Adenomas. J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 26:965-978. [PMID: 35083725 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-022-05246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic adenomas (HA), or hepatocellular adenomas, are benign, solid liver lesions that develop in otherwise normal livers, often in the setting of increased estrogen levels. While considered a benign tumor, there is a risk for substantial complications such as hemorrhage and malignant transformation. We review the diagnosis, classification, and potential therapeutic management options for patients with HA. METHODS A scoping narrative review was conducted based on recent literature regarding classification, diagnosis, and management of HA. RESULTS While HAs are typically considered benign, complications such as hemorrhage and malignant transformation may occur in approximately 25% and 5% of patients, respectively. Recent advances in imaging and molecular profiling have allowed for the classification of HAs into subtypes allowing for patient risk stratification that helps guide management. Surgical resection should be considered in asymptomatic patients who are male, have an adenoma ≥5 cm in diameter, or have the β-catenin-activated subtype due to an increased risk of hemorrhage and/or malignant transformation. CONCLUSION Molecular profiling has aided in the stratification of patients relative to the risk of complications to predict better the potential behavior of HAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Aziz
- Department of Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachary J Brown
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite, Columbus, OH, 670, USA
| | - Mariam F Eskander
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite, Columbus, OH, 670, USA
| | - Christopher T Aquina
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite, Columbus, OH, 670, USA
| | | | - Ihab R Kamel
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite, Columbus, OH, 670, USA.
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Marschner CA, Zhang L, Schwarze V, Völckers W, Froelich MF, von Münchhausen N, Schnitzer ML, Geyer T, Fabritius MP, Rübenthaler J, Clevert DA. The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for assessing hepatocellular carcinoma compared to histopathology; a retrospective single-center analysis of 119 patients1. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2021; 76:453-458. [PMID: 33216017 DOI: 10.3233/ch-209221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCC as the 6th most common tumor entity with the fourth highest mortality and an increasing prevalence especially due to today's lifestyle acquires a high attention in the clinical setting. Beside CECT and CEMRI, CEUS depicts a dynamic, low-risk and radiation free imaging method that finds its use mainly in screening and active surveillance programs. PURPOSE The aim of the retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS in correlation to pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2004 and 2018 a total number of 119 patients were included in this retrospective single-center study. Every patient underwent CEUS in addition to a native B-mode and Color-Doppler scan. After given informed consent SonoVue® (Bracco, Milan, Italy), a second-generation blood-pool agent, was used as contrast medium. Every examination was performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist (EFSUMB level 3). A low mechanical index (MI) of <0,2 was chosen to obtain a good imaging quality. RESULTS All 119 included patients received CEUS followed by a liver biopsy for inter-modality comparison. In correlation to the pathology results, CEUS showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 96,6%, a specificity of 63,9%, a PPV of 86,7% and a NPV of 88,5% by detecting liver lesions suspicious for HCC. According to the Cohen's Kappa coefficient (k = 0,659) CEUS shows a strong inter-modality agreement in comparison to the histopathological finding. CONCLUSION With a high sensitivity and a strong cross-modality comparability to histopathology, the CEUS is highly effective in the detection of suspicious HCC lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Marschner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - V Schwarze
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - W Völckers
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M F Froelich
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - N von Münchhausen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - M L Schnitzer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Geyer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M P Fabritius
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Rübenthaler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - D-A Clevert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Yang HK, Burns PN, Jang HJ, Kono Y, Khalili K, Wilson SR, Kim TK. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound approach to the diagnosis of focal liver lesions: the importance of washout. Ultrasonography 2019; 38:289-301. [PMID: 31311068 PMCID: PMC6769186 DOI: 10.14366/usg.19006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a powerful technique for differentiating focal liver lesions (FLLs) without the risks of potential nephrotoxicity or ionizing radiation. In the diagnostic algorithm for FLLs on CEUS, washout is an important feature, as its presence is highly suggestive of malignancy and its characteristics are useful in distinguishing hepatocellular from nonhepatocellular malignancies. Interpreting washout on CEUS requires an understanding that microbubble contrast agents are strictly intravascular, unlike computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. This review explains the definition and types of washout on CEUS in accordance with the 2017 version of the CEUS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System and presents their applications to differential diagnosis with illustrative examples. Additionally, we propose potential mechanisms of rapid washout and describe the washout phenomenon in benign entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kyung Yang
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter N Burns
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hyun-Jung Jang
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuko Kono
- Departments of Medicine and Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Korosh Khalili
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephanie R Wilson
- Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tae Kyoung Kim
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Burrowes DP, Medellin A, Harris AC, Milot L, Wilson SR. Contrast-enhanced US Approach to the Diagnosis of Focal Liver Masses. Radiographics 2017; 37:1388-1400. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.2017170034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David P. Burrowes
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.P.B., A.M., S.R.W.); Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (A.C.H.); and Department of Radiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (L.M.). Recipient of a Magna Cum Laude award for an education exhibit at the 2016 RSNA Annual Meeting
| | - Alexandra Medellin
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.P.B., A.M., S.R.W.); Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (A.C.H.); and Department of Radiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (L.M.). Recipient of a Magna Cum Laude award for an education exhibit at the 2016 RSNA Annual Meeting
| | - Allison C. Harris
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.P.B., A.M., S.R.W.); Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (A.C.H.); and Department of Radiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (L.M.). Recipient of a Magna Cum Laude award for an education exhibit at the 2016 RSNA Annual Meeting
| | - Laurent Milot
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.P.B., A.M., S.R.W.); Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (A.C.H.); and Department of Radiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (L.M.). Recipient of a Magna Cum Laude award for an education exhibit at the 2016 RSNA Annual Meeting
| | - Stephanie R. Wilson
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (D.P.B., A.M., S.R.W.); Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (A.C.H.); and Department of Radiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (L.M.). Recipient of a Magna Cum Laude award for an education exhibit at the 2016 RSNA Annual Meeting
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Tselikas L, Pigneur F, Roux M, Baranes L, Costentin C, Roche V, Calderaro J, Herin E, Laurent A, Zafrani E, Azoulay D, Mallat A, Rahmouni A, Luciani A. Impact of hepatobiliary phase liver MRI versus Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound after an inconclusive extracellular gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis of benign hepatocellular tumors. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2017; 42:825-832. [PMID: 27704147 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-016-0921-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the added values of hepatobiliary phase (HBP) MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in addition to inconclusive extracellular gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) to characterize benign hepatocellular tumors (BHT). METHODS Eighty-three BHT-46 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and 37 hepatocellular adenomas (HCA)-with inconclusive CE-MRI in 54 patients (43 women and 11 men, mean age 42 years old ± 14.8) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent both HBP-MRI and CEUS. Two radiologists independently reviewed 2 sets of images, SET-1: CE-MRI and HBP-MRI; SET-2: CE-MRI and CEUS, and classified lesions as "definite FNH," "possible FNH," or "definitely not FNH." Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Spe) were compared between the two sets; subgroup analyses according to the lesion's size were performed. RESULTS Regardless of lesion size, the respective Se and Spe of both datasets were not statistically different (95.7 and 100% vs. 76.1 and 94.6% for set-1 and -2 respectively; p = 0.18). For lesions larger than 35 mm, although both sets had similar specificity (100%), sensitivity was higher for SET-1 (100% vs. 40%); p = 0.04. Tumor classifications using SET-1 and SET-2 could have changed patient management in 35/54 (64.8%) and 33/54 (61.1%) of all patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HBP-MRI or CEUS should be performed after an inconclusive CE-MRI. Both can change patient management by avoiding unnecessary biopsy or surveillance. The use of HBP-MRI should be advocated over CEUS in larger (>35 mm) lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambros Tselikas
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Frederic Pigneur
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Marion Roux
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Laurence Baranes
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Charlotte Costentin
- Hepatology Department, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Vincent Roche
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- Department of Pathology, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Edouard Herin
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France
- Liver Surgery Department, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
- INSERM IMRB Unit U 955, Equipe 18, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Elie Zafrani
- Department of Pathology, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Daniel Azoulay
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France
- Liver Surgery Department, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Ariane Mallat
- Hepatology Department, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, Créteil, 94010, France
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Alain Rahmouni
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France
| | - Alain Luciani
- Imagerie Medicale, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Groupe Henri Mondor Albert Chenevier, 51 avenue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France.
- Universite Paris Est Creteil, Créteil, 94010, France.
- INSERM IMRB Unit U 955, Equipe 18, Créteil, 94010, France.
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Wang W, Liu JY, Yang Z, Wang YF, Shen SL, Yi FL, Huang Y, Xu EJ, Xie XY, Lu MD, Wang Z, Chen LD. Hepatocellular adenoma: comparison between real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound and dynamic computed tomography. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:951. [PMID: 27386395 PMCID: PMC4929102 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate and compare the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of histologically proven HCA with those of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods Eighteen patients with proven hepatic adenoma by pathology were retrospectively selected from the CEUS database. Fourteen of them had undergone liver CECT exams. The basic features on unenhanced imaging and the enhancement level and specific features on contrast-enhanced imaging were retrospectively analyzed, and the differences between CEUS and CECT were compared. Results All the HCAs showed hyper-enhancement in the arterial phase. During the portal and late phases, 12 HCAs (12/18, 66.7 %) on CEUS and 11 (11/14, 78.6 %) on CT showed washout. On CEUS, 10 (10/18, 55.5 %) showed centripetal filling in the arterial phase and persistent peripheral rim enhancement. Five of them (61.1 %, 11/18) showed delayed central washout in the portal or late phase. However, on CECT, 2 (14.3 %, 2/14) and 4 (28.6 %, 4/14) HCAs showed persistent enhancement of the peripheral rim and central non-enhancing hemorrhage areas, respectively. Conclusions Compared with dynamic CT, CEUS was superior at characterizing specific dynamic features. Considering that it is radiation-free, readily availability and easy to use, CEUS is suggested as the first line imaging tool to diagnose HCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Ya Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Feng Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shun-Li Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng-Lian Yi
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Er-Jiao Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Xie
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-De Lu
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Da Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Obaro AE, Ryan SM. Benign liver lesions: grey-scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound appearances. ULTRASOUND : JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY 2015; 23:116-25. [PMID: 27433246 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x15575805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound is often the first point of detection of liver lesions, with up to 75% of liver lesions detected at ultrasound having benign histology. In 2012, NICE issued recommendations that ultrasound contrast be used for the evaluation of incidentally discovered liver lesions. This has been demonstrated to provide a rapid and cost-effective evaluation for incidental liver lesions, in many cases precluding the need for further CT or MRI scans. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the ultrasound features of benign liver lesions, and to demonstrate their further characterisation with contrast ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Obaro
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - S M Ryan
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
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Differentiation of focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular adenomas with low-mechanical-index contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS): effect of size on diagnostic confidence. Eur Radiol 2014; 25:186-95. [PMID: 25120205 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) for the differentiation of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) according to lesion size. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients with a definite diagnosis of FNH or HCA who underwent CEUS were included in this institutional review board (IRB)-approved study. A total of 43 FNHs and 20 HCAs, including 15 inflammatory HCAs and five unclassified HCAs, were analysed. Two radiologists reviewed the diagnostic CEUS parameters separately and in consensus, including the presence or absence of centrifugal filling and central vessels. The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and inter-observer confidence (Kappa) of CEUS diagnostic parameters were assessed. RESULTS Inter-observer agreement of CEUS for FNH diagnosis was high (kappa = 0.81) with an overall Se of 67.4% [29/43 (CI 95%: 51.4-80.1 %)] and an Sp of 100% [20/20 (CI 95%: 81-100%)]. Significantly higher Se figures were found for lesions ≤ 35 mm than for lesions > 35 mm [respectively, 93 % (28/30) (CI 95%: 77.6-99.2) vs. 7.7% (1/13) (CI 95%: 0.2-36%), p = 0.002] with unchanged specificity. CONCLUSION CEUS is highly specific for the diagnosis of FNH, with very good inter-observer agreement, whatever the size, but its sensitivity is significantly reduced in diagnosing lesions larger than 35 mm. KEY POINTS • CEUS is highly specific for the diagnosis of FNH, regardless of lesion size • CEUS shows reduced sensitivity in diagnosing FNH lesions larger than 35 mm • The filling patterns of hepatocellular adenomas are not affected by lesion size.
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Friedrich-Rust M, Klopffleisch T, Nierhoff J, Herrmann E, Vermehren J, Schneider MD, Zeuzem S, Bojunga J. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant focal liver lesions: a meta-analysis. Liver Int 2013; 33:739-55. [PMID: 23432804 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International guidelines of Ultrasound recommend the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as the first method of choice after conventional ultrasound for the diagnostic work-up of focal liver lesions. However, these recommendations are based on the results of multiple single studies and only few large multicentre studies. AIMS The rationale of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the overall sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. METHODS Literature databases were searched up to March 2012. Inclusion criteria were evaluation of CEUS, assessment of sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model based on the DerSimonian Laird method. Quality analyses were carried out to assess sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 45 studies with 8147 focal liver lesions were included in the analysis. Overall sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions was 93% (95%-CI: 91-95%) and 90% (95%-CI: 88-92%) respectively. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies. However, subanalysis revealed no significant difference when evaluating studies using histology for all liver lesions, when comparing high-quality and low-quality studies, and blinded vs non-blinded studies. CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis support the international recommendations on CEUS for the diagnostic work-up of focal liver lesions selecting patients who need further diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireen Friedrich-Rust
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, J.W.Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
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