经量化的扩散加权成像对肝脏占位性病变的鉴别诊断价值

目的：探讨经量化的扩散加权成像(DWI)在肝脏占位性疾病影像诊断中的价值。方法本组回顾性分析120例肝脏占位性病变患者及对照组12例正常肝脏的影像资料,应用3.0T MR 行常规 MR 及 DWI,120例患者共检出179个病灶(其中53个肝癌、61个转移瘤、32个肝血管瘤及33个肝囊肿),分析其与对照组的 DWI 图及表观扩散系数(ADC)图,并测量 ADC 值,比较其间是否存在统计学差异。结果本组研究 b 值选择800 s/mm2,(1)其中33个肝囊肿呈低信号,51个肝癌、61个肝转移瘤及32个肝血管瘤呈高信号,肝囊肿的 DWI 图像信号与肝癌、肝转移瘤及肝血管瘤有显著性差异(P <0.05);(2)肝癌、肝转移瘤 ADC 伪彩图大体呈冷色系表现,肝囊肿、肝血管瘤 ADC 伪彩图大体呈暖色系表现;(3)肝癌、肝转移瘤、肝血管瘤、肝囊肿平均 ADC 值相互间行两两比较,总体上存在统计学差异(P <0.05),但肝癌与肝转移瘤之间两两比较,无统计学差异(P >0.05),通过结合背景肝,比较肝癌的病灶/背景肝 ADC 值与肝转移瘤的病灶/背景肝 ADC 值,二者差异有显著性(P <0.05)。结论DWI 和 ADC 图分析及ADC 值测量可为肝脏占位性病的诊断及鉴别诊断提供重要的补充信息。     

The value of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced delayed phase MR imaging for characterization of hepatocellular nodules in the cirrhotic liver

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of 1-hour delayed phase imaging (DPI) of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced MR imaging for the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodule (DN) in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients with 42 HCCs and 13 DNs were included in this study and all lesions were histopathologically confirmed except for 15 HCCs. T1-weighted 3-dimensional gradient-echo images were acquired before, immediately after (30, 60, 180 s), and 1 hour after bolus injection of gadobenate dimeglumine at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. The lesions were classified as isointense, hypointense, or hyperintense compared with the surrounding liver parenchyma on DPI for qualitative assessment. We performed quantitative analyses of the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and of the relative contrast enhancement of the lesion on the DPI. RESULTS: In the qualitative analysis, among 42 HCCs, 30 (71.4%) were hypointense on DPI, and 10 (23.8%) and 2 (4.8%) were isointense and hyperintense, respectively; only 1 of 13 DNs (7.7%) was hypointense and 10 (76.9%) and 2 (15.4%) were isointense and hyperintense, respectively. In contrast, 25 HCCs (71.4%) of 35 hypervascular HCCs were hypointense on DPI, and no hypervascular DN (0/7) was hypointense with statistical significance (P = 0.0007). When we considered the hypointensity of the hepatic lesions on delayed phase as a sign of HCC in cirrhotic liver, our results gave a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 91.7%. In the quantitative analysis, the mean CNR of the HCCs and the DNs on the 1-hour DPI was -6.32 +/- 6.27 and -0.07 +/- 3.28, respectively; the difference between the HCCs and the DNs was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MR imaging allows improved characterization of HCC in cirrhotic liver. The relative hypointensity to adjacent normal liver parenchyma is a reliable predictor that this lesion favors HCC rather than DN in cirrhotic liver.     

DWI技术在肝脏占位性病变鉴别诊断中的价值

目的:探讨不同b值时表现扩散系数(ADC)值、指数化表现扩散系数(eADC)值、灌注ADC值和eADC值在肝脏常见占位性病变鉴别诊断中的价值。方法:对73例肝脏恶性肿瘤及40例良性占位性病变行磁共振扩散加权成像(DWI),并计算低、中和高b值时病灶的ADC值和eADC值及灌注ADC和eADC值。分析不同b值时各测量参数在不同病变之间的差异。结果:低、中b值时,在血管瘤与其他病变之间,局灶性结节增生(FNH)与转移瘤、肝脓肿之间,肝细胞癌(HCC)与肝脓肿之间,ADC和eADC值差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。当高b值时,在血管瘤与HCC、肝内胆管细胞癌(CCC)及FNH之间,FNH与转移瘤、CCC、肝脓肿之间,肝脓肿与CCC之间,及转移瘤与HCC、CCC之间,ADC值和eADC值差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在血管瘤与其他病变之间,FNH与转移瘤、肝脓肿、CCC之间,肝脓肿与HCC之间灌注ADC和eADC值差异也具有统计学意义(P<0.05),灌注eADC值在HCC和CCC之间差异也具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:灌注ADC和eADC值,恶性肿瘤采用高b值、良性病变采用低中b值得到ADC和eADC值有助于肝脏占位性病变的鉴别诊断。     

Evaluating local hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence post‐transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Is diffusion‐weighted MRI reliable as an indicator?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the detectability of local hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) by diffusion-weighted MR imaging in correlation with those of gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Respiratory-triggered diffusion-weighted MR images (b factor, 500 s/mm(2); number of averaging, six were obtained in 25 patients with 39 HCCs. Two independent radiologists evaluated diffusion-weighted MR images, gadolinium-enhanced MR images after TACE, and assigned confidence levels for postoperative HCC recurrence. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in HCCs were also measured. Sensitivities and specificities were compared using an extension of the McNemar test. Observer performance was also determined by ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Local recurrences in 14 HCCs and complete tumor necrosis in 25 HCCs after TACE were determined. Sensitivity for the detection of local HCC recurrence was higher on gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging (82%) than on diffusion-weighted MR imaging (60.7%) for the two readers in combination and separately (P < 0.05). Specificities were comparably high for both sequences. Az values were higher for gadolinium-enhanced MR images (0.92) than for diffusion-weighted MR images (0.74) for readers in combination and separately (P < 0.05). Mean ADC values showed an increase after TACE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging was not found to be a reliable predictor of local HCC recurrence after TACE as compared with gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma and dysplastic nodules in patients with cirrhosis: prospective diagnosis with MR imaging and explantation correlation

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodules (DNs) by using explantation correlation in patients with cirrhosis and no known HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients without a known history of HCC who underwent MR imaging and subsequent transplantation within 90 days were examined. Breath-hold turbo short inversion time inversion-recovery and/or T2-weighted turbo spin-echo MR images were obtained. Dynamic two- or three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced gradient-echo MR images were obtained in the hepatic arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases. Prospective MR image interpretations were compared directly with explanted liver pathologic results. RESULTS: Eleven (15%) of 71 patients had hepatic malignancies; MR imaging enabled diagnosis of tumor in six (54%) of 11 patients. On a lesion-by-lesion basis, MR imaging depicted 11 of 20 hepatic neoplasms, for an overall sensitivity of 55%. MR imaging depicted four (80%) of five lesions larger than 2 cm, six (50%) of 12 lesions 1-2 cm, and one (33%) of three lesions smaller than 1 cm. MR imaging depicted only nine (15%) of 59 DNS: The specificities of MR imaging for detection of HCC and DNs on a per patient basis were 60 (86%) of 70 patients and 53 (85%) of 62 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is insensitive for the diagnosis of small (<2-cm) HCCs and DNS:     

Dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma: sensitivity of digital subtraction hepatic arteriography with whole liver explant correlation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the sensitivity of hepatic digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and dysplastic nodules (DNs) when compared with pathological findings from whole liver explants. METHOD: Twenty-one patients 30-72 years old (mean 54 years) with cirrhosis and known or clinically suspected HCC (20 prior to chemoembolization) underwent hepatic DSA with subsequent transplantation within 80 days (mean 32 days). The prospective DSA report was compared with pathologic findings from explanted livers. RESULTS: Overall, DSA detected 31 of 95 HCC lesions for a sensitivity of 33%. Of these 31 lesions, 28 were hypervascular and 3 were hypovascular. DSA detected all six HCCs measuring >5 cm, all six HCCs measuring 3-5 cm, and all five HCCs 2-3 cm, resulting in a sensitivity of 100% (17/17) for HCC >2 cm. DSA detected 7 of 18 HCCs measuring 1-2 cm (sensitivity 39%) and 7 of 60 HCCs < or =1 cm (sensitivity 12%). Overall sensitivity for DSA in detection of HCC < or =2 cm was 18% (14/78 lesions). None of 17 DNs (0.2-1.5 cm in size) was identified on DSA. CONCLUSION: DSA is insensitive to small HCC (< or =2 cm), carcinomatosis arising within nodules, and DN.     

Evaluation of liver diffusion isotropy and characterization of focal hepatic lesions with two single-shot echo-planar MR imaging sequences: prospective study in 66 patients

PURPOSE: To (a) evaluate liver diffusion isotropy, (b) compare two diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences for the characterization of focal hepatic lesions by using two or four b values, and (c) determine an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) threshold value to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients were examined with two single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted MR sequences. In the first sequence, liver diffusion isotropy was evaluated by using diffusion gradients in three directions with two b values. In the second sequence, a unidirectional diffusion gradient was used with four b values. ADCs were measured in 43 patients with 52 focal hepatic lesions more than 1 cm in diameter and in 23 patients with 14 normal and nine cirrhotic livers and were compared by using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Diffusion in the liver parenchyma was isotropic. ADCs of focal hepatic lesions were significantly different between sequences (P <.01). The mean (+/- SD) ADCs in the first sequence were 0.94 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.60 for metastases, 1.33 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.13 for HCCs, 1.75 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.46 for benign hepatocellular lesions, 2.95 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.67 for hemangiomas, and 3.63 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.56 for cysts. There was a significant difference between benign (2.45 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.96, isotropic value) and malignant (1.08 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec +/- 0.50) lesions (P <.01 for both sequences). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging can help differentiate benign from malignant hepatic lesions. The use of two b values in one direction could be sufficient for the design of MR sequences in the liver.     

High‐b‐value diffusion‐weighted MR imaging of hepatocellular lesions: Estimation of grade of malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in estimating the grade of malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) and DWI (b value, 1000 s/mm²) were performed on 73 patients. Using DW images, the lesions were classified as “visible” or “invisible.” The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesions was measured. Furthermore, the lesions were classified as hypervascular or iso‐hypovascular using arterial phase CE‐CT images. The image findings for each lesion type were compared.

Results:

The 73 patients had 98 hepatocellular lesions, of which 12 were histologically diagnosed as dysplastic nodules; 39, well‐differentiated HCCs; 33, moderately differentiated HCCs; and 14, poorly differentiated HCCs. The mean ADC values of moderately poorly‐differentiated HCCs were significantly lower than well‐differentiated HCCs and dysplastic nodules (P < 0.01). On DW images, >90% of moderately (30/33) and poorly differentiated HCCs (13/14) were visible, while 51% of well‐differentiated HCCs (20/39) and all dysplastic nodules were invisible. Of 22 iso‐hypovascular lesions, 4 were visible on DW images and were poorly differentiated HCCs, whereas 18 were invisible and were dysplastic nodules (12/18) or well‐differentiated HCCs (6/18).

Conclusion:

A combination of hypovascularity and visibility on DW images can help distinguish poorly differentiated HCCs from low‐grade hepatocellular lesions (dysplastic nodules and well‐differentiated HCCs). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1005–1011. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

局灶性结节增生与肝细胞癌MR扩散加权成像表现特征的比较

目的 探讨肝局灶性结节增生(FNH)和肝细胞癌在MR DWI上的表现特征.方法 同顾性分析2008年8月至2010年11月间,有MR检查资料并经手术病理证实的FNH和小肝癌患者资料,共有24例26个FNH病灶和36例39个小肝癌病灶.行b值=500 s/mm2DWI和常规动态增强扫描,对病灶DWI的信号特点进行记录和分析,对病灶的ADC值,病灶对周围肝实质ADC值比进行测量.对两组病灶信号特点分布行Fisher确切概率法检验,两组病灶ADC值及病灶与周围肝实质ADC值比采用独立样本t检验,并用ROC曲线评价ADC值和病灶与周围肝实质ADC值比对两种病灶的鉴别价值.结果 多数(23/26)FNH病灶在DWI上表现为等或略高信号,多数(25/39)HCC病灶表现为高信号,两者信号特点分布差异有统计学意义(P=0.000).FNH病灶的平均ADC值、病灶与周围肝实质ADC值比分别为(1.76±0.62)×10-3mm2/s和1.06±0.18,均高于HCC的平均值(1.26±0.46)×10-3mm2/s(P=0.001)和0.79±0.12(P=0.000).ADC值和病灶与周围肝实质ADC值比的ROC曲线下面积(Az)分别为0.79±0.05和0.85±0.05,差异无统计学意义(P=0.270);特异度分别为69.23%和97.44%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.001).结论 FNH在DWI上表现为等或略高信号,病灶ADC值和病灶与周围肝实质ADC值比高于HCC,应用ADC参数分析有助于FNH与HCC的鉴别.     

Clinical utility of sequential imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma by contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasonograpy

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of sequential imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasonograpy (CE-PDUS) to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) and regenerated nodule (RN) and to predict the degree of differentiation of HCC. Fifty-one patients with 62 hepatic lesions including 33 moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs, 19 well-differentiated HCCs, seven AHs and three large RNs were examined by CE-PDUS. The imaging patterns during early arterial phase (tumor vessel image), late vascular phase (tumor perfusion image) and post-vascular phase (liver perfusion image) were classified as diffuse, basket, peripheral, central and no enhancement; as whole tumor, partial tumor and no enhancement; as whole tumor, partial tumor and no defect, respectively. The diffuse pattern in the tumor vessel image, the whole enhancement pattern in the tumor perfusion image and the whole defect pattern in the liver perfusion image were observed in moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs only. The basket pattern in the tumor vessel image and the partial defect pattern in the tumor perfusion image were observed in HCCs only. All AH/RNs showed no defect pattern in the liver perfusion image. The sequential imaging of HCC during early arterial, late vascular and post-vascular phases by CE-PDUS is clinically useful to differentiate HCC from AH/RN and to predict the degree of differentiation of HCC.     

Perfusion-weighted MRI in evaluating the intranodular hemodynamic characteristics of dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas in an experimental rat model

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of perfusion-weighted MRI in the evaluation of the intranodular hemodynamic characteristics of dysplastic nodules (DNs) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 rats with chemically-induced DNs and HCCs were investigated. Single-slice gadolinium-enhanced perfusion-weighted MRI was performed to evaluate the nodules. Time to peak (Tp), maximal relative signal enhancement (REmax), and the initial slope of signal intensity (SI) vs. time curves of the nodules and cirrhotic liver were evaluated. Nodules precisely corresponding to MRI were examined histologically. Paired Student's t-tests were used to compare the difference between nodules and cirrhotic liver. RESULTS: A total of 20 HCCs and 14 DNs were evaluated. HCCs showed a significantly higher REmax, shorter Tp, and higher slope than adjacent cirrhotic liver. The REmax and slope of DNs were significantly lower than adjacent cirrhotic liver parenchyma. Although the Tp of DNs was delayed two to three seconds compared to adjacent cirrhotic liver, there was no significant difference between them. CONCLUSION: Perfusion-weighted MRI detected the intranodular hemodynamic characteristics of DNs and HCCs in an experimental rat model. DNs were hypovascular compared to cirrhotic liver, while HCCs were markedly hypervascular.     

背景抑制磁共振弥散成像(D WIBS)技术在肝脏局灶性占位性病变中的初步应用

目的:探讨背景抑制磁共振弥散成像(DWIBS)技术在肝脏局灶性占位性病变中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析肝脏局灶性占位性病灶25例49个。其中肝细胞癌9例12灶,肝转移瘤6例18灶,肝囊肿7例16灶,肝血管瘤3例3灶的背景抑制磁共振弥散成像(b=600s/mm2),测量各病灶的表观弥散系数(ADC)值并进行比较,利用3D-MIP重建及黑白翻转技术,观察病变显示效果。结果:在b=600s/mm2的图像中,肝脏恶性肿瘤多表现为高信号;肝脏良、恶性肿瘤间差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);肝细胞癌与肝转移瘤组间、肝囊肿与肝血管瘤组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。背景抑制的DWI经MIP重建及黑白翻转技术,病变周围组织信号被抑制,得到类PET图像,25例49个病灶,均清晰显示。结论:背景抑制磁共振弥散加权成像在显示病灶方面有一定优势;应用DWI结合ADC值对于肝脏良、恶性占位病变有一定鉴别价值。     

Benign versus malignant hepatic nodules: MR imaging findings with pathologic correlation.

According to the currently used nomenclature, there are only two types of hepatocellular nodular lesions: regenerative lesions and dysplastic or neoplastic lesions. Regenerative nodules include monoacinar regenerative nodules, multiacinar regenerative nodules, cirrhotic nodules, segmental or lobar hyperplasia, and focal nodular hyperplasia. Dysplastic or neoplastic nodules include hepatocellular adenoma, dysplastic foci, dysplastic nodules, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Many of these types of hepatic nodules play a role in the de novo and stepwise carcinogenesis of HCC, which comprises the following steps: regenerative nodule, low-grade dysplastic nodule, high-grade dysplastic nodule, small HCC, and large HCC. State-of-the-art magnetic resonance (MR) imaging facilitates detection and characterization in most cases of hepatic nodules. State-of-the-art MR imaging includes single-shot fast spin-echo imaging, in-phase and opposed-phase T1-weighted gradient-echo imaging, T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging with fat saturation, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional dynamic multiphase contrast material-enhanced imaging.     

Diffusion-weighted MRI in a liver protocol: its role in focal lesion detection

AIM: To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the detection of focal liver lesions (FLLs), using a conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. METHODS: Fifty-two patients (22 males, average age 55.6 years, range: 25-82 years), studied using a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, were retrospectively analyzed; detection of FLLs was evaluated by considering the number of lesions observed with the following sequences: (1) respiratory-triggered diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar (DW SS-EP) sequences; (2) fat-suppressed fast spin-echo (fs-FSE) T2 weighted sequences; (3) steady-state free precession (SSFP) images; and (4) dynamic triphasic gadolinium-enhanced images, acquired with three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo (3D FSPGR). Two radiologists independently reviewed the images: they were blinded to their respective reports. DW SS-EP sequences were compared to fs-FSE, SSFP and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced acquisitions using a t -test. Pairs were compared for the detection of: (1) all FLLs; (2) benign FLLs; (3) malignant FLLs; (4) metastases; and (5) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was very good (weighted = 0.926, CI = 0.880-0.971); on the consensus reading, 277 FLLs were detected. In the comparison with fs-FSE, DW SS-EP sequences had a significantly higher score in the detection of all FLLs, benign FLLs, malignant FLLs and metastases; no statistical difference was observed in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs). In the comparison with SSFP sequences, DW SS-EP had significantly higher scores (P < 0.05) in the detection of all lesions, benign lesions, malignant lesions, metastases and HCC. All FLLs were better detected by dynamic 3D FSGR enhanced acquisition, with P = 0.0023 for reader 1 and P = 0.0086 for reader 2 in the comparison with DW SS-EP sequences; with reference to benign FLLs, DW SS-EP showed lower values than 3D FSPGR enhanced acquisition (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the detection of malignant lesions and metastases; considering HCCs, a very slight difference was reported by reader 1 (P = 0.049), whereas no difference was found by reader 2 (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: In lesion detection, DWI had higher scores than T2 sequences; considering malignant FLLs, no statistical difference was observed between DWI and dynamic gadolinium images.     

Enhancement patterns and signal-intensity characteristics of small hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: pathologic basis and diagnostic challenges

Recent pathologic studies of hepatic resection and transplantation specimens have elucidated the morphologic features of the precancerous lesions and small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) arising in cirrhotic livers. Small HCCs measuring less than 2 cm in diameter are of two types: vaguely nodular, well-differentiated tumors, also known as "early" HCCs, and distinctly nodular tumors, with histologic features of "classic" HCC. The precancerous lesions include dysplastic foci and dysplastic nodules. "Classic" small HCCs are supplied by nontriadal arteries, whereas early HCCs and dysplastic nodules may receive blood supply from both portal tracts and nontriadal arteries. The similarities in blood supply of these three types of nodular lesions result in significant overlap of findings on dynamic imaging. Nevertheless, small HCCs sometimes display characteristic radiologic features, such as "nodule-in-nodule" configuration and "corona enhancement" pattern. Moreover, various histologic features of these nodular lesions may also be related to a variety of signal intensities and attenuation coefficients, while the presence of cirrhosis is known to limit the sensitivity and specificity of any imaging modality, due to liver inhomogeneity. Because of these reasons, imaging findings of nodular lesions in cirrhotic livers are often inconclusive, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of these imaging features.     

MR扩散加权成像中ADC值对肝脏肿瘤性病变的定性评估

目的评估MR扩散加权成像(DWI)对肝脏肿瘤性病变、特别是影像学表现不典型肿瘤性病变的诊断价值及其良恶性鉴别诊断价值。资料与方法对2010年8月至2011年5月的55例患者(34例为肿瘤患者怀疑有肝脏转移,21例CT、B超等影像学检查拟诊肝脏占位性病变无法进行定性诊断)行MR常规序列及DWI,共发现92个病灶(25个原发性肝癌,27个肝转移瘤,3个肝胆管细胞癌,2个肝硬化结节,2个肝脏局灶性结节增生,7个肝血管瘤,26个肝囊肿)。通过分析肝脏病灶信号强度随b值不同的变化及病灶表观扩散系数(ADC)值的大小(平均数±标准差)等对肝脏肿瘤性病变、特别是不典型肿瘤性病变的良恶性进行诊断及鉴别诊断,以病理结果或随访结果为标准计算其敏感性及特异性。结果 MR DWI上,b=50 s/mm2、500s/mm2及b=50 s/mm2、1000 s/mm2时,良性病变的信号衰减程度高于恶性病变,即b为50 s/mm2、1000 s/mm2时,恶性病变为高信号,而良性病变呈相对等信号或低信号,良恶性病灶信号强度差异明显。恶性病变的ADC值(b值为50 s/mm2、1000 s/mm2时计算)[(0.845±0.0110)×10-3mm2/s,n=55]明显低于良性病变的ADC值(b值为50 s/mm2、1000 s/mm2时计算)[(2.230±0.0497)×10-3mm2/s,n=37],经秩和检验差异具有统计学意义(Z=-7.905,P<0.01),敏感性及特异性分别为96.36%和83.78%。结论 DWI对肝脏肿瘤性病变、特别是影像学表现不典型肿瘤性病变具有较大诊断价值,对肝脏肿瘤性病变的良恶性鉴别诊断是一种简单、实用的影像学检查方法。     

Evaluation of hepatic lesions and hepatic parenchyma using diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR with three values of gradient b-factor

PURPOSE: To determine whether diffusion-weighted echo-planar (EP) MR images with very small, small, and large gradient b-factors are useful in evaluating hepatic lesions and hepatic parenchyma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Approximate values of the apparent diffusion coefficients for diffusion (D) and for flowing spins (D*) for 96 hepatic lesions (26 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs], 28 metastases, 26 hemangiomas, and 16 cysts) and the non-lesion-bearing regions of parenchyma in 78 livers (50 noncirrhotic and 28 cirrhotic) were calculated from EP images (modified for gradient b-factors of 3, 50, and 300 second/mm(2)). RESULTS: Liver cysts and noncirrhotic livers showed statistically higher mean D* values than HCCs, hemangiomas, metastases, and cirrhotic livers (P < 0.05 on Scheffé post hoc analysis). Liver cysts showed statistically higher mean D values than HCCs, metastases, noncirrhotic livers, and cirrhotic livers (P < 0.05). Liver hemangiomas showed statistically higher mean D values than HCCs, noncirrhotic livers, and cirrhotic livers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The D* value in addition to the D value may be useful for evaluating the nature of diffusion and flowing spins in hepatic lesions and hepatic parenchyma.     

Serial diffusion-weighted MRI in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Prediction and assessment of response to transarterial chemoembolization. Preliminary experience

Objective

To assess the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting and assessing response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

Thirty-six patients with cirrhosis and untreated HCC who underwent TACE and MRI within 3 months before and after TACE were assessed. MRI included DWI and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Two observers measured ADC of HCCs and liver parenchyma on pre- and post-TACE MRIs and measured degree of tumor necrosis on subtracted post-contrast images on post-TACE MRI. Pre-, post-TACE tumor ADC, and changes in tumor ADC (ΔADC) were compared between lesions stratified by degree of tumor necrosis (measured on post-TACE MRI).

Results

Forty seven HCCs were evaluated (mean size 4.4 cm, range 1.0–14.1 cm). HCCs with poor and incomplete response to TACE (<50% necrosis on post-TACE MRI) had significantly lower pre-treatment ADC and lower post TACE ADC compared to HCCs with good/complete response (≥50% necrosis): ADC pre-TACE 1.35 ± 0.42 vs. 1.64 ± 0.39 × 10⁻³ mm²/s (p = 0.042); post-TACE ADC 1.34 ± 0.36 vs. 1.92 ± 0.47 (p = 0.0008). There was no difference in ΔADC values.

Conclusion

This preliminary data suggests that pre-TACE tumor ADC can be used to predict HCC response to TACE.     

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterisation of hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on CT in chronic liver diseases

Objectives

The purpose of this prospective study was to elucidate the efficacy of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to characterise focal hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT in chronic liver diseases.

Methods

The study population included 22 patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, who between them had 27 focal hepatic lesions smaller than 20 mm (mean 13.9±3.4) that appeared non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perflubutane microbubble agent (Sonazoid, 0.0075 ml kg^–1) was performed prior to ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, and intensity analysis was done for hepatic lesions in the early phase (−60 s) and late phase (600 s post injection).

Results

All seven early-phase hyperenhanced lesions were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 20 lesions iso- or hypoenhanced during the early phase consisted of 11 regenerative nodules (RNs) and 9 HCCs. HCC was more frequent in early-phase hyperenhanced lesions than in iso- or hypoenhanced lesions (p=0.0108). Both late-phase hypoenhanced lesions were HCCs, whereas 25 late-phase isoenhanced lesions consisted of 11 RNs and 14 HCCs. The enhancement patterns of the 11 RNs included isoenhanced appearance in both the early and late phases in 8 lesions, and early-phase hypoenhancement combined with late-phase isoenhancement in the remaining 3. Both of these enhancement patterns (i.e. either iso–iso or hypo–iso) were found in 9 malignant lesions, 9 (75%) of the 12 well-differentiated HCCs.

Conclusion

Hypervascularity on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid strongly suggested HCC regardless of non-hypervascularity on CT, and late-phase hypoenhancement was another possible finding of HCC. However, characterisation of hepatic lesions with other enhancement patterns was difficult using our technique.The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a profound influence on the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and there is nearly universal consensus on the importance of adequate HCC surveillance for these patients [1,2]. However, because reliable surveillance of HCC cannot be achieved solely by assessing tumour markers such as α-fetoprotein, it is necessary to utilise currently available imaging modalities effectively and efficiently in patients at risk for developing this neoplasm [3,4]. Differential diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions is a major challenge that must be overcome in order to provide appropriate clinical management of these patients.Based on diagnostic imaging, a hypervascular appearance of focal hepatic lesions in patients with CLD strongly suggests HCC, and a hypervascular lesion larger than 20 mm can be diagnosed as HCC without performing a biopsy [1,5]. On the other hand, non-hypervascular hepatic lesions include non-malignant lesions such as regenerative nodules (RNs) and both low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules; some well-differentiated HCCs also appear as non-hypervascular lesions prior to tumour vascularisation during the multistep process of carcinogenesis [5-9]. Characterisation of non-hypervascular hepatic lesions may prove challenging in patients with CLD. For example, the invasive nature of a needle biopsy is a drawback in cirrhotic patients with impaired coagulation, so diagnostic imaging tools merit serious consideration in this clinical situation.Technical improvements in ultrasound have been outstanding in the past two decades, with the resulting advantages of real-time observation, simple technique and non-invasiveness [10]. Moreover, the use of a microbubble contrast agent allows detailed observation of tumour haemodynamics, which can prove helpful in the detection and characterisation of focal hepatic lesions [11,12]. Stable and sufficient contrast enhancement, including improved signal-to-noise ratio, is achieved in the liver using harmonic imaging in combination with a second-generation contrast agent [13].Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, UK) is a novel perflubutane microbubble contrast agent whose clinical efficacy has been demonstrated for the diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions and diffuse liver diseases [14-16]. The microbubbles of this agent are captured in the liver parenchyma during the agent''s circulation in the blood; therefore, contrast-enhanced sonography can generate both haemodynamic-phase and accumulated-phase images [17,18]. These dual-phase images may offer improved diagnostic performance for non-hypervascular hepatic lesions. The purpose of the current study was to examine the clinical significance of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid to characterise focal hepatic lesions that show a non-hypervascular appearance on contrast-enhanced CT in patients with CLD.     

MRI对比噪声比对肝占位性病变微血管评估的价值

目的:研究肝良恶性病变微血管密度(MVD)与动态增强MRI对比噪声比(CNR)之间的联系,以建立通过MRl评估微血管分布的理论基础,为临床诊断治疗HCC提供依据.方法:115例肝细胞癌(HCC),6例肝细胞胆管细胞混合癌,14例胆管细胞癌,3例局灶性结节增生(FNH),2例肝腺瘤,4例坏死肝癌,3例慢性肝脓肿,3例凝固坏死,4例腺瘤样增生,2例血管平滑肌脂肪瘤,6例炎性假瘤,1例纤维炎性坏死结节,1例嗜酸性肉芽肿及1例神经纤维瘤.MRI检查后手术切除全部病灶,切除标本经CD34单克隆抗体免疫组化染色,计数MVD.测量痛灶信号强度SI灶,肝实质信号强度SI肝和背景噪声信号强度SI噪,分别计算各时相CNR=(SI灶-SI肝)/SI噪.按病灶直径＜3cm,＞3cm分组分别计算动态增强各时相病灶的对比噪声比(CNR),按病理诊断分组分别对动脉期、门脉期和平衡期CNR与病灶MVD计数行Pearson相关分析.HCC组按病灶最大径＜3cm和＞3cm分为两组.结果:两组HCC各时相CNR与MVD计数均有显著相关性(P＜0.05),但其余病变未显示明显相关.结论:MRI对比噪声比可用于评估HCC微血管密度,动态增强MRI对于显示HCC病灶具有重要作用.