LI-RADS Treatment Response versus Modified RECIST for Diagnosing Viable Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Locoregional Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Purpose@#To systematically compare the performance of liver imaging reporting and data system treatment response (LR-TR) with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) for diagnosing viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with locoregional therapy (LRT). @*Materials and Methods@#Original studies of intra-individual comparisons between the diagnostic performance of LR-TR and mRECIST using dynamic contrast-enhanced CT or MRI were searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE, up to August 25, 2021. The reference standard for tumor viability was surgical pathology. The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of the viable category using each criterion were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model and compared using bivariate meta-regression. @*Results@#For five eligible studies (430 patients with 631 treated observations), the pooled per-lesion sensitivities and specificities were 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 45%–70%) and 93% (95% CI, 88%–96%) for the LR-TR viable category and 56% (95% CI, 42%–69%) and 86% (95% CI, 72%–94%) for the mRECIST viable category, respectively. The LR-TR viable category provided significantly higher pooled specificity (p < 0.01) than the mRECIST but comparable pooled sensitivity (p = 0.53). @*Conclusion@#The LR-TR algorithm demonstrated better specificity than mRECIST, without a significant difference in sensitivity for the diagnosis of pathologically viable HCC after LRT.

Usefulness of Arterial Subtraction in Applying Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) Treatment Response Algorithm to Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI

Objective@#We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of arterial subtraction images for predicting the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional therapy (LRT) using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System treatment response (LR-TR) algorithm. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 90 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 57 ± 9 years) who underwent liver transplantation or resection after LRT and had 73 viable and 32 nonviable HCCs. All patients underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before surgery. Two radiologists assessed the presence of LR-TR features, including arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and LR-TR categories (viable, nonviable, or equivocal), using ordinary arterial-phase and arterial subtraction images. The reference standard for tumor viability was surgical pathology. The sensitivity of APHE for diagnosing viable HCC was compared between ordinary arterial-phase and arterial subtraction images. The sensitivity and specificity of the LR-TR algorithm for diagnosing viable HCC was compared between the use of ordinary arterial-phase and the use of arterial subtraction images.Subgroup analysis was performed on lesions treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) only. @*Results@#The sensitivity of APHE for viable HCCs was higher for arterial subtraction images than ordinary arterial-phase images (71.2% vs. 47.9%; p 0.999). In a subgroup of 63 lesions treated with TACE only, the use of arterial subtraction images showed a significant increase in sensitivity (81.4% [35/43] vs. 67.4% [29/43]; p = 0.031) without significant decrease in specificity (85.0% [17/20] vs. 90.0% [18/20]; p > 0.999). @*Conclusion@#Use of arterial subtraction images compared with ordinary arterial-phase images improved the sensitivity while maintaining specificity for diagnosing viable HCC after LRT using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the LR-TR algorithm.

Usefulness of Arterial Subtraction in Applying Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) Treatment Response Algorithm to Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI

Objective@#We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of arterial subtraction images for predicting the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional therapy (LRT) using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System treatment response (LR-TR) algorithm. @*Materials and Methods@#This study included 90 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 57 ± 9 years) who underwent liver transplantation or resection after LRT and had 73 viable and 32 nonviable HCCs. All patients underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before surgery. Two radiologists assessed the presence of LR-TR features, including arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and LR-TR categories (viable, nonviable, or equivocal), using ordinary arterial-phase and arterial subtraction images. The reference standard for tumor viability was surgical pathology. The sensitivity of APHE for diagnosing viable HCC was compared between ordinary arterial-phase and arterial subtraction images. The sensitivity and specificity of the LR-TR algorithm for diagnosing viable HCC was compared between the use of ordinary arterial-phase and the use of arterial subtraction images.Subgroup analysis was performed on lesions treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) only. @*Results@#The sensitivity of APHE for viable HCCs was higher for arterial subtraction images than ordinary arterial-phase images (71.2% vs. 47.9%; p 0.999). In a subgroup of 63 lesions treated with TACE only, the use of arterial subtraction images showed a significant increase in sensitivity (81.4% [35/43] vs. 67.4% [29/43]; p = 0.031) without significant decrease in specificity (85.0% [17/20] vs. 90.0% [18/20]; p > 0.999). @*Conclusion@#Use of arterial subtraction images compared with ordinary arterial-phase images improved the sensitivity while maintaining specificity for diagnosing viable HCC after LRT using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and the LR-TR algorithm.

The Imaging Features of Desmoid Tumors: the Usefulness of Diffusion Weighted Imaging to Differentiate between Desmoid and Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging findings of desmoid tumors using various imaging modalities and to evaluate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can help differentiate between desmoid and malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 27 patients with pathologically confirmed desmoid tumors. Two radiologists reviewed 23 computed tomography (CT), 12 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 8 positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans of desmoid tumors and recorded data regarding the shape, multiplicity, size, location, degree of enhancement, and presence or absence of calcification or hemorrhage. The signal intensity of masses on T1- and T2-weighted imaging and the presence or absence of whirling or band-like low signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging were recorded. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the desmoid tumors in nine patients with DWIs were compared with the ADC values of 32 malignant tumors. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) on PET-CT images was measured in 8 patients who underwent a PET-CT. RESULTS: The mean size of the 27 tumors was 6.77 cm (range, 2.5-26 cm) and four tumors exhibited multiplicity. The desmoid tumors were classified by shape as either mass forming (n = 18), infiltrative (n = 4), or combined (n = 5). The location of the tumors was either intra-abdominal (n = 15), within the abdominal wall (n = 8) or extra-abdominal (n = 4). Among the 27 tumors, 21 showed moderate to marked enhancement and 22 showed homogeneous enhancement. Two tumors showed calcifications and one displayed hemorrhage. Eleven of the 12 MR T2-weighted images showed whirling or band-like low signal intensity areas in the mass. The mean ADC value of the desmoid tumors (1493 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s) was significantly higher than the mean of the malignant soft tissue tumors (873 × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s, P < 0.001). On the PET-CT images, all tumors exhibited an intermediate SUV(max) (mean, 3.7; range, 2.3–4.5). CONCLUSION: Desmoids tumors showed homogenous, moderate to marked enhancement on CT and MRI scans and a characteristic whirling or band-like pattern on T2-weighted images. DWI can be useful for the differentiation of desmoid tumors from malignant soft tissue tumors.

Ultrasonographic findings of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma of the uterus with a focus on cystic degeneration

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the ultrasonographic findings associated with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. METHODS: Ten pathologically confirmed cases of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma at our institution from January 2007 to April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent a preoperative transvaginal ultrasound. Two radiologists came to a consensus regarding the location, size, margin, and echogenicity of the tumor, as well as the presence of intratumoral cystic degeneration and its extent and configuration. RESULTS: Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma manifested as an intramural mass protruding into the endometrial cavity (n=6) or as a purely intramural mass (n=4). The maximal diameter of the lesion ranged from 4 to 9.1 cm (mean, 6.2 cm). The imaging features of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma were variable: six cases involved predominantly solid masses containing cystic degeneration, one was a predominantly unilocular cystic mass, two were ill-defined infiltrative solid masses, and one was a well-defined solid mass. Among the seven cases with internal cystic degeneration, five patients showed a multiseptated cystic area or a cystic area with multiple small clusters, while a unilocular cystic area within the tumor was found in two patients. CONCLUSION: Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma is associated with variable ultrasonographic findings with regard to the location, margin, and configuration of the lesion. Multiseptated cystic areas and multiple small areas of cystic degeneration are common.

The Korean guideline for colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea; it is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women. The incidence rate in Korea has continuously increased since 1999 when the National Cancer Registry statistics began. Currently; there are several screening modalities; that have been recommended by expert societies, including fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, computed tomographic colonography The annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has been used in adults aged 50 and older as part of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea since 2004. Although several study results from regional or national colorectal cancer screening programs in other countries have been reported, the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea has not yet been evaluated with evidence-based methods. Herein report the consensus statements on the National Screening Guideline for colorectal cancer developed by a multi-society expert committee in Korea, as follows: 1) We recommend annual or biennial FIT for screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic adults, beginning at 45 years of age and continuing until 80 years (recommendation B). 2) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of FIT in adults older than 80 years (recommendation I). 3) Selective use of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening is recommended, taking into consideration individual preference and the risk of colorectal cancer (recommendation C). 4) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of double-contrast barium enema for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic adults (recommendation I). 5) There is no evidence for the risks or benefits of computed tomographic colonography for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic adults (recommendation I).

Intra- and interobserver reliability of gray scale/dynamic range evaluation of ultrasonography using a standardized phantom

PURPOSE: To evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability of the gray scale/dynamic range of the phantom image evaluation of ultrasonography using a standardized phantom, and to assess the effect of interactive education on the reliability. METHODS: Three radiologists (a resident, and two board-certified radiologists with 2 and 7 years of experience in evaluating ultrasound phantom images) performed the gray scale/dynamic range test for an ultrasound machine using a standardized phantom. They scored the number of visible cylindrical structures of varying degrees of brightness and made a 'pass or fail' decision. First, they scored 49 phantom images twice from a 2010 survey with limited knowledge of phantom images. After this, the radiologists underwent two hours of interactive education for the phantom images and scored another 91 phantom images from a 2011 survey twice. Intra- and interobserver reliability before and after the interactive education session were analyzed using K analyses. RESULTS: Before education, the K-value for intraobserver reliability for the radiologist with 7 years of experience, 2 years of experience, and the resident was 0.386, 0.469, and 0.465, respectively. After education, the K-values were improved (0.823, 0.611, and 0.711, respectively). For interobserver reliability, the K-value was also better after the education for the 3 participants (0.067, 0.002, and 0.547 before education; 0.635, 0.667, and 0.616 after education, respectively). CONCLUSION: The intra- and interobserver reliability of the gray scale/dynamic range was fair to substantial. Interactive education can improve reliability. For more reliable results, double-checking of phantom images by multiple reviewers is recommended.

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Arising from the Kidney: Imaging and Clinical Features

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma primarily affecting young patients. It usually occurs in the lower extremities, although it can occur in soft tissue anywhere in the body. However, to our knowledge, there has been no case of primary ASPS originating from the kidney in the literature. We herein present the imaging and clinical features of an ASPS which occurred in a 16-year-old male presented as a palpable mass in the left side of the abdomen.

Evaluation of Optimal Combination of Commercially Available Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Transfection Agents for Labelling of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal combination of commercially available superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with transfection agents (TA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protamine sulfate (Pro) and poly-L-lysin (PLL) were incubated with ferumoxide and ferucarbotran in human mesenchymal stem cells at various concentrations, and cellular viability were evaluated. Cellular iron uptake was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Cell visibility was assessed via MR imaging and the T2-relaxation time was calculated. RESULTS: The cellular viabilities with ferucarbotran were more significantly decreased than those with ferumoxide (p < 0.05). Iron uptake with ferumoxide was significantly higher than that for those with with ferucarbotran. The T2-relaxation time was observed to be shorter with ferumoxide in comparison to those with ferucarbotran (p < 0.05). Ferumoxide at a concentration of 25 microg/ml in combination with either Pro or PLL at a concentration of 3.0 microg/ml did not adversely impact cell viability, maximized iron uptake, and exhibited a lower T2-relaxation time in comparison to other combinations. CONCLUSION: Stem cells with ferumoxide exhibited a higher cellular viability and iron uptake in comparison to ferucarbotran- treated stem cells. A 25 microg/ml of ferumoxide with a 3.0 microg/ml of TA is sufficient to label mesenchymal stem cells.

A Case of Intra-abdominal Heterotopic Paragonimiasis Combined with Rectal Cancer

Paragonimus westermani is a lung fluke that is usually found in the lungs, but may be found in unusual locations. A case of omental and mesenteric paragonimiasis was found incidentally during surgical intervention for rectal cancer. A 59-yr-old male patient visited our hospital for low abdominal pain and decreasing stool caliber. He had a history of ingestion of raw freshwater fish and crab. He was diagnosed as having rectal cancer, and a palliative Hartmann's procedure was performed. During the operation, several seeding nodules were found. Microscopic findings showed numerous paragonimus ova in the resected omental and mesentery. We report a case of heterotopic paragonimiasis in the abdominal cavity after rectal cancer surgery.

Imaging Findings of Intrahepatic Bile Duct Adenoma (Peribiliary Gland Hamartoma): a Case Report and Literature Review

Intrahepatic bile duct adenoma is a rare benign epithelial hepatic tumor derived from bile duct cells. We report the imaging findings of a patient with bile duct adenoma, which appeared as a small heterogeneously enhancing mass with focal small cystic change on CT and MRI. Follow-up images at seven months showed a slight increase in tumor size, which could be partly explained by intratumoral hemorrhage on pathologic examination. Although rare, bile duct adenoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a small hypervascular tumor located in the periphery of liver. Focal cystic change and intratumoral hemorrhage may occur.

Primary Hepatic Lymphoma: MR Imaging and Pathologic Correlation

Primary hepatic lymphoma is extremely rare, representing less than 1% of all extranodal lymphomas. We report MR imaging features and pathologic correlation of a case of primary hepatic lymphoma. MR images showed a large lobulated mass with gradual contrast enhancement, resembling intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, both hepatobiliary phase image obtained 20 minutes after injection of hepatocyte specific contrast agent and diffusion-weighted image demonstrated characteristic three layered pattern representing viable lymphoma in the outer layer, tumor necrosis in the middle layer and necrotic hepatic parenchyma in the center.

Metastatic collecting duct (Bellini duct) carcinoma: A case report / 대한내과학회지

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2.6% of all cancer, and most renal cell carcinoma has a clear cell origin. Bellini duct carcinoma, which arises from collecting duct cells (Bellini cells), is a rare type of renal cell carcinoma, constituting less than 1% of all renal cell carcinoma. The prognosis of Bellini duct carcinoma is very poor, and more than 60% of the patients die within 2 years of diagnosis. There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment. We report a case of Bellini duct carcinoma in a 53-year-old male with multiple lung and liver metastases. The patient was treated with eight cycles of M-VAC (methotrexate, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) combination chemotherapy. The patient currently shows a radiological partial response without disease progression 10 months after the chemotherapy.

Metastatic collecting duct (Bellini duct) carcinoma: A case report / 대한내과학회지

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2.6% of all cancer, and most renal cell carcinoma has a clear cell origin. Bellini duct carcinoma, which arises from collecting duct cells (Bellini cells), is a rare type of renal cell carcinoma, constituting less than 1% of all renal cell carcinoma. The prognosis of Bellini duct carcinoma is very poor, and more than 60% of the patients die within 2 years of diagnosis. There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment. We report a case of Bellini duct carcinoma in a 53-year-old male with multiple lung and liver metastases. The patient was treated with eight cycles of M-VAC (methotrexate, vincristine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) combination chemotherapy. The patient currently shows a radiological partial response without disease progression 10 months after the chemotherapy.

A case report: Metroplasty of a noncommunicated uterine body and cervix due to unknown etiology / 대한산부인과학회지

Congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract may involve the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, or vagian. Depending on the specific defect, a women's obstetric and gynecologic health may be adversely affected. We have experienced a case of rudimentary uterine horn with noncommunicated uterus complicated by pelvic endometriosis in a 25 years old woman with primary amenorrhea and monthly periodic pelvic pain. We observed noncommunicating uterus with blind pouch, cervix disconnected to uterus with normal appearance, and left ovarian endometrial cyst. For treatment, the metroplastic surgery with end-to end anastomosis connecting cervix and noncommunicated uterus and removal of endometrial cyst were done. Many cases of uterine anomalies have been documented but, there have been few reported cases of noncommunicated uterus with disconnected cervix and successful performance of the metroplasty. Thus hereby we report this case with a review of literatures.

Sigmoid Colon Cancer with Isolated Metastasis to the Left Kidney

We report the case of a 63-year-old female with sigmoid colon cancer and isolated metastasis to the left kidney at the time of initial diagnosis. An anterior resection of the sigmoid colon and a left nephrectomy were performed. Three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin were given, but two months after the surgery, multiple metastases of the liver were detected on a CT scan. The patient refused further treatment and died 5 months after the discovery of an isolated metastasis. An isolated metastasis to the kidney is very rare in clinical practice. A nephrectomy for kidney metastasis has no effect on survival and quality of life, and a nephrectomy may also compromise the choice of chemotherapy agents that require renal clearance; thus, a careful evaluation of renal function is necessary before a nephrectomy. At present, kidney metastasis should be regarded as an advanced metastatic disease, and aggressive chemotherapy, including target therapy, should prolong survival and improve the quality of life. However, when a synchronous or a metachronous renal tumor is suspected, a nephrectomy should be performed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Retroperitoneal Hematoma Caused by Ruptured Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm

A ruptured aneurysm of the pancreaticoduodenal arteries is an emergency condition, with a high mortality rate. Therefore, early diagnosis and adequate management are needed. Recently, treatment with a transcatheter arterial embolization has decreased the mortality rate. A 68-year-old man presented with persistent abdominal pain and dyspnea. Contrast abdominal computed tomography revealed a large retroperitoneal hematoma, with an actively bleeding focus. An urgent celiac and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteriogram showed a contrast extravasation, about 15 X 8 mm in size, with a saccular aneurysm of the distal anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery; therefore transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. The patient's condition improved without complication after the embolization.

Imaging Findings of Midgut Volvulus Associated with a Large Small-Bowel Diverticulum in an Adult Patient: Case Report

Although most patients with jejunoileal diverticulum are asymptomatic, a large, small-bowel diverticulum can be associated with midgut volvulus in an adult. We present a rare case of midgut volvulus that was associated with a large, small-bowel diverticulum in a 77-year-old woman presenting with chronic recurrent abdominal pain. The CT showed the characteristic whirl sign of twisted mesentery, the small bowel loops along the superior mesenteric artery and a large sac-like small-bowel diverticulum. A small bowel series also demonstrated a corkscrew appearance of proximal jejunum, a finding suggestive of midgut volvulus, and a large jejunal diverticulum. During the laparotomy, the small bowel was seen twisted counterclockwise 270 degree. The mesenteric root was very shortened. A 4 cm sized diverticulum was seen on the mesenteric border of jejunum, on the portion about 40 cm distal from the Treitz ligament.

Determination of Representative Renal Depth for Accurate Attenuation Correction in Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Transplanted Kidney / 대한핵의학회잡지

No abstract available.