State of the art in magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma Journal Article


Authors: Horvat, N.; Monti, S.; Oliveira, B. C.; Rocha, C. C. T.; Giancipoli, R. G.; Mannelli, L.
Article Title: State of the art in magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma
Abstract: Background. Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Chronic liver disease caused by viral infection, alcohol abuse, or other factors can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the most important clinical risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whereby the normal hepatic architecture is replaced by fibrous septa and a spectrum of nodules ranging from benign regenerative nodules to HCC, each one of them with different imaging features. Multiple studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection and characterization of HCC in comparison with computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. Beyond the standard protocol, the use of hepatobiliary contrast agents and the acquisition of additional sequences such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient mapping, subtraction imaging, multiplanar acquisition, and hepatobiliary phase, have been proposed to improve the detection of HCC, especially in the case of small, well-differentiated, and post-treatment HCC. Conclusions. Furthermore, advanced techniques including the quantification of hepatic and intralesional fat and iron, magnetic resonance elastography, radiomics, radiogenomics, and positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI are highly promising for the extraction of new imaging biomarkers that reflect the tumor microenvironment and, in the future, may add decision-making value in the management of patients with HCC. © 2018 Association of Radiology and Oncology. All rights reserved.
Keywords: review; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver cell carcinoma; liver cirrhosis; disease marker; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; positron emission tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; sensitivity and specificity; medical decision making; differential diagnosis; cancer therapy; liver; quantitative analysis; contrast enhancement; echography; cancer size; iron; intermethod comparison; contrast medium; liver regeneration; radiodiagnosis; diffusion weighted imaging; fat; tumor microenvironment; radiological parameters; apparent diffusion coefficient; liver nodule; human; radiogenomics; x-ray computed tomography; radiomics; hepatic nodule; magnetic resonance elastography; subtraction imaging
Journal Title: Radiology and Oncology
Volume: 52
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1318-2099
Publisher: Assoc Radiology & Oncology  
Date Published: 2018-12-01
Start Page: 353
End Page: 364
Language: English
DOI: 10.2478/raon-2018-0044
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC6287184
PUBMED: 30511939
DOI/URL:
Notes: Radiol. Oncol. -- Export Date: 2 January 2019 -- Review -- CODEN: RONCE C2 - 30511939 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Natally Horvat
    101 Horvat