Employing LI-RADS on dynamic MRI scans for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic focal lesions in high risk patients

Abstract

ABackground: LI-RADS (Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System) provide standardization for screening high risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, it aids in treatment response assessment. HCC is special among different malignancies in having tumor hallmark on dynamic CT or MRI that permit accurate diagnosis without an invasive biopsy. Objective: To appraise LI-RADS on dynamic MRI scans for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic focal lesions in high risk patients.Patients and methods: This study was designed in a retrospective pattern. It included eighty five high risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone dynamic MRI scans. Dynamic MRI scans were evaluated using LI-RADS features for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic focal lesions. Eventually, the obtained results were correlated with serial imaging follow-up or histopathological diagnosis as the diagnostic standard of reference.Results: The majority of the included patients were found to have malignant lesions (67.1%) predominantly HCC (45.9%), followed by cholangiocarcinoma (8.2%) and finally hepatic deposits (7.1%). Considering LI-RADS categorization, hemangioma was most common among LIRAD1 group (60%), regeneration nodule among LIRAD 2 group (88.9%), dysplastic nodule among both LIRAD3 (50%) and LIRAD 4 groups (55.6). HCC among LIRAD5 group (100%). Finally, cholangiocarcinoma among LRM group (53.8 %).Conclusions: Employing LI-RADS on dynamic MRI scans for distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic focal lesions in high risk patients improves patient management Keywords: Hepatic focal lesions, HCC, LI-RADS, Magnetic resonance imaging, Benign, Malignant