Diagnostic value of liver imaging reporting and data system on hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

To improve standardization and consensus regarding interpreting, and reporting CT and MRI scans of the liver in patients with high-risk HCC, Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was launched in 2011 and subsequently modified in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Major diagnostic imaging features for HCC are hyper-enhancement in the arterial phase, rapid dissection in the portal vein phase and balance phase, capsule presence and appearance, interval threshold tumor growth and tumor diameter. LI-RADS categorizes nodules recognized at CT or MRI as LR-1 (definitively benign), LI-RADS is a system of standardized criteria for interpreting liver CT and MR images of patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in higher interobserver reliability and faster categorization while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. LR-2 (probably benign), LR-3 (intermediate probability of being HCC), LR-4 (probably HCC) and LR-5 (definitively HCC). According to diagnostic classification, different options for treatment recommendations are adopted by surgeons including continue standard surveillance, regular follow-up, alternative imaging method, multidisciplinary discussion, liver resection or transplantation. LI-RADS is a system of standardized criteria for interpreting liver CT and MR images of patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in higher interobserver reliability and faster categorization while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Liver imaging reporting and data system; Diagnosis