Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Research Articles

A convenient and reproducible protocol for acquisition of the hepatocyte phase for liver function-impaired patients in gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

The hepatocyte phase (HCP) in gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the detection and characterization of liver lesions, treatment planning, and liver function evaluation. However, the imaging protocol is complicated and time-consuming. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a convenient and reproducible protocol for the HCP acquisition in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. A total of 107 patients were prospectively included and assigned to three groups based on Child-Pugh (CP) classification, with 37, 40, and 30 in the non-cirrhosis, CP A, and CP B groups, respectively. Dynamic HCPs were acquired every 5 min after the Gd-EOB-DTPA administration and ended in 25 min in non-cirrhosis patients and 40 min in cirrhotic patients. The HCP acquired 5 min after the initial visualization of the intrahepatic bile duct (IBD) was selected from the dynamic HCPs as the adequate HCP (HCPproposed) and the corresponding acquisition time was recorded as Timeproposed. In addition, according to the 2016 Expert Consensus (EC) on the definition of the adequate HCP from the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), the adequate HCPEC and the corresponding TimeEC were also determined from the dynamic HCPs. The hepatic relative enhancement ratio (RER), the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of hepatic focal lesions in the HCPEC and HCPproposed images, as well as the TimeEC and Timeproposed were compared by the paired t-test for the three groups, respectively. Inter-observer agreement of the determination of the HCPEC and HCPproposed was compared by the χ2 test. The RER, CNR, and SNR showed no significant difference between the HCPEC and HCPproposed in all three groups (all P>0.05). The paired differences between TimeEC and Timeproposed were 1.08±3.56 min (P=0.07), 2.88±4.22 min (P<0.001), and 5.83±5.27 min (P<0.001) in the three groups, respectively. Inter-observer agreement of the determination of the HCPEC and HCPproposed were 0.804 (86/107) and 0.962 (103/107), respectively (χ²=13.09, P=0.001). The adequate HCP could be acquired 5 min after the initial visualization of the IBD, which could serve as a convenient and reproducible protocol for the HCP imaging.

Radiomics Model Based on Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced MR Imaging to Predict Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Curative Ablation.

BackgroundA practical prognostic prediction model is absent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative ablation. We aimed to develop a radiomics model based on gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict HCC recurrence after curative ablation.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 132 patients with HCC who underwent curative ablation. Patients were randomly divided into the training (n = 92) and validation (n = 40) cohorts. Radiomic features were extracted from gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced MR images of the liver before curative ablation, and various baseline clinical characteristics were collected. Cox regression and random survival forests were used to construct models that incorporated radiomic features and/or clinical characteristics. The predictive performance of the different models was compared using the concordance index (C-index) and decision curves analysis (DCA). A cutoff derived from the combined model was used for risk categorization, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was compared between groups using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis.ResultsTwenty radiomic features and four clinical characteristics were identified and used for model construction. The radiomics model constructed by tumoral and peritumoral radiomic features had better predictive performance (C-index 0.698, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.640–0.755) compared with the clinical model (C-index 0.614, 95% CI 0.499–0.695), while the combined model had the best predictive performance (C-index 0.706, 95% CI 0.638–0.763). A better net benefit was observed with the combined model compared with the other two models according to the DCA. Distinct RFS distributions were observed when patients were categorized based on the cutoff derived from the combined model (Log rank test, p = 0.007).ConclusionThe radiomics model which combined radiomic features extracted from gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced MR images with clinical characteristics could predict HCC recurrence after curative ablation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with a non-smooth tumor margin on hepatobiliary-phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Is sectionectomy the suitable treatment?

Anatomical sectionectomy or larger resection is known to be effective in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with microvascular invasion. A non-smooth tumor margin on hepatobiliary-phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) can predict microvascular invasion of HCC. We evaluated the usefulness of EOB-MRI for operative planning. We evaluated 224 patients with single HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2010 and 2013. The tumor margin was determined preoperatively. The hepatic resection was determined based on tumor location, liver function, 3D CT simulation and functional liver reserve. To control for confounding variable distributions, propensity score match was applied to compare the outcomes. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Of 113 patients with a non-smooth tumor margin, 40 patients (35%) showed microscopic portal invasion. The 5-year RFS and OS rates were significantly higher after sectionectomy or larger hepatectomy (hemihepatectomy) than after segmentectomy or smaller hepatectomy (non-anatomical resection). Of 111 patients with a smooth tumor margin, eight patients (7%) showed microscopic portal invasion. The 5-year RFS and OS rates did not differ significantly between patients who underwent sectionectomy and those who underwent segmentectomy. Our preliminary results appear to recommend that HCC with a non-smooth margin on HB-phase images is treated with anatomical sectionectomy or larger hepatectomy.

The diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis of eight prospective studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative diagnostic benefit of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography (CEMDCT) for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two investigators searched multiple databases from inception to January 8, 2019, for studies comparing Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI with CEMDCT in adults suspected of HCC. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Eight studies were included enrolling 498 patients. MRI showed significantly higher sensitivity than CT (0.85 vs. 0.68). There was no significant difference in the specificity of MRI and CT (0.94 vs. 0.93). The negative likelihood ratio and positive likelihood ratio of MRI and CT were not significantly different (0.16 vs. 0.15 and 14.7 vs. 11.2, respectively). The summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) of MRI was higher than that of CT at 0.96 vs. 0.91. In the subgroup analysis with a lesion diameter below 2cm, the sensitivity of MRI was significantly higher than that of CT (0.79 vs. 0.46). Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed higher sensitivity and overall diagnostic accuracy than CEMDCT especially for hepatocellular carcinoma lesions smaller than 2cm. • Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can detect small lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma. • Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed higher sensitivity and overall diagnostic accuracy than CEMDCT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. • Eight prospective studies showed that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI provides greater diagnostic confidence.

Predicting chemotherapeutic response for colorectal liver metastases using relative tumor enhancement of gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

This study aimed to predict the treatment response for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) using relative tumor enhancement (RTE) of the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) for patients with no history of chemotherapy. In this retrospective study, we enrolled 26 patients [14 males, 12 females; median age: 58years (range 37-82years)] with CLM and no history of chemotherapy between December 2011 and May 2017. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed before starting chemotherapy and RTE of HBP. The response was evaluated using RECIST ver.1.1, and progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated. Based on the RECIST ver.1.1, there were 15 responders and 11 non-responders. In the tumor, the mean pretreatment RTE values were significantly higher in the responders group than in the non-responders group (37.2%±10.9% vs. 17.9%±10.5%, respectively; P=0.0006). When the threshold values of parameters for detecting responders comprised the RTE value of 24.2% (area under the curve value, 0.90), the sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 72.7%, respectively. The median follow-up period for 26 patients was 602days (range 160-1971days). Although no significant differences were observed in PFS between the groups, the high RTE group tended to take longer to progress than the low RTE group (PFS of the high RTE group did not reach the median). This study suggests that the RTE value of CLM could be a potential biomarker to predict early treatment response.

Non-Hypervascular Hypointense Nodules at Gadoxetic Acid MRI: Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Assessment with Emphasis on the Role of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging.

In cirrhotic patients, the characterization of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance images (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI), is essential to look for the proper approach strategy. Our objective was to evaluate the imaging features and risk assessment of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, focusing on the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). This prospective study includes 35 patients with 50 hypovascular hypointense nodules. Signal intensity on T2-weighted images and DWI, vascular pattern on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and on hepatobiliary phase, and volume doubling time were analyzed for each nodule as well as patient's clinical features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were made to determine the variables associated with the development of hypervascular pattern. On 24months follow-up period, 40% of the hypointense nodules (mean size 14mm±6.1) became hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with 6 and 12months cumulative risk of 45 and 55%. Nine/12 (75%, mean size 15.50mm±7.2) that appeared hyperintense in DWI at first exam show malignant transformation (p value=0.007). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified hyperintensity at initial DWI (OR 6.49; 95% CI 1.28-32.80; p value=0.009) and size ≥10mm (OR 6.22; 95% CI 1.57-24.63; p value=0.024) as independent factors with the development of HCC. In conclusion, hypovascular lesions ≥10mm and those hyperintense in DWI were associated with progression to hypervascular HCC. A close follow-up or histological characterization is recommended to improve patients outcome and to develop effective treatment.

Combined Application of Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) in the Diagnosis of Chronic Liver Disease-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

ObjectiveGadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent to target the liver cells with normal function. In clinical practice, the Gd-EOB-DTPA produces high quality hepatocyte specific image 20 minutes after intravenous injection, so DWI sequence is often performed after the conventional dynamic scanning. However, there are still some disputes about whether DWI sequence will provide more effective diagnostic information in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of combining Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Cochrane library database up to March 2015. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Heterogeneous test on the included literature was performed by using the software Review Manager 5.3. The MetaDiSc 1.4 software was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio; meanwhile the summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve was drawn to compare the diagnostic performance.ResultsA total of 13 literatures were included in this study. In 8 literatures regarding HCC diagnosis based on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, the pooled sensitivity: 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88–0.93); specificity: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85–0.92); positive likelihood ratio: 8.60 (95% CI: 6.20–11.92); negative likelihood ratio: 0.10 (95% CI: 0.08–0.14) were obtained. The area under curve (AUC) and Q values were 0.96 and 0.90, respectively. In 5 literatures relating to HCC diagnosis by combination of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI sequence, the pooled sensitivity: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85–0.91), specificity: 0.96 (0.94–0.97), positive likelihood ratio: 19.63 (12.77–30.16), negative likelihood ratio: 0.10 (0.07–0.14) were obtained. The AUC value was 0.9833 and Q value was 0.9436. The AUC value of comprehensive evaluation method was significantly higher than that of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI alone(P<0.05).ConclusionCombination of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI sequence significantly improves in both the diagnostic accuracy and specificity of chronic liver disease-associated HCC.

Preoperative Estimation of Future Remnant Liver Function Following Portal Vein Embolization Using Relative Enhancement on Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectiveTo retrospectively evaluate relative enhancement (RE) in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a preoperative estimation of future remnant liver (FRL) function in a patients who underwent portal vein embolization (PVE).Materials and MethodsIn 53 patients, the correlation between the indocyanine green clearance (ICG-K) and RE imaging was analyzed before hepatectomy (first analysis). Twenty-three of the 53 patients underwent PVE followed by a repeat RE imaging and ICG test before an extended hepatectomy and their results were further analyzed (second analysis). Whole liver function and FRL function were calculated on the MR imaging as follows: RE x total liver volume (RE Index) and FRL-RE x FRL volume (Rem RE Index), respectively. Regarding clinical outcome, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) was evaluated in patients undergoing PVE.ResultsIndocyanine green clearance correlated with the RE Index (r = 0.365, p = 0.007), and ICG-K of FRL (ICG-Krem) strongly correlated with the Rem RE Index (r = 0.738, p < 0.001) in the first analysis. Both the ICG-Krem and the Rem RE Index were significantly correlated after PVE (r = 0.508, p = 0.013) at the second analysis. The rate of improvement of the Rem RE Index from before PVE to after PVE was significantly higher than that of ICG-Krem (p = 0.014). Patients with PHLF had a significantly lower Rem RE Index than patients without PHLF (p = 0.023).ConclusionRelative enhancement imaging can be used to estimate FRL function after PVE.

An extended dysfunctional area in the congestive area of the remnant liver after hemi‐hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein resection for liver cancers evaluated on the gadoxetic acid disodium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the liver function in the congestive area of the remnant liver after hemi-hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein (MHV) resection for liver cancers. From November 2009 through December 2012, 18 patients underwent hemi-hepatectomy including the MHV for liver cancers. Post-hepatectomy, the volume of the congestive area, which appeared as a hyper-intense area on T2-weighted images and dysfunctional area, which appeared as a low intensity area on hepatobiliary phase images in the remnant liver was evaluated in all patients by gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen of 18 patients showed a congestive area, and 16 of 18 patients showed a dysfunctional area in the remnant liver. The dysfunctional rate (median 11%) was significantly larger than the congestive rate (median 5%, P = 0.0004). The dysfunctional rate was associated with tumor invasion to the root of the MHV, and no tumor invasion to the root of the MHV was identified as a significant predictor of a larger dysfunctional area (odds ratio 25.888, P = 0.0267) on multivariate analysis. Hemi-hepatectomy with MHV resection for liver cancers should be performed considering the dysfunctional area in the remnant liver, which is associated with tumor invasion to the root of the MHV.

Improved Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions With Liver-Specific Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To evaluate the safety of gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its efficacy in characterizing liver lesions. Lesion characterization and classification using combined (unenhanced and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced) MRI were compared with those using unenhanced MRI and contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT) using on-site clinical and off-site blinded evaluations for patients with focal liver lesions. Gadoxetic acid disodium was well tolerated in this study. For the clinical evaluation, more lesions were correctly characterized using combined (unenhanced and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced) MRI than using unenhanced MRI and spiral CT (96% vs 84% and 85%, respectively; P < or = 0.0008). For the blinded evaluation, more lesions were correctly characterized using combined MRI compared with using unenhanced MRI (61%-76% vs 48%-65%, respectively; P < or = 0.0012 for 2/3 readers); when compared with spiral CT, a similar proportion of lesions were correctly characterized. Gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced MRI is of clinical benefit relative to unenhanced MRI and spiral CT for a radiological diagnosis of liver lesions.

Improved Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions With Liver-Specific Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Multicenter Phase 3 Clinical Trial

Improved Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions With Liver-Specific Gadoxetic Acid Disodium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Multicenter Phase 3 Clinical Trial