Retrospective audit to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Primovist-enhanced MRI in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis with explant histopathology correlation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Primovist-enhanced MRI in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis, using liver explant histopathology correlation.

METHODS:

Thirty patients underwent a Primovist-enhanced MRI prior to liver transplantation for cirrhosis at the Princess Alexandra Hospital from 2006 to June 2012. Pre-contrast T1, T2 and post-Primovist arterial, portal venous and delayed hepatobiliary phase sequences were routinely obtained. A retrospective audit of MRI reports determined whether HCCs was identified on pre-transplantation imaging. Results were correlated to the explant liver histopathology. Specificity and sensitivity of Primovist in HCC identification in cirrhosis was determined.

RESULTS:

The time interval between preoperative MRI and transplantation ranged from the day of transplantation to 112 weeks pre-transplantation. Thirty-nine HCCs were identified histologically in explants. Fifteen HCCs were identified on pre-transplant MRI in 11 patients, ranging from 11 to 43 mm, all confirmed on histopathology. Fourteen MRI studies identified no lesion, concordant on histology. Twenty-four either well or moderately differentiated HCCs were identified on histopathology, all of which were less than 17 mm, were not depicted on MRI. No poorly differentiated HCCs were present in the explants. Two regenerative nodules were correctly identified on MRI. This correlated to a sensitivity of 42.5%, specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 39.5%.

CONCLUSION:

Primovist-enhanced MRI is very accurate in the identification of HCC in cirrhosis, especially if the tumour is greater than 17 mm and undifferentiated. However, sensitivity is reduced for well- and moderately differentiated HCC less than 17 mm.

• Authors: Andrew J Baird, Gregory J Amos, Nivene F Saad, Mark D Benson
• Journal: Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology (J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol) Vol. 57 Issue 3 Pg. 314-20 (Jun 2013) ISSN: 1754-9485 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23721140 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology © 2013 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA
• Gadolinium DTPA

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (complications, pathology)
• Contrast Media
• Female
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Humans
• Image Enhancement (methods)
• Liver Cirrhosis (complications, pathology)
• Liver Neoplasms (complications, pathology)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (methods)
• Male
• Medical Audit
• Middle Aged
• Reproducibility of Results
• Retrospective Studies
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Statistics as Topic
• Young Adult