MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma: a primer for magnetic resonance imaging interpretation

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is among the most prevalent solid organ cancers, and, unlike many cancers, may be diagnosed non-invasively by imaging criteria [1] with the preferred modality recently shifting from multiphasic computed tomography (MDCT) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this article is to help facilitate radiologists and radiology trainees in the transition to MRI by providing a step-wise approach to exam interpretation to improve the MRI detection of HCC. A methodical, consistent approach to navigating a HCC screening MRI exam, in conjunction with the LI-RADS framework for characterization, should lead to improved HCC detection and diagnosis.

Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

“…Primary liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide and the sixth most common cancer overall [398]. MRI is superior to CT in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy [399] and can be used to determine the differential diagnosis [400][401][402], variant analysis [403], arterial phase hyperenhancement [404], small precursor and recurrent lesions [405,406], liver perfusion [407], histological grade, microvascular invasion status, local and systemic therapeutic responses, prognosis [408,409], and as a preoperative marker [410] in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. PET/MRI imaging is also used for the diagnosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [411][412][413], whereas multi-phasic MRI staging was found to be more accurate than the straight hepatocellular carcinomagrading approach [414].…”