CT/MRI and CEUS LI-RADS Major Features Association with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Christian B. van der Pol, Matthew D.F. McInnes, Jean Paul Salameh, Brooke Levis, Victoria Chernyak, Claude B. Sirlin, Mustafa R. Bashir, Brian C. Allen, Lauren M.B. Burke, Jin Young Choi, Sang Hyun Choi, Alejandro Forner, Tyler J. Fraum, Alice Giamperoli, Hanyu Jiang, Ijin Joo, Zhen Kang, Andrea S. Kierans, Hyo Jin Kang, Gaurav KhatriJung Hoon Kim, Myeong Jin Kim, So Yeon Kim, Yeun Yoon Kim, Heejin Kwon, Jeong Min Lee, Sara C. Lewis, Katrina A. McGinty, Lorenzo Mulazzani, Mi Suk Park, Fabio Piscaglia, Joanna Podgórska, Caecilia S. Reiner, Maxime Ronot, Grzegorz Rosiak, Bin Song, Ji Soo Song, An Tang, Eleonora Terzi, Jin Wang, Wei Wang, Stephanie R. Wilson, Takeshi Yokoo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) assigns a risk category for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to imaging observations. Establishing the contributions of major features can inform the diagnostic algorithm. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to establish the probability of HCC for each LIRADS major feature using CT/MRI and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) LI-RADS in patients at high risk for HCC. Materials and Methods: Multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus) were searched for studies from January 2014 to September 2019 that evaluated the accuracy of CT, MRI, and CEUS for HCC detection using LI-RADS (CT/MRI LI-RADS, versions 2014, 2017, and 2018; CEUS LI-RADS, versions 2016 and 2017). Data were centralized. Clustering was addressed at the study and patient levels using mixed models. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were determined for each major feature using multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42020164486). Results: A total of 32 studies were included, with 1170 CT observations, 3341 MRI observations, and 853 CEUS observations. At multivariable analysis of CT/MRI LI-RADS, all major features were associated with HCC, except threshold growth (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 0.7, 3.6; P =.07). Nonperipheral washout (OR, 13.2; 95% CI: 9.0, 19.2; P =.01) and nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) (OR, 10.3; 95% CI: 6.7, 15.6; P =.01) had stronger associations with HCC than enhancing capsule (OR, 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.5; P =.03). On CEUS images, APHE (OR, 7.3; 95% CI: 4.6, 11.5; P =.01), late and mild washout (OR, 4.1; 95% CI: 2.6, 6.6; P =.01), and size of at least 20 mm (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.5; P =.04) were associated with HCC. Twenty-five studies (78%) had high risk of bias due to reporting ambiguity or study design flaws. Conclusion: Most Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System major features had different independent associations with hepatocellular carcinoma; for CT/MRI, arterial phase hyperenhancement and washout had the strongest associations, whereas threshold growth had no association.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)326-335
Number of pages10
JournalRADIOLOGY
Volume302
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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