The development of ultrasound contrast agents with excellent tolerance and safety profiles has notably improved liver evaluation with ultrasound(US)for several applications,especially for the detection of metastases.I...The development of ultrasound contrast agents with excellent tolerance and safety profiles has notably improved liver evaluation with ultrasound(US)for several applications,especially for the detection of metastases.In particular,contrast enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS)allows the display of the parenchymal microvasculature,enabling the study and visualization of the enhancement patterns of liver lesions in real time and in a continuous manner in all vascular phases,which is similar to contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.Clinical studies have reported that the use of a contrast agent enables the visualization of more metastases with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity compared to baseline-US.Furthermore,studies have shown that CEUS yields sensitivities comparable to CT.In this review,we describe the state of the art of CEUS for detecting colorectal liver metastases,the imaging features,the literature reports of metastases in CEUS as well as its technique,its clinical role and its potential applications.Additionally,the updated international consensus panel guidelines are reported in this review with the inherent limitations of this technique and best practice experiences.展开更多
AIM To establish a threshold value for liver fat content between healthy children and those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) by using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), with liver biopsy serving as a referen...AIM To establish a threshold value for liver fat content between healthy children and those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) by using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), with liver biopsy serving as a reference standard. METHODS The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their legal guardians before the study began. Twenty-seven children with NAFLD underwent liver biopsy to assess the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The assessment of liver fat fraction was performed using MRI, with a high field magnet and 2D gradient-echo and multiple-echo T1-weighted sequence with low flip angle and single-voxel pointresolved 1H MR-Spectroscopy(1H-MRS), corrected for T1 and T2* decays. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value. Lin coefficient test was used to evaluate thecorrelation between histology, MRS and MRI-PDFF. A Mann-Whitney U-test and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze the continuous variables. RESULTS According to MRS, the threshold value between healthy children and those with NAFLD is 6%; using MRI-PDFF, a cut-off value of 3.5% is suggested. The Lin analysis revealed a good fit between the histology and MRS as well as MRI-PDFF.CONCLUSION MRS is an accurate and precise method for detecting NAFLD in children.展开更多
AIM： To determine in obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in assessing liver fat concentration. METHODS： A case-control study was performe...AIM： To determine in obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in assessing liver fat concentration. METHODS： A case-control study was performed. Cases were 25 obese children with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Controls were 25 obese children matched for age and gender, without NAFLD at ultrasonography and with normal levels of aminotransferases and insulin. Hepatic fat fraction （HFF） by MRI was obtained using a modification of the Dixon method.RESULTS： HFF ranged from 2% to 44% [mean, 19.0% （95% CI, 15.1-27.4）] in children with NAFLD, while in the controls this value ranged from 0.08% to 4.69% [2.0% （1.3-2.5）, P 〈 0.0001]. HFF was highly correlated with histological steatosis （r = 0.883, P 〈 0.0001） in the NAFLD children. According to the histological grade of steatosis, the mean HFF was 8.7% （95% CI, 6.0-11.6） for mild, 21.6% （15.3-27.0） for moderate, and 39.7% （34.4-45.0） for severe fatty liver infiltration. With a cutoff of 4.85%, HFF had a sensitivity of 95.8% for the diagnosis of histological steato- sis ≥ 5%. All control children had HFF lower than 4.85%; thus, the specificity was 100%. Alter 12 mo, children with weight loss displayed a significant decrease in HFF. CONCLUSION： MRI is an accurate methodology for liver fat quantification in pediatric NAFLD.展开更多
AIM: To analyze the associations of pancreatic fat with other fat depots and β-cell function in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: We examined 158 overweight/obese children and adolescents, 80...AIM: To analyze the associations of pancreatic fat with other fat depots and β-cell function in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: We examined 158 overweight/obese children and adolescents, 80 with NAFLD [hepatic fat fraction(HFF) ≥ 5%] and 78 without fatty liver. Visceral adipose tissue(VAT), pancreatic fat fraction(PFF) and HFF were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Estimates of insulin sensitivity were calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), defined by fasting insulin and fasting glucose and whole-body insulin sensitivity index(WBISI), based on mean values of insulin and glucose obtained from oral glucose tolerance test and the corresponding fasting values. Patients were considered to have prediabetes if they had either:(1) impaired fasting glucose, defined as a fasting glucose level ≥ 100 mg/d L to < 126 mg/d L;(2) impaired glucose tolerance, defined as a 2 h glucose concentration between ≥ 140 mg/d L and < 200 mg/d L; or(3) hemoglobin A1 c value of ≥ 5.7% to < 6.5%.RESULTS: PFF was significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared with subjects without liver involvement. PFF was significantly associated with HFF and VAT, as well as fasting insulin, C peptide, HOMA-IR, and WBISI. The association between PFF and HFF was no longer significant after adjusting for age, gender, Tanner stage, body mass index(BMI)-SD score, and VAT. In multiple regression analysis withWBISI or HOMA-IR as the dependent variables, against the covariates age, gender, Tanner stage, BMI-SD score, VAT, PFF, and HFF, the only variable significantly associated with WBISI(standardized coefficient B,-0.398; P = 0.001) as well as HOMA-IR(0.353; P = 0.003) was HFF. Children with prediabetes had higher PFF and HFF than those without. PFF and HFF were significantly associated with prediabetes after adjustment for clinical variables. When all fat depots where included in the same model, only HFF remained significantly associated with prediabetes(OR = 3.38; 95%CI: 1.10-10.4; P = 0.034).CONCLUSION: In overweight/obese children with NAFLD, pancreatic fat is increased compared with those without liver involvement. However, only liver fat is independently related to prediabetes.展开更多
We report a case of an isolated hepatic neoplasia which originated in a site of the liver previously affected by radiation induced liver disease (RILD) in a patient resected for gastric cancer and referred to us for h...We report a case of an isolated hepatic neoplasia which originated in a site of the liver previously affected by radiation induced liver disease (RILD) in a patient resected for gastric cancer and referred to us for high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. This case challenged us in distiguishing, even histologically, between primary liver cancer and AFP producing gastric cancer metastasis. Only a panel of immunohis-tochemical markers allowed the definitive diagnosis of liver metastasis of endodermal stem cell-derived and AFP producing gastric cancer. We discuss the criteria for a differential diagnosis, as well as the possible link between RILD and emergence of liver neoplasia.展开更多
Prostate cancer(PC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men.There are a number of treatment options for PC with a different therapeutic approach between USA and Europe.Radical prostatectomy is one of th...Prostate cancer(PC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men.There are a number of treatment options for PC with a different therapeutic approach between USA and Europe.Radical prostatectomy is one of the most used therapies but focal gland therapy is an emerging approach,especially for localized tumors.In this scenario,high intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU) has been incorporated in certain medical association guidelines.HIFU has been employed for about 10 years especially for localized PC.Results are promising with a 5-year biochemical survival rate ranging from 45% to 84%.Collateral events are rare and HIFU retreatment is not common.Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery(MRgFUS) was recently presented as a method for ablation with focused ultrasound under magnetic resonance imaging guidance.It has the advantage of improved targeting and real time temperature monitoring but only a few studies have been conducted with human patients.The aim of this review is to describe the current status of HIFU and MRgFUS in the therapy of PC.展开更多
Estimated LBW could be used to determine the contrast material dose and rate during MDCT. The aim of this study is to test the accuracy of a technique for estimation of lean body weight (LBW) from a single multi-detec...Estimated LBW could be used to determine the contrast material dose and rate during MDCT. The aim of this study is to test the accuracy of a technique for estimation of lean body weight (LBW) from a single multi-detector row computed tomographic (MDCT) abdominal image, using a bioelectrical body composition analyzer scale as the reference standard. CT images of 21 patients with previously measured LBW (mLBW) were processed using computer-assisted, vendor-specific software (Advantage Windows 4.2;GE Healthcare, Inc). For each transverse image, a fat-fraction was automatically measured as the number of fat pixels (-200 to -50 HU) divided by the total number of pixels having an attenuation value ≥-200 HU. Estimated LBW (eLBW) of five single contiguous sections was calculated in each of three abdominal regions (upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis) by multiplying TBW by (1 – fat-fraction). Bland-Altman plot with limits of agreement was used to assess agreement between mLBW and eLBW. The mean mLBW for all patients was 56 kg (range, 39 - 75 kg). Mean differences and limits of agreement between mLBW and eLBW measurements for the upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis reported were -8.9 kg (-25.6 kg, +7.5 kg), -10.6 kg (-27.7 kg, +6.4 kg), and +0.5 kg (-12.8 kg, +13.8 kg) respectively. eLBW deriving directly from a transverse CT image of the pelvis can accurately predict mLBW.展开更多
Aim:Safety and efficacy evidence of drug-eluting-microspheres trans-arterial chemoembolization(DEM-TACE)in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is lacking....Aim:Safety and efficacy evidence of drug-eluting-microspheres trans-arterial chemoembolization(DEM-TACE)in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is lacking.The aim of this retrospective study was to report the safety and efficacy of DEM-TACE procedures performed with microspheres smaller than 300μm in patients with HCC and TIPS in a high-volume transplant center.Methods:Embolization was standardized by initiating DEM-TACE with microspheres smaller than 100μm,and if stasis was not achieved,adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200μm microspheres was administered.With regards to efficacy,the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months.Reporting the safety profile,detailed laboratory analysis was performed before,at 36-48 h,and 30-60 days after the procedure.Adverse events(AEs)were recorded;post-embolic syndrome was defined as the onset of fever/nausea/pain after the procedure.Late onset hepatobiliary complications were evaluated by follow-up imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance(CT/MR).Results:From December 2007 to November 2020,17 HCC patients(25 HCC nodules)with patent TIPS underwent 20 DEM-TACE.Embolization was performed only with microspheres smaller than 100μm in 3/20 DEM-TACE(15%);adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200μm microspheres was required in 17/20 DEMTACE(85%).Reported early AEs were post-embolic syndrome(9/20;45%)all of grade 1-2,late AEs were asymptomatic acute liver bile duct injury(2/20;10%),and in one case we observed hepatic abscess(1/20;5%)resulting in death due to sepsis.With regards to efficacy,the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria.Complete response(CR)at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months was 52%,50%,50%,and 50%,respectively.Objective response(CR+partial response)at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months was 95%,71%,70%,and 50%,respectively.Conclusion:DEM-TACE with drug-eluting-microspheres smaller than 300μm can be performed in appropriately selected patients with TIPS.展开更多
文摘The development of ultrasound contrast agents with excellent tolerance and safety profiles has notably improved liver evaluation with ultrasound(US)for several applications,especially for the detection of metastases.In particular,contrast enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS)allows the display of the parenchymal microvasculature,enabling the study and visualization of the enhancement patterns of liver lesions in real time and in a continuous manner in all vascular phases,which is similar to contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.Clinical studies have reported that the use of a contrast agent enables the visualization of more metastases with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity compared to baseline-US.Furthermore,studies have shown that CEUS yields sensitivities comparable to CT.In this review,we describe the state of the art of CEUS for detecting colorectal liver metastases,the imaging features,the literature reports of metastases in CEUS as well as its technique,its clinical role and its potential applications.Additionally,the updated international consensus panel guidelines are reported in this review with the inherent limitations of this technique and best practice experiences.
文摘AIM To establish a threshold value for liver fat content between healthy children and those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) by using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), with liver biopsy serving as a reference standard. METHODS The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their legal guardians before the study began. Twenty-seven children with NAFLD underwent liver biopsy to assess the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The assessment of liver fat fraction was performed using MRI, with a high field magnet and 2D gradient-echo and multiple-echo T1-weighted sequence with low flip angle and single-voxel pointresolved 1H MR-Spectroscopy(1H-MRS), corrected for T1 and T2* decays. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value. Lin coefficient test was used to evaluate thecorrelation between histology, MRS and MRI-PDFF. A Mann-Whitney U-test and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze the continuous variables. RESULTS According to MRS, the threshold value between healthy children and those with NAFLD is 6%; using MRI-PDFF, a cut-off value of 3.5% is suggested. The Lin analysis revealed a good fit between the histology and MRS as well as MRI-PDFF.CONCLUSION MRS is an accurate and precise method for detecting NAFLD in children.
基金Supported by A grant from Sapienza University of Rome (Progetti di Ricerca Universitaria 2008-2009)
文摘AIM： To determine in obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in assessing liver fat concentration. METHODS： A case-control study was performed. Cases were 25 obese children with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Controls were 25 obese children matched for age and gender, without NAFLD at ultrasonography and with normal levels of aminotransferases and insulin. Hepatic fat fraction （HFF） by MRI was obtained using a modification of the Dixon method.RESULTS： HFF ranged from 2% to 44% [mean, 19.0% （95% CI, 15.1-27.4）] in children with NAFLD, while in the controls this value ranged from 0.08% to 4.69% [2.0% （1.3-2.5）, P 〈 0.0001]. HFF was highly correlated with histological steatosis （r = 0.883, P 〈 0.0001） in the NAFLD children. According to the histological grade of steatosis, the mean HFF was 8.7% （95% CI, 6.0-11.6） for mild, 21.6% （15.3-27.0） for moderate, and 39.7% （34.4-45.0） for severe fatty liver infiltration. With a cutoff of 4.85%, HFF had a sensitivity of 95.8% for the diagnosis of histological steato- sis ≥ 5%. All control children had HFF lower than 4.85%; thus, the specificity was 100%. Alter 12 mo, children with weight loss displayed a significant decrease in HFF. CONCLUSION： MRI is an accurate methodology for liver fat quantification in pediatric NAFLD.
基金Supported by Sapienza University of Rome(Progetti di Ricerca Universitaria 2011-2012)
文摘AIM: To analyze the associations of pancreatic fat with other fat depots and β-cell function in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: We examined 158 overweight/obese children and adolescents, 80 with NAFLD [hepatic fat fraction(HFF) ≥ 5%] and 78 without fatty liver. Visceral adipose tissue(VAT), pancreatic fat fraction(PFF) and HFF were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Estimates of insulin sensitivity were calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), defined by fasting insulin and fasting glucose and whole-body insulin sensitivity index(WBISI), based on mean values of insulin and glucose obtained from oral glucose tolerance test and the corresponding fasting values. Patients were considered to have prediabetes if they had either:(1) impaired fasting glucose, defined as a fasting glucose level ≥ 100 mg/d L to < 126 mg/d L;(2) impaired glucose tolerance, defined as a 2 h glucose concentration between ≥ 140 mg/d L and < 200 mg/d L; or(3) hemoglobin A1 c value of ≥ 5.7% to < 6.5%.RESULTS: PFF was significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared with subjects without liver involvement. PFF was significantly associated with HFF and VAT, as well as fasting insulin, C peptide, HOMA-IR, and WBISI. The association between PFF and HFF was no longer significant after adjusting for age, gender, Tanner stage, body mass index(BMI)-SD score, and VAT. In multiple regression analysis withWBISI or HOMA-IR as the dependent variables, against the covariates age, gender, Tanner stage, BMI-SD score, VAT, PFF, and HFF, the only variable significantly associated with WBISI(standardized coefficient B,-0.398; P = 0.001) as well as HOMA-IR(0.353; P = 0.003) was HFF. Children with prediabetes had higher PFF and HFF than those without. PFF and HFF were significantly associated with prediabetes after adjustment for clinical variables. When all fat depots where included in the same model, only HFF remained significantly associated with prediabetes(OR = 3.38; 95%CI: 1.10-10.4; P = 0.034).CONCLUSION: In overweight/obese children with NAFLD, pancreatic fat is increased compared with those without liver involvement. However, only liver fat is independently related to prediabetes.
文摘We report a case of an isolated hepatic neoplasia which originated in a site of the liver previously affected by radiation induced liver disease (RILD) in a patient resected for gastric cancer and referred to us for high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. This case challenged us in distiguishing, even histologically, between primary liver cancer and AFP producing gastric cancer metastasis. Only a panel of immunohis-tochemical markers allowed the definitive diagnosis of liver metastasis of endodermal stem cell-derived and AFP producing gastric cancer. We discuss the criteria for a differential diagnosis, as well as the possible link between RILD and emergence of liver neoplasia.
文摘Prostate cancer(PC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men.There are a number of treatment options for PC with a different therapeutic approach between USA and Europe.Radical prostatectomy is one of the most used therapies but focal gland therapy is an emerging approach,especially for localized tumors.In this scenario,high intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU) has been incorporated in certain medical association guidelines.HIFU has been employed for about 10 years especially for localized PC.Results are promising with a 5-year biochemical survival rate ranging from 45% to 84%.Collateral events are rare and HIFU retreatment is not common.Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery(MRgFUS) was recently presented as a method for ablation with focused ultrasound under magnetic resonance imaging guidance.It has the advantage of improved targeting and real time temperature monitoring but only a few studies have been conducted with human patients.The aim of this review is to describe the current status of HIFU and MRgFUS in the therapy of PC.
文摘Estimated LBW could be used to determine the contrast material dose and rate during MDCT. The aim of this study is to test the accuracy of a technique for estimation of lean body weight (LBW) from a single multi-detector row computed tomographic (MDCT) abdominal image, using a bioelectrical body composition analyzer scale as the reference standard. CT images of 21 patients with previously measured LBW (mLBW) were processed using computer-assisted, vendor-specific software (Advantage Windows 4.2;GE Healthcare, Inc). For each transverse image, a fat-fraction was automatically measured as the number of fat pixels (-200 to -50 HU) divided by the total number of pixels having an attenuation value ≥-200 HU. Estimated LBW (eLBW) of five single contiguous sections was calculated in each of three abdominal regions (upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis) by multiplying TBW by (1 – fat-fraction). Bland-Altman plot with limits of agreement was used to assess agreement between mLBW and eLBW. The mean mLBW for all patients was 56 kg (range, 39 - 75 kg). Mean differences and limits of agreement between mLBW and eLBW measurements for the upper abdomen, mid abdomen and pelvis reported were -8.9 kg (-25.6 kg, +7.5 kg), -10.6 kg (-27.7 kg, +6.4 kg), and +0.5 kg (-12.8 kg, +13.8 kg) respectively. eLBW deriving directly from a transverse CT image of the pelvis can accurately predict mLBW.
文摘Aim:Safety and efficacy evidence of drug-eluting-microspheres trans-arterial chemoembolization(DEM-TACE)in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is lacking.The aim of this retrospective study was to report the safety and efficacy of DEM-TACE procedures performed with microspheres smaller than 300μm in patients with HCC and TIPS in a high-volume transplant center.Methods:Embolization was standardized by initiating DEM-TACE with microspheres smaller than 100μm,and if stasis was not achieved,adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200μm microspheres was administered.With regards to efficacy,the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months.Reporting the safety profile,detailed laboratory analysis was performed before,at 36-48 h,and 30-60 days after the procedure.Adverse events(AEs)were recorded;post-embolic syndrome was defined as the onset of fever/nausea/pain after the procedure.Late onset hepatobiliary complications were evaluated by follow-up imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance(CT/MR).Results:From December 2007 to November 2020,17 HCC patients(25 HCC nodules)with patent TIPS underwent 20 DEM-TACE.Embolization was performed only with microspheres smaller than 100μm in 3/20 DEM-TACE(15%);adjunctive embolization with 100-300 or 200μm microspheres was required in 17/20 DEMTACE(85%).Reported early AEs were post-embolic syndrome(9/20;45%)all of grade 1-2,late AEs were asymptomatic acute liver bile duct injury(2/20;10%),and in one case we observed hepatic abscess(1/20;5%)resulting in death due to sepsis.With regards to efficacy,the oncological response was evaluated and categorized according to mRECIST criteria.Complete response(CR)at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months was 52%,50%,50%,and 50%,respectively.Objective response(CR+partial response)at 1,3-6,9-12,and 15-18 months was 95%,71%,70%,and 50%,respectively.Conclusion:DEM-TACE with drug-eluting-microspheres smaller than 300μm can be performed in appropriately selected patients with TIPS.
