Live Peter Predictions Cancers via Enhanced Ultrasound
Live Peter Predictions Cancers, This study aimed to develop a predictive model using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. A retrospective analysis included 88 high-risk patients with ICC and 88 matched high-risk patients with HCC. The study utilized significant CEUS features to construct a scoring system, which was integrated with clinical data to create a diagnostic nomogram. Results demonstrated improved accuracy of the CEUS score and nomogram compared to the CEUS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS), particularly for tumors under 5 cm. The findings underscore the utility of CEUS in clinical decision-making for liver malignancies.
Introduction
Differentiating ICC from HCC is critical as the management and prognosis of these liver cancers differ significantly. Chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis are recognized as major risk factors for both cancers, complicating diagnosis in high-risk populations. While CEUS provides real-time imaging advantages, its role in distinguishing ICC from HCC remains controversial due to overlapping enhancement patterns.
Methods
This retrospective study included 176 patients (88 ICC and 88 HCC) matched using propensity scores for tumor size and nodule number. CEUS features and clinical data were analyzed to develop a predictive model. Patients were divided into training and validation sets for analysis.
Results
Key CEUS features associated with ICC included rim enhancement, early washout, intratumoral veins, and obscure boundaries of non-enhanced areas. The CEUS score demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.953) compared to the LI-RADS model (AUC = 0.742). Additionally, when clinical data were incorporated, the model’s performance was further enhanced. This improvement was particularly evident in tumors smaller than 5 cm. Moreover, the integration of clinical information provided a notable advantage, highlighting the importance of combining imaging features with patient-specific factors for more precise diagnostics. Therefore, the CEUS score with clinical data offers a promising tool for distinguishing intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in high-risk patients.
Conclusion
The CEUS predictive model provides an effective tool for differentiating ICC from HCC in high-risk patients, outperforming traditional LI-RADS criteria. It holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes through more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
