A multivariate model based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI using Li-RADS v2018 and other imaging features for preoperative prediction of dual phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC)

Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI effectively differentiates between DPHCC and non-DPHCC.

A retrospective study2 of 427 consecutive HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy analyzed both unenhanced and enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI) using the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018 scoring system to differentiate DPHCC from non-DPHCC. Multivariate logistic regression showed that rim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and targetoid restriction were independent factors for DPHCC positivity (Table 1). The area under the curve (AUC) suggests a high sensitivity and specificity (Fig. 1). Altogether, these data demonstrate that Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI could enable targeted preoperative differentiation of DPHCC and non-DPHCC and guide subsequent treatment selection.

Table 1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for DPHCC

ParameterDPHCCUnivariate analysisMultivariate analysis  
OR (95% CI)POR (95% CI)P
Rim APHEPositive35.891 (13.542–95.124)<0.00124.122 (8.812–66.032)<0.001
Negative1 1 
Targetoid
restriction
Positive12.391 (4.522–33.955)<0.0013.990 (1.171–13.601)<0.027
Negative1 1 

CI, confidence interval; DPHCC, dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma; OR, odds ratio; rim APHE, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement.

Fig. 1. Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI nomogram predicts the receiver operating characteristic curve of DPHC with a sensitivity of 81.01% and a specificity of 89.874% (AUC = 0.862).

Fig. 1. Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI nomogram

Fig. 1. Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI nomogram

AUC, area under the curve; CI, confidence interval.

References:

  1. Liu, Mao-Tong, et al. A multivariate model based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI using Li-RADS v2018 and other imaging features for preoperative prediction of dual phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma. La radiologia medica (2023): 1-14.