An evaluation of the sensitivity of MRI at detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients utilizing an explant reference standard.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRIs performed within 120 days of transplant, and pathology, were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 87 patients included in the final analysis, 58 had HCC at explant (106 total HCCs). The per-patient and per-lesion sensitivity was 74.1% (43/58) and 81.1% (86/106), respectively. The sensitivity based on size <1cm, 1-2 cm, and >2 cm was 80.0% (28/35), 77.2% (44/57), and 100% (14/14). CONCLUSION: MRI accurately detects HCC, including HCCs <2 cm. In our study population, the imaging disease staging was concordant with pathological staging in 80% of patients.