Overview
The study will be conducted at the following locations:
- UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Parkland Health and Hospital System
- University of Michigan
Investigators will prospectively compare the performance of dynamic contrast enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for early-stage HCC detection in patients with indeterminate liver nodules.
Description
Investigators will prospectively perform both abbreviated MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in enrolled patients every 3-6 months. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and abbreviated MRI will preferably be done the same day, although will be permitted to be completed within 30 days of each other. Abbreviated MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound will be performed every 3-6 months until HCC development, regression to LR-1 or LR-2 (i.e., definitely or likely benign, respectively), or end of follow-up at 24 months post-enrollment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Child A or B cirrhosis from any etiology with at least one ILN on 4-phase CT, contrast- enhanced MRI, or contrast enhanced US but without HCC at baseline.
- Adults 18 years old and above
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients post liver transplantation
- Patients with concurrent or prior HCC (LR-5 or biopsy proven)
- other liver cancer including cholangiocarcinoma
- Patients with any active extra-hepatic malignancy
- Patients with significant comorbidity and limited life expectancy, e.g., stage D congestive heart failure, in whom surveillance is not warranted are also excluded given unlikely clinical benefit
- Patients with contraindication to contrast-enhanced MRI or CEUS, including implanted medical devices that are considered MR unsafe and severe claustrophobia