Performing liver imaging at a high level: quality and adequacy in LI-RADS.

Imaging is critical to HCC management, including surveillance, diagnosis, staging, and treatment response assessment, which requires it be performed consistently at a high level. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was developed to standardize the acquisition, interpretation, and reporting of liver imaging, but until now, has not addressed the essential component of exam quality and adequacy. In this manuscript, we discuss the concepts of quality and adequacy and their clinical significance in the setting of HCC diagnostic imaging and treatment response assessment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: 2024 Update.

This document summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in five clinical scenarios in patients with suspected or known nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). These clinical scenarios include suspected nonvariceal UGIB without endoscopy performed; endoscopically confirmed nonvariceal UGIB with clear source but treatment not possible or continued bleeding after endoscopic treatment; endoscopically confirmed nonvariceal UGIB without a confirmed source; suspected nonvariceal UGIB with negative endoscopy; and postsurgical or post-traumatic nonvariceal UGIB when endoscopy is contraindicated. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of nonvariceal UGIB.

Lessons learned: strategies for implementing and the ongoing use of LI-RADS in your practice.

The establishment of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) in 2011 provided a comprehensive approach to standardized imaging, interpretation, and reporting of liver observations in patients diagnosed with or at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Each set of algorithms provides criteria pertinent to the various components of HCC management including surveillance, diagnosis, staging, and treatment response supported by a detailed lexicon of terms applicable to a wide range of liver imaging scenarios. Before its widespread adoption, the variability in the terminology of diagnostic criteria and definitions of imaging features led to significant challenges in patient management and made it difficult to replicate findings or apply them consistently.

Reliability of CT Enterography for Describing Fibrostenosing Crohn Disease.

Background Standardized methods to measure and describe Crohn disease strictures at CT enterography are needed to guide clinical decision making and for use in therapeutic studies. Purpose To assess the reliability of CT enterography features to describe Crohn disease strictures and their correlation with stricture severity. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 43 adult patients with symptomatic terminal ileal Crohn disease strictures who underwent standard-of-care CT enterography at a tertiary care center at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2008 and August 2016.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Left Lower Quadrant Pain: 2023 Update.

The differential diagnosis for left lower quadrant pain is wide and conditions range from the benign and self-limited to life-threatening surgical emergencies. Along with patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, imaging is often critical to limit the differential diagnosis and identify life-threatening abnormalities. This document will discuss the guidelines for the appropriate use of imaging in the initial workup for patients who present with left lower quadrant pain, patients with suspected diverticulitis, and patients with suspected complications from diverticulitis.

LI-RADS: Looking Back, Looking Forward.

Since its initial release in 2011, the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) has evolved and expanded in scope. It started as a single algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis with CT or MRI with extracellular contrast agents and has grown into a multialgorithm network covering all major liver imaging modalities and contexts of use. Furthermore, it has developed its own lexicon, report templates, and supplementary materials.

MRI of the ileal pouch.

Ileal pouch surgery is the surgical gold standard treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). However, ileal pouch surgery is a technically challenging procedure and is associated with high morbidity. Clinical presentations of pouch complications are often nonspecific but imaging can identify many of these complications and is essential in clinical management.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Lower Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update.

This document focuses on imaging in the adult and pregnant populations with right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain, including patients with fever and leukocytosis. Appendicitis remains the most common surgical pathology responsible for RLQ abdominal pain in the United States. Other causes of RLQ pain include right colonic diverticulitis, ureteral stone, and infectious enterocolitis.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Hernia.

Abdominopelvic hernias are common clinical entities composed of a wide variety of congenital, traumatic, and iatrogenic etiologies. Any weakness in the body wall may result in hernia of cavity contents with concomitant risks of morbidity and mortality. Presentations may be specific, palpable body wall mass/bulge, or vague, nonspecific pain through bowel obstruction.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging of Colorectal Cancer: 2021 Update.

Preoperative imaging of rectal carcinoma involves accurate assessment of the primary tumor as well as distant metastatic disease. Preoperative imaging of nonrectal colon cancer is most beneficial in identifying distant metastases, regardless of primary T or N stage. Surgical treatment remains the definitive treatment for colon cancer, while organ-sparing approach may be considered in some rectal cancer patients based on imaging obtained before and after neoadjuvant treatment.

Liver imaging: it is time to adopt standardized terminology.

Liver imaging plays a vital role in the management of patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, progress in the field is challenged by nonuniform and inconsistent terminology in the published literature. The Steering Committee of the American College of Radiology (ACR)'s Liver Imaging Reporting And Data System (LI-RADS), in conjunction with the LI-RADS Lexicon Writing Group and the LI-RADS International Working Group, present this consensus document to establish a single universal liver imaging lexicon. The lexicon is intended for use in research, education, and clinical care of patients at risk for HCC (i.

Responsiveness of Magnetic Resonance Enterography Indices for Evaluation of Luminal Disease Activity in Crohn's Disease.

Background & Aims: Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is having an increasing role in Crohn's disease; however, fully validated indices are needed. We evaluated the responsiveness of 4 MRE indices in luminal Crohn's disease.

Methods: Paired MRE images (pretreatment and post-treatment at weeks 12 or 14) from 41 patients were scored by 3 blinded radiologists.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Anorectal Disease.

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in 4 clinical scenarios in patients with suspected inflammatory disease or postoperative complication of the anorectum. These clinical scenarios include suspected perianal fistula or abscess; rectovesicular or rectovaginal fistula; proctitis or pouchitis; and suspected complication following proctectomy, coloproctectomy, or colectomy with a pouch or other anastomosis. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of anorectal disease.

Incidental Liver Findings on Cross-sectional Imaging.

Hepatic incidental findings often are seen on cross-sectional imaging examinations of the chest, spine, pelvis, or other nondedicated hepatic imaging. Radiologists are tasked with appropriately triaging, which requires further evaluation, even in the setting of an otherwise limited evaluation. This article reviews common benign entities encountered on ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, along with their characteristic imaging features.

MRI of Perianal Crohn Disease: Technique and Interpretation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the imaging method of choice for evaluation of perianal fistulizing disease. As treatment of Crohn disease and associated perianal fistulas has evolved to include a combination of systemic treatments and surgical interventions, perianal MRI provides critical information to guide treatment selection and timing. Radiologists need to be familiar with the normal regional anatomy to accurately describe perianal fistulas and any associated complications which can then be used to classify fistulas based on several available classification systems.

Deep convolutional neural network applied to the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) version 2014 category classification: a pilot study.

Purpose: To develop a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model to categorize multiphase CT and MRI liver observations using the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) (version 2014).

Methods: A pre-existing dataset comprising 314 hepatic observations (163 CT, 151 MRI) with corresponding diameters and LI-RADS categories (LR-1-5) assigned in consensus by two LI-RADS steering committee members was used to develop two CNNs: pre-trained network with an input of triple-phase images (training with transfer learning) and custom-made network with an input of quadruple-phase images (training from scratch). The dataset was randomly split into training, validation, and internal test sets (70:15:15 split).

Development and Validation of a Magnetic Resonance Index for Assessing Fistulas in Patients With Crohn's Disease.

Background & Aims: There is no validated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) index for assessment of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We developed and internally validated a new instrument.

Methods: We used paired baseline and week-24 MRI scans from 160 participants in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of stem cell therapy for patients with perianal fistulizing CD.

Image Annotation by Eye Tracking: Accuracy and Precision of Centerlines of Obstructed Small-Bowel Segments Placed Using Eye Trackers.

Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common and important disease, for which machine learning tools have yet to be developed. Image annotation is a critical first step for development of such tools. This study assesses whether image annotation by eye tracking is sufficiently accurate and precise to serve as a first step in the development of machine learning tools for detection of SBO on CT.

Pitfalls in liver MRI: Technical approach to avoiding misdiagnosis and improving image quality.

The following is an illustrative review of common pitfalls in liver MRI that may challenge interpretation. This article reviews common technical and diagnostic challenges encountered when interpreting dynamic multiphasic T -weighted imaging, hepatobiliary phase imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver. Additionally, each section includes suggestions for avoiding diagnostic and technical errors.

LI-RADS 2017: An update.

Unlabelled: The computed tomography / magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) Liver Imaging Reporting & Data System (LI-RADS) is a standardized system for diagnostic imaging terminology, technique, interpretation, and reporting in patients with or at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using diagnostic algorithms and tables, the system assigns to liver observations category codes reflecting the relative probability of HCC or other malignancies. This review article provides an overview of the 2017 version of CT/MRI LI-RADS with a focus on MRI.

Reliability of Measuring Ileo-Colonic Disease Activity in Crohn's Disease by Magnetic Resonance Enterography.

Background: Magnetic resonance enterography is increasingly utilized for assessment of luminal Crohn's disease activity. The Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity and the London Index are the most commonly used outcome measures in clinical trials. We assessed the reliability of these indices and several additional items.

Hepatocarcinogenesis and LI-RADS.

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multi-step process characterized by progressive cellular and molecular dedifferentiation of hepatocytes and culminating in the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Knowledge of hepatocarcinogenesis is important because familiarity with the associated imaging features can lead to improved diagnosis of HCC at its early stages. The article reviews the alterations that accumulate leading to HCC result in abnormal imaging features, many of which are included in LI-RADS v2017 as major and ancillary features.

Interreader Reliability of LI-RADS Version 2014 Algorithm and Imaging Features for Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Large International Multireader Study.

Purpose To determine in a large multicenter multireader setting the interreader reliability of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2014 categories, the major imaging features seen with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and the potential effect of reader demographics on agreement with a preselected nonconsecutive image set. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained, and patient consent was waived for this retrospective study. Ten image sets, comprising 38-40 unique studies (equal number of CT and MR imaging studies, uniformly distributed LI-RADS categories), were randomly allocated to readers.