Data-Driven Modification of the LI-RADS Major Feature System on Gadoxetate Disodium-Enhanced MRI: Toward Better Sensitivity and Simplicity

Abstract

Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is widely accepted as a reliable diagnostic scheme for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in at-risk patients. However, its application is hampered by substantial complexity and suboptimal diagnostic sensitivity.

Purpose: To propose data-driven modifications to the LI-RADS version 2018 (v2018) major feature system (rLI-RADS) on gadoxetate disodium (EOB)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve sensitivity and simplicity while maintaining high positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting HCC.

Study type: Retrospective.

Population: Two hundred and twenty-four consecutive at-risk patients (training dataset: 169, independent testing dataset: 55) with 742 LR-3 to LR-5 liver observations (HCC: N = 498 [67%]) were analyzed from a prospective observational registry collected between July 2015 and September 2018.

Field strength/sequence: 3.0 T/T2-weighted fast spin-echo, diffusion-weighted spin-echo based echo-planar and three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted gradient echo sequences.

Assessment: All images were evaluated by three independent abdominal radiologists who were blinded to all clinical, pathological, and follow-up information. Composite reference standards of either histopathology or imaging follow-up were used.

Statistical tests: In the training dataset, LI-RADS v2018 major features were used to develop rLI-RADS based on their associated PPV for HCC. In an independent testing set, diagnostic performances of LI-RADS v2018 and rLI-RADS were computed using a generalized estimating equation model and compared with McNemar's test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The median (interquartile range) size of liver observations was 13 mm (7-27 mm). The diagnostic table for rLI-RADS encompassed 9 cells, as opposed to 16 cells for LI-RADS v2018. In the testing set, compared to LI-RADS v2018, rLI-RADS category 5 demonstrated a significantly superior sensitivity (76% vs. 61%) while maintaining comparably high PPV (92.5% vs. 94.1%, P = 0.126).

Data conclusion: Compared with LI-RADS v2018, rLI-RADS demonstrated improved simplicity and significantly superior diagnostic sensitivity for HCC in at-risk patients.

Level of evidence: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Keywords: Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System; MRI; diagnosis; gadoxetate disodium; hepatocellular carcinoma.