Contrast Agents for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Imaging: Value and Progression

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the third-highest incidence in cancers and has become one of the leading threats to cancer death. With the research on the etiological reasons for cirrhosis and HCC, early diagnosis has been placed great hope to form a favorable prognosis. Non-invasive medical imaging, including the associated contrast media (CM)-based enhancement scan, is taking charge of early diagnosis as mainstream. Meanwhile, it is notable that various CM with different advantages are playing an important role in the different imaging modalities, or even combined modalities. For both physicians and radiologists, it is necessary to know more about the proper imaging approach, along with the characteristic CM, for HCC diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, a summarized navigating map of CM commonly used in the clinic, along with ongoing work of agent research and potential seeded agents in the future, could be a needed practicable aid for HCC diagnosis and prognosis.

Effect of BMI on image contrast in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced-MRI and its clinical application: a comparative study

“…Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can increase the minute lesion detection rate compared with extracellular contrast agent-enhanced MRI and multiphasic spiral CT, which is mainly achieved by increasing the contrast of images in the hepatobiliary phase (16)(17)(18)(19). The present study showed that all cases had improved in contrast evaluation indicators after contrast agent injection compared with the plain scan, which is consistent with previously reported findings.…”

Effect of body mass index (BMI) on image contrast in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced-MRI and the feasibility of the application of half-dose Gd-EOB-DTPA to hepatobiliary phase imaging in patients with a BMI less than 24: a comparative study

“…Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can increase the minute lesion detection rate compared with extracellular contrast agent-enhanced MRI and multi-slice spiral CT, which is mainly achieved by increasing the contrast of images in the hepatobiliary phase ( 23 - 26 ). The present study showed that all cases had improved in contrast evaluation indices after contrast agent injection compared with the plain scan, which is consistent with previously reported findings.…”

Recent Advances in Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…Recent advancements in imaging technology have also facilitated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to aid in diagnosing and staging HCC. These AI-based approaches leverage machine learning techniques and large datasets to improve the accuracy and efficiency of HCC diagnosis, allowing for earlier detection and intervention [8]. The tumour typically starts as a small nodule and grows during the asymptomatic phase [3].…”