Repeating Ultrasound for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detection in Case of Inadequate Liver Visualization: A Matter of Expertise

Nahon, Pierre; Ronot, Maxime

doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2021.07.044

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Indeed, nearly one-third of patients were screened by means of liver CT scan or MRI, probably because of inadequate US visualization, given the high rates of excessive alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in this population (Tables 1 and 2). This finding is in line with a recent quality assessment study conducted in the United States, which reported that only 66.5% of US examinations performed in the setting of HCC surveillance programs could be considered “definitely adequate,” 28 usually leading physicians in charge of patients to switch to an alternative surveillance modality such as sectional imaging techniques, usually less impacted by the patient status or morphotype 29 . As these more sensitive (and expensive) techniques aimed at improving early HCC detection are under investigation, 30 the results from randomized trials will be critical to evaluating potential challenges and harms raised by overdetection of benign liver lesions.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…This finding is in line with a recent quality assessment study conducted in the United States, which reported that only 66.5% of US examinations performed in the setting of HCC surveillance programs could be considered "definitely adequate," [28] usually leading physicians in charge of patients to switch to an alternative surveillance modality such as sectional imaging techniques, usually less impacted by the patient status or morphotype. [29] As these more sensitive (and expensive) techniques aimed at improving early HCC detection are under investigation, [30] the results from randomized trials will be critical to evaluating potential challenges and harms raised by overdetection of benign liver lesions. Indeed, implementing abbreviated MRI protocols could lead to more recall examinations, follow-up and biopsies, falsepositive results, and possible overtreatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The clinical and financial burden of nonhepatocellular carcinoma focal lesions detected during the surveillance of patients with cirrhosis

Nahon,

Layese,

Ganne-Carrié

et al. 2023

Hepatology

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Background and Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is challenged by the detection of hepatic focal lesions (HFLs) of other types. This study aimed to describe the incidence, characteristics, outcomes and costs of non-HCC HFL detected during surveillance. Approach and Results: We retrospectively analyzed non-standardized workup performed in French patients included in HCC surveillance programs recruited in 57 French tertiary centres (ANRS CirVir and CIRRAL cohorts, HCC 2000 trial). The overall cost of workup was evaluated, with an estimation of an average cost per patient for the entire population and per lesion detected. A total of 3295 patients were followed up for 59.8 months, 391 (11.9%) patients developed HCCs (5-year incidence: 12.1%), and 633 (19.2%) developed non-HCC HFLs (5-year incidence: 21.8%). Characterization of non-HCC HFL required a median additional of 0.7 exams per year. A total of 11.8% of non-HCC HFLs were not confirmed on recall procedures, and 19.6% of non-HCC HFLs remained undetermined. A definite diagnosis of benign liver lesions was made in 65.1%, malignant tumours were diagnosed in 3.5%. The survival of patients with benign or undetermined non-HCC HFL was similar to that of patients who never developed any HFL (5-year survival 92% vs. 88%, p=0.07). The average cost of the diagnostic workup was 1,087€ for non-HCC HFL and €1,572 for HCC. Conclusions: Non-HCC HFL are frequently detected in patients with cirrhosis, do not impact prognosis but trigger substantial costs. This burden must be considered in cost-effectiveness analyses of future personalized surveillance strategies.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%