An evaluation of the sensitivity of MRI at detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients utilizing an explant reference standard

ObjectiveTo evaluate the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsMRIs performed within 120 days of transplant, and pathology, were reviewed.ResultsOf the 87 patients included in the final analysis, 58 had HCC at explant (106 total HCCs). The per-patient and per-lesion sensitivity was 74.1% (43/58) and 81.1% (86/106), respectively. The sensitivity based on size < 1 cm, 1–2 cm, and > 2 cm was 80.0% (28/35), 77.2% (44/57), and 100% (14/14).ConclusionMRI accurately detects HCC, including HCCs < 2 cm. In our study population, the imaging disease staging was concordant with pathological staging in 80% of patients.