Should Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Play a Routine Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Patients with Cirrhosis?
摘要
Patients with cirrhosis are at the highest risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, these patients are the targets of surveillance interventions that aim to improve outcomes by early-stage detection of HCC. The current standard is ultrasound in combination with alpha-fetoprotein but this strategy has limitations. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as a diagnostic tool and for the staging of patients with HCC. In a similar fashion to colonoscopy use as a screening and surveillance tool for colon cancer among the high-risk groups, the question is whether CT and MRI can play a similar role in the surveillance of patients with HCC. In this chapter, we will review the question of the role of CT and MRI in the surveillance of HCC among patients with cirrhosis.