Introduction
Cirrhosis is the main risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common primary liver malignancy. Ultrasound has been recommended as the primary imaging screening examination for HCC, as it is widely available, cheap, and has no radiation exposure but it lacks standardization. Therefore, The American College of Radiology developed the Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (US LI-RADS) algorithm.
Aim of the work
The aim of this study was to provide a standardized system for ultrasound imaging, interpretation, reporting, and data collection for categorization of cirrhotic patients.
Methods
Our study included 250 patients with post hepatic cirrhosis, referred to the ultrasound unit of Radiology Department of Alexandria University Hospitals. A systemic ultrasound scan was done according to ACR parameters.
Patients were categorized according to the ultrasound category into; category US-1 given to patients with no observations or with definitely benign observations, category US-2 given to patients with observations less than 1 cm, and category US-3 given to patients with observation more than 1 cm, areas of parenchymal heterogeneity or thrombus in vein. Patients with category US-3 underwent further contrast enhanced study.
Patients were given visualization score as follows; VIS- A given to patients with no limitations, VIS- B given to patients with moderate limitations, and VIS-C given to patients with severe limitations.