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Candita G, Rossi S, Cwiklinska K, Fanni SC, Cioni D, Lencioni R, Neri E. Imaging Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A State-of-the-Art Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040625. [PMID: 36832113 PMCID: PMC9955560 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains not only a cause of a considerable part of oncologic mortality, but also a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Early detection of the disease and consequential adequate therapy are imperative to increase patients' quality of life and survival. Imaging plays, therefore, a crucial role in the surveillance of patients at risk, the detection and diagnosis of HCC nodules, as well as in the follow-up post-treatment. The unique imaging characteristics of HCC lesions, deriving mainly from the assessment of their vascularity on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) or contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), allow for a more accurate, noninvasive diagnosis and staging. The role of imaging in the management of HCC has further expanded beyond the plain confirmation of a suspected diagnosis due to the introduction of ultrasound and hepatobiliary MRI contrast agents, which allow for the detection of hepatocarcinogenesis even at an early stage. Moreover, the recent technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology contribute an important tool for the diagnostic prediction, prognosis and evaluation of treatment response in the clinical course of the disease. This review presents current imaging modalities and their central role in the management of patients at risk and with HCC.
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Voss BA, Khandelwal A, Wells ML, Inoue A, Venkatesh SK, Lee YS, Johnson MP, Fletcher JG. Impact of dual-energy 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images on radiologist confidence in detection of key imaging findings of small hepatocellular carcinomas using multiphase liver CT. Acta Radiol 2021; 63:1443-1452. [PMID: 34723681 DOI: 10.1177/02841851211052993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual-energy virtual monoenergetic images can increase iodine signal, potentially increasing the conspicuity of hepatic masses. PURPOSE To determine if dual-energy 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images improve visualization of key imaging findings or diagnostic confidence for small (≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with chronic liver disease underwent multiphase dual-energy CT imaging for HCC, with late arterial and delayed phase dual-energy 50-keV images reconstructed. Two non-reader subspecialized gastrointestinal (GI) radiologists established the reference standard, determining the location and diagnosis of all hepatic lesions using predetermined criteria. Three GI radiologists interpreted mixed kV CT images without or with dual-energy 50-keV images. Radiologists identified potential HCCs and rated their confidence (0-100 scales) in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, tumor washout, and LI-RADS 5 (2018) category. RESULTS In total, 45 patients (14 women; mean age = 59.5 ± 10.9 years) with chronic liver disease were included. Of them, 19 patients had 25 HCCs ≤2 cm (mean size = 1.5 ± 0.4 cm). There were 17 LI-RADS 3 and 4 lesions and 19 benign lesions. Reader confidence in imaging findings of arterial enhancement, enhancing capsule, and non-peripheral washout significantly increased with dual-energy images (P ≤ 0.022). Overall confidence in HCC diagnosis increased significantly with dual-energy 50-keV images (52.4 vs. 68.8; P = 0.001). Dual-energy images demonstrated a slight but significant decrease in overall image quality. CONCLUSION Radiologist confidence in key imaging features of small HCCs and confidence in imaging diagnosis increases with use of dual-energy 50-keV images at multiphase, contrast-enhanced liver CT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Akitoshi Inoue
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Yong S Lee
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Matthew P Johnson
- Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Computed Tomography Techniques, Protocols, Advancements, and Future Directions in Liver Diseases. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:305-320. [PMID: 34243919 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is often performed as the initial imaging study for the workup of patients with known or suspected liver disease. Our article reviews liver CT techniques and protocols in clinical practice along with updates on relevant CT advances, including wide-detector CT, radiation dose optimization, and multienergy scanning, that have already shown clinical impact. Particular emphasis is placed on optimizing the late arterial phase of enhancement, which is critical to evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma. We also discuss emerging techniques that may soon influence clinical care.
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Wang F, Numata K, Chuma M, Miwa H, Moriya S, Ogushi K, Okada M, Otani M, Inayama Y, Maeda S. A study on the inconsistency of arterial phase hypervascularity detection between contrast-enhanced ultrasound using sonazoid and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2021; 48:215-224. [PMID: 33721130 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-021-01086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE By analyzing possible factors contributing to imaging misevaluation of arterial phase (AP) vascularity, we aimed to provide a more proper way to detect AP hypervascularity of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) using the noninvasive imaging modalities magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS We retrospectively recruited 164 pathologically confirmed HCC lesions from 128 patients. Using CEUS with Sonazoid (SCEUS) and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid MRI (EOB-MRI), AP vascularity of the lesions was evaluated and inconsistencies in interpretation were examined. Indicators of margin, echogenicity, and halo and mosaic signs of lesions on grayscale US; depth of lesions on SCEUS; and tumoral homogeneity, signal contrast ratio of lesions to the surrounding area on precontrast and AP images on EOB-MRI, and histological grade were investigated. RESULTS When precontrast images were used to adjust the AP enhancement ratio, the proportion of inconsistent interpretations of AP vascularity declined from 26.2% (43/164; 29 non-hypervascularity instances using EOB-MRI and 14 using SCEUS) to 16.5% (27/164; 7 using EOB-MRI and 20 using SCEUS). Greater lesion depth (P = 0.017), ill-defined tumoral margin (P = 0.028), absence of halo sign (P = 0.034), and histologically early HCC (P = 0.007) on SCEUS, and small size (P = 0.012) and heterogeneity (P = 0.013) of lesions and slight enhancement (low AP enhancement ratio) (P = 0.018 and 0.009 before and after adjustment) on EOB-MRI, may relate to undetectable hypervascularity. CONCLUSIONS SCEUS and EOB-MRI may show discrepancies in evaluating AP vascularity in the case of deep, ill-defined, heterogeneous, slightly enhanced lesions, and histologically early HCCs. We recommend adjusting AP with precontrast images in EOB-MRI, and combining both modalities to detect hypervascularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiqian Wang
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan.,Ultrasound Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kazushi Numata
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan.
| | - Makoto Chuma
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Haruo Miwa
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Satoshi Moriya
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Ogushi
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Masahiro Okada
- Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Masako Otani
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Inayama
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan
| | - Shin Maeda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
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Dynamic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model Within a Liver Phantom for Multimodality Imaging. Eur J Radiol Open 2020; 7:100257. [PMID: 32944594 PMCID: PMC7481524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2020.100257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancer in the world, and the effectiveness of its treatment lies in its detection in its early stages. The aim of this study is to mimic HCC dynamically through a liver phantom and apply it in multimodality medical imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound. Methods and materials The phantom is fabricated with two main parts, liver parenchyma and HCC inserts. The liver parenchyma was fabricated by adding 2.5 wt% of agarose powder combined with 2.6 wt% of wax powder while the basic material for the HCC samples was made from polyurethane solution combined with 5 wt% glycerol. Three HCC samples were inserted into the parenchyma by using three cylinders implanted inside the liver parenchyma. An automatic injector is attached to the input side of the cylinders and a suction device connected to the output side of the cylinders. After the phantom was prepared, the contrast materials were injected into the phantom and imaged using MRI, CT, and ultrasound. Results Both HCC samples and liver parenchyma were clearly distinguished using the three imaging modalities: MRI, CT, and ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound was also applied through the HCC samples and the flow pattern was observed through the samples. Conclusion A multimodal dynamic liver phantom, with HCC tumor models have been fabricated. This phantom helps to improve and develop different methods for detecting HCC in its early stages.
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Kim M, Kang TW, Cha DI, Jang KM, Kim YK, Kim SH, Sinn DH, Kim K. Identification of Arterial Hyperenhancement in CT and MRI in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Value of Unenhanced Images. Korean J Radiol 2019; 20:236-245. [PMID: 30672163 PMCID: PMC6342759 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2018.0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective According to the current guidelines, arterial hyperenhancement for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is determined using the arterial phase only. We investigated the optimal definition of arterial hyperenhancement in patients with HCC using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. The requirement for informed consent was waived. Between January 2011 and September 2013, 147 consecutive patients with surgically proven HCCs with both pre-operative CT and MRI were included. Identification rates of arterial hyperenhancement on CT and magnetic resonance (MR) images using arterial phase only, dual phase (unenhanced and arterial phases), and also subtraction MR images were assessed qualitatively. Results The identification rates for arterial hyperenhancement on CT were significantly different between arterial phase and dual phase (72.8% vs. 90.5%; p < 0.001), whereas the rates were similar on MRI (91.8% vs. 93.9%; p = 0.257). The identification rate of arterial hyperenhancement in MRI increased to 98.6% using subtraction MR images. Conclusion Visual comparison of arterial and unenhanced phases could be recommended instead of conventional qualitative arterial phase alone assessment to determine arterial hyperenhancement of HCCs, especially when using CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University Medical Center, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Wook Kang
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Dong Ik Cha
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Mi Jang
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Kon Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyunga Kim
- Statistics and Data Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Sadigh G, Nandwana SB, Moreno C, Cox KL, Baumgarten DA, Switchenko J, Easter T, Applegate KE. Assessment of Added Value of Noncontrast to Contrast-Enhanced Abdominal Computed Tomography Scan for Characterization of Hypervascular Liver Metastases. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2016; 45:373-379. [PMID: 27397022 PMCID: PMC5655799 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Assess the added value of nonenhanced computed tomography (NECT) to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) of the abdomen for characterization of hypervascular liver metastases and incidental findings. Institutional review board approved, Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act compliant, retrospective study of patients with melanoma, neuroendocrine tumor, or thyroid cancer. First available triphasic abdomen CT after initial diagnosis was reviewed by 3 radiologists. The 3 most suspicious lesions were characterized on the CECT as benign or malignant and then recharacterized after reviewing the NECT with CECT. Incidental renal and adrenal lesions were characterized similarly. Diagnostic performance of CECT vs its combination with NECT was assessed. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. A total of 81 patients were included (mean age = 55 years; 52% male; 64% with liver lesions; 27% and 11% with incidental renal and adrenal lesions, respectively). Percentage area under the curve and 95% CI of CECT vs combination with NECT for characterization of liver metastases was 98(94-100) vs 99(96-100) for reviewer 1 (P = 0.35), 93(86-100) vs 94(87-100) for reviewer 2 (P = 0.23), and 96(90-100) vs 99(97-100) for reviewer 3 (P = 0.32). Mean difference in area under the curve and 95% CI between 2 protocols for characterization of liver, renal, and adrenal lesions were -0.007(-0.05 to 0.04) (P = 0.63), -0.09(-0.25 to 0.07) (P = 0.22), and -0.01(-0.05 to 0.02) (P = 0.27), respectively. After addition of NECT, confidence level for lesion characterization increased 4%-15% for liver metastases, 18%-59% and 33%-67% for renal and adrenal lesions, respectively. In conclusion, while addition of NECT to CECT improved radiologist' confidence, there was no statistically significant change in characterization of hypervascular liver metastases or incidental renal and adrenal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Sadigh
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Sadhna B Nandwana
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Courtney Moreno
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kelly L Cox
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Deborah A Baumgarten
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeffrey Switchenko
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tiffany Easter
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kimberly E Applegate
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
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Hennedige T, Venkatesh SK. Advances in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:205-220. [PMID: 26755871 PMCID: PMC4698486 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Imaging is important for establishing a diagnosis of HCC and early diagnosis is imperative as several potentially curative treatments are available when HCC is small. Hepatocarcinogenesis occurs in a stepwise manner on a background of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis wherein multiple genes are altered resulting in a range of cirrhosis-associated nodules. This progression is related to increased cellularity, neovascularity and size of the nodule. An understanding of the stepwise progression may aid in early diagnosis. Dynamic and multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging still form the cornerstone in the diagnosis of HCC. An overview of the current diagnostic standards of HCC in accordance to the more common practicing guidelines and their differences will be reviewed. Ancillary features contribute to diagnostic confidence and has been incorporated into the more recent Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System. The use of hepatocyte-specific contrast agents is increasing and gradually changing the standard of diagnosis of HCC; the most significant benefit being the lack of uptake in the hepatocyte phase in the earlier stages of HCC progression. An outline of supplementary techniques in the imaging of HCC will also be reviewed.
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Saake M, Lell MM, Eller A, Wuest W, Heinz M, Uder M, Schmid A. Imaging Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Dynamic CT Before and After Transarterial Chemoembolization: Optimal Scan Timing of Arterial Phase. Acad Radiol 2015; 22:1516-21. [PMID: 26411380 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the optimal arterial phase delay for computed tomography imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a low iodine dose protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 39 patients with known HCC were imaged with dynamic computed tomography of the liver (40-second scan duration, 60 mL of contrast medium), both on the same day before TACE and 1 day after TACE. Time attenuation curves of vessels, nonmalignant liver parenchyma, and 62 HCCs were normalized to a uniform aortic contrast arrival and analyzed. RESULTS Maximal arterial phase HCC to liver contrast was reached between 13 and 17 seconds after aortic contrast arrival, both before and after TACE. CONCLUSIONS Using our low iodine dose protocol, arterial phase imaging of HCC should be performed between 13 and 17 seconds after aortic contrast arrival, both before and after TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Saake
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Michael M Lell
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Achim Eller
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wuest
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Heinz
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Uder
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Axel Schmid
- Department of Radiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
GI cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that differ in their biologic and physical behaviors depending on the organ of origin, location within the organ, and degree of differentiation. As a result, evaluation of these tumors is complex, requiring integration of information from a patient's clinical history, physical examination, laboratory data, and imaging. With advances in anatomic and functional imaging techniques, we now have tools for assessing patients with these tumors at diagnosis, staging, and treatment assessment. It is difficult for a single imaging modality to provide all the necessary information for a given GI tumor. However, well-chosen combinations of available imaging modalities based on the indications, strength, and limitations of the modalities will provide optimal evaluation of patients with these malignancies.
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