Rates and Predictors of Undergoing Different Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening Tests in Patients With Cirrhosis

We aimed to assess rates and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening among patients with cirrhosis.

We reviewed electronic health records of 11,361 patients with cirrhosis from 11 U.S. Veterans Health Administration facilities for receipt of HCC screening in the 6 months preceding October 1, 2019.

Nearly half of the cohort (46%) received HCC screening over a 6-month period. Screening rates and modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, serum alpha fetoprotein) varied by facility. Screening was associated with race/ethnicity, body mass index ≥ 25, cirrhosis etiology, thrombocytopenia, Fibrosis-4 ≥ 3.25, and lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium.

HCC screening rates varied by facility. Higher risk patients were more likely to receive screening.