Do Risk Factors for HCC Impact the Association of CT/MRI LIRADS Major Features With HCC? An Individual Participant...

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Guidelines suggest Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) applicability may vary in certain hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk populations.
• Limited data exist on the association between HCC risk factors and LI-RADS major features.
• This study addresses the gap by evaluating these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the association between HCC risk factors and CT/MRI LI-RADS major features differs among individuals at risk for HCC.
• To provide evidence for the universal application of LI-RADS in at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus) from 2014-2022.
• Individual participant data (IPD) meta-regression analysis of 23 studies (2958 patients).
• Assessment of interactions between LI-RADS major features and HCC risk factors (age, sex, cirrhosis, HBV).

Main Results:

• The association between LI-RADS major features and HCC was consistent across various HCC risk factors.
• P-values ranged from 0.09 to 0.99, indicating no significant differences.
• Sensitivity analysis of low-bias studies confirmed primary findings.

Conclusions:

• CT/MRI LI-RADS major features' association with HCC risk factors does not significantly differ in at-risk individuals.
• CT/MR LI-RADS should be applied to all patients deemed at risk by the system, without modification.
• Findings support the standardized use of LI-RADS for HCC risk assessment.