1.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
2.Effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum total immunoglobulin E and specific immunoglobulin E levels and T lymphocyte subsets in children with atopic dermatitis
Xiaohong SUN ; Jianwen SONG ; Zhuotong ZENG ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):961-968
Objective:To analyze the effects of vitamin D supplementation therapy on the levels of serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE (sIgE), as well as T lymphocyte subsets in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 103 children with AD who visited the Dermatology Department of Xi'an Children's Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into an observation group 52 cases and a control group 51 cases according to the treatment methods. Children in both the control group and the observation group received treatment with levocetirizine oral solution, and the observation group additionally received oral treatment with vitamin D drops. The general clinical data and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups of children. The characteristics and differences of serum IgE (total IgE, sIgE of inhaled allergens, sIgE of ingested allergens) and T lymphocyte subsets [regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg cell), helper T lymphocyte 17 (Th17 cell), Th17 cell/Treg cell] before and after treatment were evaluated. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the correlations among the observed indicators.Results:After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 92.3% (48/52) vs. 78.4% (40/51), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum total IgE, sIgE of inhaled allergens and sIgE of ingested allergens in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (174.93 ± 18.78) kU/L vs. (194.04 ± 19.87) kU/L, (93.07 ± 17.52) kU/L vs. (101.38 ± 19.80) kU/L, (74.21 ± 16.11) kU/L vs. (86.20 ± 14.72) kU/L, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the Treg cell in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: (5.46 ± 0.41)% vs. (4.42 ± 0.24)%, while the Th17 cell and Th17 cell/Treg cell were both lower than those in the control group: (1.78 ± 0.30)% vs. (2.26 ± 0.25)%, 0.33 ± 0.06 vs. 0.51 ± 0.06, and the differences were statistically significant ( P< 0.05). Among all the enrolled children, after treatment, the total IgE ( r = - 0.48, P<0.001), sIgE of inhaled allergens ( r = -0.24, P = 0.016) and sIgE of ingested allergens ( r = - 0.32, P = 0.001) were negatively correlated with the Treg cell. The total IgE ( r = 0.38 and 0.50, P<0.001) and sIgE of ingested allergens ( r = 0.24 and 0.32, P = 0.013 and 0.001) were positively correlated with the Th17 cell and the Th17 cell/Treg cell. Conclusions:Vitamin D supplementation therapy can effectively reduce total IgE and sIgE levels in children with AD. Concurrently, it can ameliorate the Th17 cell/Treg cell imbalance, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes and prognosis for these children.
3.Trends of Incidence and Mortality of Malignant Tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019
Junwu JING ; Fuqiang QIN ; Qiang WANG ; Xiaohong WANG ; Zhicai LIU ; Kai HOU ; Xiaodong YU ; Li WANG ; Chang LIU ; Ziru HAO ; Shuzheng LIU ; Qiong CHEN ; Yin LIU
China Cancer 2025;34(5):348-354
[Purpose]To analyze the trends of incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou City of Henan Province from 2010 to 2019.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors of Linzhou cancer registration areas from 2010 to 2019 were collected and evaluated for data quality.The crude incidence/mortality rates and age-standardized incidence/mortality rates by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)were calculated by sex,age and can-cer type.Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC)to analyze the trends from 2010 to 2019.[Results]From 2010 to 2019,the crude incidence of malig-nant tumors in Linzhou City showed an upward trend,with an AAPC of 2.09%(95%CI:0.58%~3.63%),while the ASIRC tended to be stable.The incidence of malignant tumors showed a signifi-cant upward trend in the 15~29 and 60~69 age groups,and a significant downward trend in the 70~79 age group.From 2010 to 2019,the ASIRC of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer in both men and women showed a significant downward trend,while that of lung cancer and prostate cancer increased in men,and the incidences of thyroid cancer,uterus cancer,cervical cancer,lung cancer and breast cancer increased significantly in women.From 2010 to 2019,the crude mortality of malignant tumors in Linzhou showed a significant upward trend,with an AAPC of 1.18%(95%CI:0.88%~1.48%),while ASMRC showed a significant downward trend,with an AAPC of-1.63%(95%CI:-1.86%~-1.40%).The mortality increased in the group aged 80 and above,while the other age groups remained in a downward or stable state.From 2010 to 2019,the ASMRC of stomach cancer and esophageal cancer in both men and women showed a down-ward trend,while those of prostate cancer,and malignant tumors of the lip,oral cavity and pha-ryngeal in men increased,and that of ovarian cancer in women increased significantly.[Conclu-sion]The disease burden of malignant tumors in Linzhou City is still heavy.The incidence of common cancer types such as thyroid cancer,prostate cancer and lung cancer shows a significant-ly increasing trends from 2010 to 2019.
4.Effect of embryo cryostorage duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing FET assisted reproduction
Haixia CHEN ; Tuo KUANG ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaohuan MU ; Yonghuan LYU ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xueru SONG ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):59-66
Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.
5.A case of recurrence early-stage endometrial cancer during pregnancy recieved fertility-preserving retreatment
Jing ZHANG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaohong BAI ; Xueru SONG ; Yingmei WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):623-627
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of recurrence during pregnancy of early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) after fertility-preserving treatment, and literature review was conducted. The patient underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation and three cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer after fertility-preserving treatment, early abortion after the third transfer and meanwhile the recurrence of endometrial cancer was found. Fertility-preserving retreatment was given after multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's fertility intention, ultrasound, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and other examinations. After complete remission, the remaining cryopreserved embryos of the patient were tested for euploidy by preimplantation genetic testing, and the euploid embryo was transferred and delivered at term successfully. Fertility-preserving treatment for patients with EEC need comprehensive management to reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can choose fertility-preserving retreatment under a comprehensive evaluation.
6.Astragaloside IV-pretreated neural stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate brain injury in ischemic stroke rats by inhibiting classical pyroptosis pathway
Chunyue ZUO ; Meng LI ; Xiaofei JING ; Tianci ZHANG ; Xiaohan CHEN ; Shaoze YANG ; Tiangang ZHENG ; Weijuan GAO ; Xiaohong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):277-286
AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which exosomes(EXOs)derived from neural stem cells(NSCs)pretreated with astragaloside IV(ASIV)alleviate brain damage in rats after ischemic stroke.METHODS:Rat NSCs were isolated from fetal rats within 24 h of birth,cultured for 3 d,and subsequently treated with ASIV for additional 5 d.The EXOs from untreated NSCs and ASIV-pretreated NSCs(ASIV-EXOs)were isolated via ultracentrifugation of the cell supernatant.These EXOs were characterized using Western blot to detect specific markers such as CD63,tumor sus-ceptibility gene 101(TSG101)and calnexin.Nanoparticle analysis was employed to determine the size,and the morpholo-gy of the EXOs was observed under electron microscope.Six to eight-week-old SD male rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups:sham group,middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model group,edaravone(EDA)treatment(MCAO/R+EDA)group,EXOs treatement(MCAO/R+EXOs)group and ASIV-EXOs treatment(MCAO/R+ASIV-EXOs)group.Tail vein injections were administered within 2 h following the successful establishment of the MCAO/R model.The Zea Longa method was utilized to evaluate neurological deficits,while the TTC method was employed to assess brain infarc-tion.Pathological changes were examined through HE staining,and TUNEL and caspase-1 immunofluorescence double staining were conducted to detect cellular pyroptosis.Serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 were measured us-ing ELISA,and Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of caspase-1,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),gasdermin D(GSDMD),and IL-18 proteins in the ischemic area of the rat cerebral cortex across all groups.RE-SULTS:The MCAO/R group exhibited significantly higher neurological deficit scores compared to the sham group(P<0.01)and lower scores in the administered groups relative to the MCAO/R group(P<0.05).Cerebral infarction was mark-edly increased in the MCAO/R group compared to the sham group(P<0.01),whereas the infarction area was reduced in the administered groups compared to the MCAO/R group(P<0.05).Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly el-evated in the MCAO/R group versus the sham group(P<0.01)and were lower in the administered groups compared to the MCAO/R group(P<0.01).Moreover,IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the MCAO/R+ASIV-EXOs group were lower than those in the MCAO/R+EXOs group(P<0.05).HE staining revealed pronounced sieve-like infarction foci in the ischemic area of the rat cerebral cortex in MCAO/R group,characterized by disorganized neuronal arrangements,reduced or absent Nys-trom's vesicles,shrunken or fragmented nuclei,and numerous red neurons.In contrast,drug-treated groups exhibited milder pathological changes with clearer neuronal structures and a significant reduction in red neuron counts.Immunofluo-rescence double staining indicated a significant increase in double-positive cells in the MCAO/R group compared to the sham group(P<0.01),with a decrease in double-positive cells in the administered groups relative to the MCAO/R group(P<0.05)and a further reduction in the MCAO/R+ASIV-EXOs group compared to the MCAO/R+EXOs group(P<0.05).The expression levels of caspase-1,NLRP3,ASC,IL-18 and GSDMD proteins in the ischemic region of the rat cerebral cortex were significantly reduced in the administered groups compared to the MCAO/R group(P<0.01),with further re-duction observed in the MCAO/R+ASIV-EXOs group compared to the MCAO/R+EXOs group(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:Exosomes derived from ASIV-pretreated NSCs attenuate brain damage in ischemic stroke rats,potentially through a mechanism involving the inhibition of pyroptosis mediated by the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway.
7.Effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum total immunoglobulin E and specific immunoglobulin E levels and T lymphocyte subsets in children with atopic dermatitis
Xiaohong SUN ; Jianwen SONG ; Zhuotong ZENG ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):961-968
Objective:To analyze the effects of vitamin D supplementation therapy on the levels of serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE (sIgE), as well as T lymphocyte subsets in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 103 children with AD who visited the Dermatology Department of Xi'an Children's Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into an observation group 52 cases and a control group 51 cases according to the treatment methods. Children in both the control group and the observation group received treatment with levocetirizine oral solution, and the observation group additionally received oral treatment with vitamin D drops. The general clinical data and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups of children. The characteristics and differences of serum IgE (total IgE, sIgE of inhaled allergens, sIgE of ingested allergens) and T lymphocyte subsets [regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg cell), helper T lymphocyte 17 (Th17 cell), Th17 cell/Treg cell] before and after treatment were evaluated. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the correlations among the observed indicators.Results:After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 92.3% (48/52) vs. 78.4% (40/51), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum total IgE, sIgE of inhaled allergens and sIgE of ingested allergens in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (174.93 ± 18.78) kU/L vs. (194.04 ± 19.87) kU/L, (93.07 ± 17.52) kU/L vs. (101.38 ± 19.80) kU/L, (74.21 ± 16.11) kU/L vs. (86.20 ± 14.72) kU/L, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the Treg cell in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: (5.46 ± 0.41)% vs. (4.42 ± 0.24)%, while the Th17 cell and Th17 cell/Treg cell were both lower than those in the control group: (1.78 ± 0.30)% vs. (2.26 ± 0.25)%, 0.33 ± 0.06 vs. 0.51 ± 0.06, and the differences were statistically significant ( P< 0.05). Among all the enrolled children, after treatment, the total IgE ( r = - 0.48, P<0.001), sIgE of inhaled allergens ( r = -0.24, P = 0.016) and sIgE of ingested allergens ( r = - 0.32, P = 0.001) were negatively correlated with the Treg cell. The total IgE ( r = 0.38 and 0.50, P<0.001) and sIgE of ingested allergens ( r = 0.24 and 0.32, P = 0.013 and 0.001) were positively correlated with the Th17 cell and the Th17 cell/Treg cell. Conclusions:Vitamin D supplementation therapy can effectively reduce total IgE and sIgE levels in children with AD. Concurrently, it can ameliorate the Th17 cell/Treg cell imbalance, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes and prognosis for these children.
8.Expert consensus on perioperative clinical nursing standards for patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy (2024 edition)
Yan WANG ; Junye TIAN ; Yuan HAN ; Liyun CAO ; Fude ZHOU ; Ruxia WANG ; Yanmeng GUAN ; Dong PANG ; Jingfen JIN ; Yanming DING ; Ting CHEN ; Xiaohong YIN ; Jing HUANG ; Dengyan MA ; Jianying LI ; Chunyue LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2521-2528
To provide scientific guidance and standardization for perioperative clinical nursing practice in patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy, relevant evidence on percutaneous renal biopsy nursing care was systematically retrieved and synthesized through an evidence-based approach. After two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and expert panel discussions, expert consensus on perioperative clinical nursing standards for patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy (hereinafter referred to as the "Consensus") was developed. The Consensus includes three primary themes: preoperative care, intraoperative care, and postoperative care, encompassing 21 secondary themes. It is characterized by scientific rigor, practical applicability, and comprehensiveness, and serves as a valuable reference and guide for clinical nursing professionals across medical institutions.
9.Impact of childhood trauma on internet addiction in medical students: the mediating role of perceived stress
Xiaohong PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Dantong WU ; Yanyin ZHOU ; Yelu LIU ; Yuxiang WANG ; Luoya ZHANG ; Juan DENG ; Yanjie PENG ; Kezhi LIU ; Jing CHEN ; Wei LEI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):267-272
BackgroundWith the rapid development of the networking technologies, internet addiction has increasingly become a serious mental health issue. Previous studies have revealed the link between childhood trauma and internet addiction, while the mediating role of perceived stress in this link is not yet clear. ObjectiveTo investigate the role of medical students' perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction, so as to provide references for the intervention of internet addiction. MethodsFrom February to March 2023, a random sampling technique was used to select 1 232 undergraduate students from the School of Clinical Medical Sciences of Southwest Medical University as research subjects. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were used for assessment. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. The mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction was tested using Model 4 in the SPSS Process 4.1, and Bootstrapping procedure involving 5 000 replicates was employed to confirm the statistical significance. ResultsA total of 1 016 (82.47%) valid completed questionnaires were gathered. The CTQ-SF scores of medical students were positively correlated with PSS scores, IGD scores, and BSMAS scores (r=0.583, 0.474, 0.465, P<0.01). PSS scores were positively correlated with IGD scores and BSMAS scores (r=0.369, 0.479, P<0.01). Childhood trauma in medical students was found to positively predict perceived stress (β=0.191, P<0.01), social media addiction (β=0.160, P<0.01), and internet gaming disorder (β=0.106, P<0.01). Perceived stress played a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet gaming disorder, indirect effect value was 0.018 (95% CI: 0.009~0.027), accounting for 16.98%. Perceived stress also exhibited a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and social media addiction, indirect effect value was 0.063 (95% CI: 0.048~0.079), accounting for 39.38%. ConclusionChildhood trauma in medical students may affect internet gaming disorder and social media addiction through perceived stress. [Funded by 2022 Annual Research Project of Sichuan Applied Psychology Research Center,(number,CSXL-22102)]
10.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

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