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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Jiedu Huayu Granules(mainly composed of the Chinese herbal medicines of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba,Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Hedyotis Diffusae Herba,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Curcumae Radix and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma)in the treatment of liver failure(LF)and to observe their effects on endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory response.Methods From May 2022 to May 2024,a total of 102 patients with LF of toxin-heat-stasis stagnation syndrome were collected from Hepatology Department of Yulin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital,and were divided into the control group and the study group by using a table of random numbers,with 51 cases in each group.The two groups were given comprehensive western medicine treatment for inhibiting inflammatory response and protecting liver,regulating intestinal microecology,counteracting viral infection,decreasing transaminase level and treating jaundice.Additionally,the study group was treated with Jiedu Huayu Granules.The course of treatment for the two groups covered eight weeks.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,biochemical indicators,inflammatory factors and endoplasmic reticulum stress indicators.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions of the two groups of patients were compared.Results(1)After eight weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the study group was 86.27%(44/51)and that of the control group was 68.63%(35/51),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores in both groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.01),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum levels of biochemical indicators of total bilirubin(TBIL),total bile acid(TBA),alanine transaminase(ALT),and aspartate transaminase(AST)in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum levels of inflammatory factors of interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),transforming growth factor β(TGF-β),and C-reactive protein(CRP)in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)After treatment,the levels of endoplasmic reticulum response indicators such as glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP),and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease 12(caspase-12)in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the study group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.01).(6)The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was 15.69%(8/51)and that in the control group was 17.65%(9/51),and the comparison between the two groups showed that the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion The combined use of Jiedu Huayu Granules with comprehensive western medicine treatment exerts certain efficacy in treating patients with LF of toxin-heat-stasis stagnation syndrome.The combined therapy is effective on relieving clinical symptoms and improving liver function,and is helpful for relieving endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory response.

Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the evaluation of efficacy of Argon-Helium cryoablation therapy for liver malignancies.Methods A total of 27 patients with 27 lesions of liver malignancies underwent ultrasound-guided Argon-Helium cryoablation therapy.CEUS was used to evaluate the local response and compared with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).Results One month after Argon-Helium cryoablation therapy,21 lesions (77.78%) were diagnosed as complete ablation with CEUS and 22 (81.48%) with CECT.Contrast enhancement within lesions was demonstrated in 6 lesions (22.22%) with CEUS and 5 (18.52%) with CECT.As compared to CECT,the sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive value,and accuracy of CEUS in diagnosing tumor residue 1 month after treatment was 80.00% (4/5),90.91% (20/22),66.67% (4/6),95.24% (20/21),and 88.89% (24/27) .respectively.Conclusion CEUS is an effective alternative for the evaluation of efficacy of Argon-Helium cryoablation in the treatment of liver malignancies.

Objective　To apply high frequency ultrasound to laser treatment of children facial subcutaneous cavernous hemangiomas.Methods　Ten children with facial subcutaneous hemangiomas were treated with Nd:YAG laser, the process was supervised with high frequency ultrasound.Results　Before treatment,tumors showed low and inhomogenous echogenicity with blood flow signal;after treatment,the tumors appeared high and homogenous echogenicity with little or no blood flow signal. Conclusions　The high frequency ultrasound is helpful for laser treatment of facial subcutaneous cavernous hemangiomas in preoperative location and postoperative assessment.

Objective　To evaluate the value of high-freq uency ultrasound for dignosing erythema nodosum(EN).Methods　Twenty-six cases with EN confirmed by biopsy were studi ed by high-frequency ultrasound imaging.Results　Acute type(early,middle,and late stage)had a different s onographic feature when compared to chronic one. Conclusions　High frequency ultrasound has an important clinical value for the diagnosis of grade and degree of EN. The featunes of sonographic i mage in EN are in consistent with the pathological findings, indicating that i t is a new convenient and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of skin lesion s.