Anu Eapen
Akshay D. Baheti
Welcome to Part 2 of the Special Issue of Liver Imaging, of Journal of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (JGAR). This part is specially dedicated to imaging of primary malignant liver neoplasms.
As we know, advances in imaging and a better understanding of liver neoplasms have
contributed toward making an accurate diagnosis on imaging, often obviating the need
for a biopsy.
It goes without saying that a good understanding of the pathogenesis of a tumor is
crucial to understanding its imaging appearance and thus in making the right diagnosis.
In the first article of this issue, Sen et al[1] provide a detailed review of etiopathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and how
this translates into imaging appearances, supplemented by tables and images that would
make easy learning, particularly for the residents.
Liver Imaging Reporting And Data System (LIRADS) has been a means of standardized
and accurate reporting of liver tumors in individuals at risk. A detailed, meticulous
account of LIRADS has been provided by Ganesan et al[2]
[3] with a section on the gray zone in LIRADS that provides clarity on some perceived
“gray” areas in LIRADS reporting.
There has been a definite increase in locoregional therapies offered to patients with
hepatic neoplasms than what was available many years ago. Choudhari et al[4] discuss the various treatment strategies, imaging appearances after treatment with
special focus on LIRADS treatment response assessment and this is an excellent review
of a complex topic.
Biliary neoplasms, particularly gallbladder malignancy and cholangiocarcinoma, are
tumors with dismal prognosis and not uncommon in the Indian setting. Lee and Rajesh
et al[5] have a given a detailed review of these tumors with useful structured reporting
templates for these neoplasms that would facilitate accurate reporting and help decide
operability of these tumors or further management.
Lastly, can we forget the uncommon tumors that often present themselves to remind
us of their existence? Vikram et al[6] have explicitly presented a spectrum of uncommon neoplasms with varied imaging appearances
and have included the pediatric age group neoplasm, hepatoblastoma.
We trust that the Part 1 of the Special Issue of Liver Imaging brought you great satisfaction
and hope that Part 2 on primary malignant liver neoplasms will also provide a great
learning experience.
Sincere thanks to all the authors who contributed to the Special Issue of Liver Imaging
of JGAR.
