BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer with rising incidence and mortality worldwide. Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a well-recognized risk factor, but its influence on tumor presentation and clinical outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to compare the clinical course of CCA in patients with and without CLD.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 3,743 patients diagnosed with CCA between 2010 and 2024 across international centers. CLD was defined by documented primary sclerosing cholangitis, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, or other chronic liver disorders; remaining patients were classified as non-CLD. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, treatment, and survival features were compared.
RESULTS
Among the CCA cohort, 993 patients had CLD. Compared with non-CLD patients (n=2,750), those with CLD were more frequently male (67% vs. 53%) and younger (median age 63 vs. 66 years). CLD-CCA patients more often presented with intrahepatic tumors (64% vs. 42%), better performance status (ECOG 0: 53% vs. 35%), lower CA19.9 levels (56 vs. 135 U/mL), and earlier-stage disease (localized: 57% vs. 43%; metastatic: 23% vs. 31%). In propensity score-matched analyses, patients with prior CLD were diagnosed at earlier CCA stages than non-CLD controls. Consequently, curative-intent tumor surgery was performed more frequently in CLD patients (60% vs. 48%), resulting into longer median overall survival (mOS 12.2 vs. 11.1 months; HR 0.88, 95%CI 0.80-0.98) and higher 5-year survival (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.37-2.11), particularly in intrahepatic CCA (mOS: 14.2 vs. 11.1 months; HR 0.77, 95%CI 0.68-0.87; 5-year survival OR 2.19, 95%CI 1.60-3.01). Treatment responses across modalities were comparable between groups.
CONCLUSION
Pre-existing CLD is associated with earlier-stage CCA diagnosis and improved survival, supporting the implementation of structured surveillance strategies in high-risk CLD populations.
IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS
This international multicenter study show that pre-existing CLD is associated with earlier-stage CCA diagnosis, likely due to closer clinical surveillance, greater eligibility for curative-intent surgery, and improved survival. Treatment responses were similar regardless of CLD status. These findings support established surveillance in high-risk groups and highlight the need to optimize strategies for selected moderate-to-high risk CLD populations, alongside prospective evaluation of their clinical utility, cost-effectiveness, and potential refinement through more accurate non-invasive biomarkers.
L. Izquierdo-Sánchez, J. Narbaiza, Julen Martin-Robles et al.· Journal of Hepatology· 0 citations
OBJECTIVE
Ultrasound fusion imaging is a hybrid technique that combines real-time ultrasonography (US) with pre-acquired computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using electromagnetic (EM) tracking to enable precise spatial correlation between modalities. This technology is increasingly used for liver imaging and interventions, especially when conventional B-mode US fails to provide adequate lesion visualization. The aim of this technical review and position statement is to evaluate the technical accuracy (target registration errors) and lesion visibility of ultrasound fusion imaging based on published evidence and expert consensus.
METHODS
This manuscript was designed as the technical component of a two-part World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) position statement. A systematic review was conducted using a PICO framework focused on two core questions: (i) to evaluate EM-tracked fusion target registration errors (PICO T1), and (ii) whether fusion improves visibility of lesions in difficult-to-image liver lesions (PICO T2). Literature from January 2012 to January 2025 was searched across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and IEEE Xplore, with manual citation tracking and AI-assisted query generation. Eligible studies included research on US/CEUS fusion with CT/MRI, reporting technical accuracy and lesion conspicuity.
RESULTS
The technical accuracy of fusion imaging was consistently high, with target registration errors (TRE) of ∼1-3 mm in ideal phantom settings and ∼4-14 mm in clinical studies. Automatic registration methods were faster and similarly accurate as manual registration, possibly reducing operator dependence. Fusion imaging improved the detectability of lesions not visible (occult) on conventional B-mode US, increasing the diagnostic yield and enabling successful interventions (e.g., ablation) in up to 90%-95% of cases. Safety profiles across studies were favorable, with major complication rates generally below 2%. Furthermore, fusion imaging might prove especially beneficial for treating tumors in difficult locations (e.g., caudate lobe, peribiliary lesions).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound fusion imaging significantly enhances the spatial accuracy of liver interventions by aligning real-time US with CT/MRI datasets. It improves interventional procedures guidance and maintains a low complication profile as compared to conventional US alone. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are expected to further optimize image co-registration workflows and clinical outcomes. This technical review supports the broader adoption of fusion imaging as a key tool in liver imaging and intervention.
A. Săftoiu, Caroline Ewertsen, A. Popescu et al.· Ultrasound in Medicine and B...· 0 citations
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
