Abbreviated liver MRI (AMRI) as a surveillance method for hepatocellular carcinoma in high risk patients

Motivation: The low sensitivity of liver ultrasound precludes the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, which led to an increased interest in abbreviated liver mri as an alternative diagnostic toolGoal(s): The goal of this research study was to assess the diagnostic performance of abbreviated liver MRI for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomaApproach: This study is a literature review, in which the latest available literature relevant to the topic was assessed with the intent of answering the research questionResults: Liver AMRI shows higher sensitivity than ultrasound for diagnosis of HCC and its diagnostic performance is comparable to that seen in a conventional protocolImpact: In summary, liver AMRI should be considered as an altertative strategy to ultrasound for HCC surveillance. Future research including prospective studies, cost-effectiveness assessments and a consensus on an ideal AMRI protocol should be carried out.