Hepatocellular uptake index obtained with gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment future liver remnant function after major hepatectomy for biliary malignancy

Background: Functional assessment of the future liver remnant (FLR) after major hepatectomy is essential but often difficult in patients with biliary malignancy, owing to obstructive jaundice and portal vein embolization. This study evaluated whether a novel index using gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) could predict posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major hepatectomy for biliary malignancy. Methods: The remnant hepatocellular uptake index (rHUI) was calculated in patients undergoing EOB-MRI before major hepatectomy for biliary malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate the accuracy of rHUI for predicting PHLF grade B or C, according to International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria. Multivariable logistic regression analyses comprised stepwise selection of parameters, including rHUI and other conventional indices. Results: This study included 67 patients. The rHUI accurately predicted PHLF (area under the curve (AUC) 0.896). A cut-off value for rHUI of less than 0.410 predicted all patients who developed grade B or C PHLF. In multivariable analysis, only rHUI was an independent risk factor for grade B or C PHLF (odds ratio 2.0 x 10(3), 95 per cent c.i. 19.6 to 3.8 x 10(7); P< 0.001). In patients who underwent preoperative portal vein embolization, rHUI accurately predicted PHLF (AUC 0.885), whereas other conventional indices, such as the plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green of the FLR and FLR volume, did not. Conclusion: The rHUI is potentially a useful predictor of PHLF after major hepatectomy for biliary malignancy.

Automated summary

The remnant hepatocellular uptake index (rHUI) calculated from EOB-MRI is an accurate predictor of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major hepatectomy for biliary malignancy. In patients who underwent preoperative portal vein embolization, rHUI can accurately predict PHLF, while other conventional indices lack this ability.