Table 4.
Organ Procurement and Transplantation Networks classification system for nodules seen on images of cirrhotic livers
| OPTN class 0 | |
| Incomplete or technically inadequate study | Repeat study required for adequate assessment; automatic priority MELD points cannot be assigned on basis of an imaging study categorized as OPTN class 0 |
| OPTN class 5 | |
| Meets radiologic criteria for HCC | May qualify for automatic exception, depending on stage |
| Class 5A: ≥ 1 cm and < 2 cm measured on late arterial or portal venous phase images | Increased contrast enhancement in late hepatic arterial phase AND washout during later phases of contrast enhancement AND peripheral rim enhancement (capsule or pseudocapsule) |
| Class 5A-g: Same size as OPTN class 5A HCC | Increased contrast enhancement in late hepatic arterial phase AND growth by 50% or more documented on serial CT or MR images obtained ≤ 6 mo apart |
| Class 5B: Maximum diameter ≥ 2 cm and ≤ 5 cm | Increased contrast enhancement in late hepatic arterial phase AND either washout during later contrast phases OR peripheral rim enhancement (capsule or pseudocapsule) OR growth by 50% or more documented on serial CT or MR images obtained ≤ 6 mo apart (OPTN class 5B-g) |
| Class 5T: Prior regional treatment for HCC | Describes any residual lesion or perfusion defect at site of prior UNOS class 5 lesion |
| Class 5X: Maximum diameter ≥ 5 cm | Increased contrast enhancement in late hepatic arterial phase AND either washout during later contrast phases OR peripheral rim enhancement (capsule or pseudocapsule) |
Adpated from Wald et al[30]. HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; OPTN: Organ Procurement and Transplantation Networks; MELD: Model for End stage Liver Disease; CT: Computed tomography; MR: Magnetic resonance; UNOS: United Network for Organ Sharing.