A radiomics-based nomogram for the preoperative prediction of posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Objectives To develop and validate a radiomics-based nomogram for the preoperative prediction of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods One hundred twelve consecutive HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy were included in the study pool (training cohort: n = 80, validation cohort: n = 32), and another 13 patients were included in a pilot prospective analysis. A total of 713 radiomics features were extracted from portal-phase computed tomography (CT) images. A logistic regression was used to construct a radiomics score (Rad-score). Then a nomogram, including Rad-score and other risk factors, was built with a multivariate logistic regression model. The discrimination, calibration and clinical utility of nomogram were evaluated. Results The Rad-score could predict PHLF with an AUC of 0.822 (95% CI, 0.726–0.917) in the training cohort and of 0.762 (95% CI, 0.576–0.948) in the validation cohort; however, the approach could not completely outmatch the existing methods (CP [Child-Pugh], MELD [Model of End Stage Liver Disease], ALBI [albumin-bilirubin]). The individual predictive nomogram that included the Rad-score, MELD and performance status (PS) showed better discrimination with an AUC of 0.864 (95% CI, 0.786–0.942), which was higher than the AUCs of the conventional methods (nomogram vs CP, MELD, and ALBI at P  Conclusions A nomogram based on the Rad-score, MELD, and PS can predict PHLF.