Conventional, functional and radiomics assessment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: This paper offers an assessment of diagnostic tools in the evaluation of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS: Several electronic datasets were analysed to search papers on morphological and functional evaluation in ICC patients. Papers published in English language has been scheduled from January 2010 to December 2021. RESULTS: We found that 88 clinical studies satisfied our research criteria. Several functional parameters and morphological elements allow a truthful ICC diagnosis. The contrast medium evaluation, during the different phases of contrast studies, support the recognition of several distinctive features of ICC. The imaging tool to employed and the type of contrast medium in magnetic resonance imaging, extracellular or hepatobiliary, should change considering patient, departement, and regional features. Also, Radiomics is an emerging area in the evaluation of ICCs. Post treatment studies are required to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of therapies so as the patient surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Several morphological and functional data obtained during Imaging studies allow a truthful ICC diagnosis.