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Liver Health

Liver Lesions

Epidemiology & Progression:

Incidental liver lesions are very common, detected in up to 20% of imaging studies [34]. Most are benign (cysts, hemangiomas). Malignant lesions include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis/chronic liver disease, or metastases. ACR LI-RADS® (for high-risk patients) and Bosniak classifications (for cysts) guide management [ACR LI-RADS®, ACR White Paper Part 1]. Progression depends on lesion type; HCC/metastases progress, while most benign lesions are stable [34, 29].

Clinical Value:

Guideline-based tracking (ACR LI-RADS®, general ACR recommendations) ensures appropriate characterization and follow-up [29, ACR LI-RADS®]. This facilitates early detection of primary liver cancer or metastases when treatments are more effective, while avoiding unnecessary workup for benign lesions. Failure to track suspicious lesions risks delayed cancer diagnosis and poorer outcomes [35].

Return on Investment (ROI):

Managing liver lesions involves follow-up imaging (CT, MRI with contrast), biopsies, and referrals to hepatology/oncology/surgery. Based on proprietary modeling for a medium-sized hospital system, Thynk Health's tracking can capture an estimated $0.5 million in additional net revenue over five years (70% vs 30% capture) through appropriate diagnostics and management of concerning lesions [Thynk Health ROI Data, 2025]. Note: This ROI seems low compared to other modules and may reflect the specific model inputs or high prevalence of benign lesions.

Feature List:

  • LI-RADS®: Tracks appropriate classification based on NLP extraction of lesion features and patient risk factors (cirrhosis status). 

  • Guideline-Based Follow-up: Automates surveillance or workup recommendations per ACR/LI-RADS. 

  • Contrast-Enhanced Imaging Scheduling: Manages follow-up CT/MRI scheduling. 

  • Hepatology/Oncology Referral Workflow: Triggers referrals for suspicious lesions (e.g., LI-RADS 4/5). 

Liver Fibrosis & Fatty Change

Epidemiology & Progression:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects ~25% of the global population, driven by obesity and metabolic syndrome [36]. It ranges from simple steatosis (fatty change) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Fibrosis stage is the main predictor of liver-related morbidity/mortality. Progression rates vary, but significant fibrosis develops in a substantial minority over time [37].

Clinical Value:

Identifying incidental fatty change or signs suggestive of fibrosis on imaging (CT, MRI, US) prompts further non-invasive testing (e.g., FIB-4 score, elastography) or hepatology referral [AASLD Practice Guidance NAFLD]. Tracking allows monitoring for disease progression and intervention (lifestyle, medications) to prevent cirrhosis and its complications. Ignoring these findings misses opportunities for early intervention in a highly prevalent, potentially progressive disease [37]. 

Return on Investment (ROI):

Management involves lab tests, specialized imaging (elastography), hepatology consults, and long-term monitoring/treatment. No direct ROI data is provided in memory. However, given the high prevalence and potential progression to costly complications (cirrhosis, HCC, transplant), proactive identification and management through tracking likely generates significant downstream revenue (millions over 5 years) for a medium system via diagnostics, specialist care, and management of complications, while improving population health [Educated Estimate based on Disease Prevalence/Management Costs, 37].

Feature List:

  • NLP and LLM for Steatosis/Fibrosis Indicators: Detects mentions of fatty infiltration, surface nodularity, or other signs suggestive of chronic liver disease. 

  • Non-Invasive Test Integration (Potential): Integrates lab results (e.g., FIB-4) or elastography findings for risk stratification. 

  • Hepatology Referral Workflow: Flags patients with suspected advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis for specialist evaluation. 

Important Note on ROI: The Return on Investment (ROI) figures presented are derived from Thynk Health's proprietary performance data analysis. These calculations are based on models simulating a medium-sized hospital system processing approximately 600,000 CT scans annually through emergency departments and utilizing multispecialty guidelines for follow-up care pathways and associated downstream revenue capture. Actual ROI may vary based on specific institutional factors, patient populations, and payer mix.  

References: 
[34] Gore, R. M., et al. (2011). Incidental liver lesions: pattern-based classification on CT. Cancer Imaging. 
[35] Marrero, J. A., et al. (2018). Diagnosis, staging, and management of hepatocellular carcinoma: 2018 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 
[36] Younossi, Z. M., et al. (2016). Global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology. 
[37] Rinella, M. E., et al. (2023). AASLD Practice Guidance on the clinical assessment and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology. 

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