Diffuse reduction of spleen density is a novel prognostic marker for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection

BACKGROUND Diffuse reduction of spleen density (DROSD) is related to cancer prognosis; however, its role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unclear. AIM To assess the predictive value of DROSD in the prognosis of ICC after curative resection. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients with ICC who underwent curative hepatectomy between 2012 and 2019. Preoperative spleen density was measured using computed tomography. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were calculated and compared utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied to identify independent factors for OS and RFS. A nomogram was created with independent risk factors to predict prognosis of patients with ICC. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-seven ICC patients were enrolled. Based on the diagnostic cut-off values (spleen density <= 45.5 Hounsfield units), 55 (32.9%) patients had DROSD. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with DROSD had worse OS and RFS than those without DROSD (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that DROSD, carcinoembryonic antigen level, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level, length of hospital stay, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative complications were independent predictors for OS (P < 0.05). The nomogram created with these factors was able to predict the prognosis of patients with ICC with good reliability (OS C-index = 0.733). The area under the curve for OS was 0.79. CONCLUSION ICC patients with DROSD have worse OS and RFS. The nomogram is a simple and practical method to identify high-risk ICC patients with poor prognosis.