Tianjin Medical Journal ›› 2026, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (3): 303-308.doi: 10.11958/20252816

• Applied Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The predictive value of refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on enhanced CT lymph node marginal features combined with IPI score

LIU Xiaohua1(), HAN Tingting2, GAO Yujie2,()   

  1. 1 Department of Radiology, Keshiketeng County People's Hospital, Chifeng 025350, China
    2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chifeng Municipal Hospital
  • Received:2025-09-01 Revised:2025-11-11 Published:2026-03-15 Online:2026-03-17
  • Contact: E-mail:gaoyujiegyj@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To explore the value of lymph node margin features based on pre-treatment enhanced CT combined with the international prognostic index (IPI) in predicting refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and to construct a nomogram prediction model. Methods A total of 98 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL were selected. Clinical data, pathological findings and baseline enhanced CT of the patients were collected. The lymph node margin feature scores in CT images were independently evaluated by two senior radiologists, and the highest score was taken as the final lymph node margin feature score of the patient. All patients received chemotherapy based on the R-CHOP regimen (6-8 cycles). Patients were classified into the non-refractory group (69 cases) and the refractory group (29 cases) according to the Lugano 2014 response evaluation criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the development of refractory DLBCL. A nomogram was constructed based on the results of the multivariate Logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discrimination ability of the nomogram, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to assess its calibration. Results Compared with the non-refractory group, patients of the refractory group had higher IPI scores, lymph node margin feature scores and serum PCT levels (P<0.05). Univariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that lymph node margin feature scores and IPI scores were factors influencing the development of refractory DLBCL (P<0.01). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that increased lymph node margin feature scores and IPI scores were risk factors for refractory DLBCL. A nomogram prediction model for the development of refractory DLBCL was established based on the results of Logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram model for predicting refractory DLBCL was 0.840 (95% CI: 0.759 - 0.920), and Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 5.794, P = 0.670, indicating good fit. Conclusion The enhanced CT lymph node margin feature scores combined with IPI scores can effectively predict patients with refractory DLBCL. The constructed nomogram provides a potential predictive tool for the early identification of high-risk patients and individualized treatment strategies in clinical practice.

Key words: lymphoma, large B-cell, diffuse, nomograms, contrast-enhanced CT, lymph node margin features, international prognostic index

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