Optimized early recurrence score for distal cholangiocarcinoma: A new attempt by adding imaging indicators

•STASMA and positive lymph node were independent risk factors for ER of DCC.•OERS could improve the predictive efficacy for ER of DCC.•OERS has better predictive ability for ER of DCC than TNM stage. To improve the preoperative prediction efficacy for patients with risk for early recurrence (ER) of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). 56 patients pathologically diagnosed as DCC were included. Their clinical data and preoperative upper abdominal enhanced MSCT images were retrospectively reviewed to look for risk factors associated with ER. ER scores were calculated by Distal Cholangiocarcinoma Early Recurrence (DICER) score and optimized ER score (OERS). Chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between ER group and Non-ER group, DICER score and OERS, and TNM stage and OERS. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of ER. Of 56 DCC patients, 15 (26.8 %) experienced ER who were classified as ER group. Patients in ER group had significantly higher percentage of soft tissue around superior mesenteric artery (STASMA), positive lymph node, microvascular invasion and TNM stage III than those in Non-ER group, among which STASMA and positive lymph node were found to be independent risk factors for ER of DCC (All P values