Comparison of diffusion-weighted imaging and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR images in the evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma and hypovascular hepatocellular nodules

PurposeTo compare diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and nodules at high risk of HCC transformation.Materials and methodsWe evaluated nodules’ size, vascular pattern, and signal intensity on hepatobiliary phase images and on DWI of 105 nodules (41 cirrhotic patients).ResultsA total of 35/66 HCCs identified on Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI showed hyperintensity on DWI. A total of 25/39 nodules (hypovascular and hypointense nodule on hepatobiliary phase images) progressed to HCC (higher risk for nodules ≥ 10 mm in size and hyperintense on DWI, P< .05).ConclusionGd-EOB-DTPA MRI demonstrated a significant role in the identification of nodule at higher risk of HCC transformation, and hyperintensity on DWI was associated with progression to HCC.